Cultivating and extracting the resources required to produce materials has social and environmental impacts. Producing and processing those materials requires people, water, and energy. And the materials we choose affect a product’s potential to be resold or recycled.
So when sourcing more responsible materials, we have to take into account these social, environmental, and climate impacts, along with factors that impact pricing and availibility.
In 2022, we measured our company’s carbon footprint and set science-based targets to reduce our emissions in alignment with the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.
Through this process, we learned that most of our carbon emissions come from creating materials like polyester fabric and thermoplastic rubber, so replacing conventional materials with ones that require less energy and non-renewable resources is a major priority for us.
We have aligned our animal welfare policy with the guiding principles established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). We only source leather that is a co-product of food production from domesticated animals. Leather or hides from wild or endangered animals are prohibited, as well as real fur of any kind.
Read our Responsible Sourcing Policy for Animal-Derived Materials
We’re gradually replacing conventional materials with more responsible choices, including third-party certified recycled materials, bio-based materials, and materials free from harmful solvents. Read on to learn more about the materials we use today and why they’re on our list of more responsible choices.
When making outsoles, we typically use thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which are petroleum-based materials and forms of synthetic rubber. Recycled synthetic rubber is made with pre-existing materials, which reduces the extraction of fossil fuels and requires less energy to produce than non-recycled alternatives.
We prioritize sourcing leather from third-party certified tanneries that are assessed on environmental management, traceability, chemical management, social responsibility, and governance.
EVA foam is a petroleum-based material that we typically use to make insoles. Our recycled EVA is made with reclaimed production waste, thereby limiting our use of fossil fuels and keeping usable materials from being sent to the landfills or incineration.
Polyester and nylon are petroleum-based materials that we use to make footwear uppers, apparel, and accessories. When these synthetic fabrics incorporate recycled content from pre-existing materials like plastic bottles and containers, fishing nets, and pre-consumer fabric waste, we limit the use of fossil fuels and opt for manufacturing processes that create less air and water.
Our shoe boxes are 100% recyclable and made with FSC-certified paper containing at least 85% post-consumer waste and 15% virgin pulp farmed from responsibly managed forests. Our boxes and tissue paper are also free from chemical finishes and use natural dyes and adhesives exclusively.
We also chose to produce our women’s, men’s, and kid’s boxes in the same color so that our factories can do longer runs without stopping the machines, which uses less energy.
While we still use some plastics to package and ship our products, we are working to replace plastic packaging with recycled and renewable alternatives.
Fashion is one of our most powerful tools for self-expression. That’s why we strive to design everything we make with a commitment to the diversity of our customers – and why we’re committed to building equitable workplace environments in which people with diverse perspectives can thrive.
To build and develop a diverse workforce across our corporate and retail operations globally, we’ve established relationships with diverse recruitment partners, introduced training and development programs, and formed employee-led groups committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
As of 2022, individuals belonging to U.S. ethnic minorities comprise 45% of Steve Madden’s Board of Directors, 45% of our U.S. corporate workforce, and 85% of our U.S. retail workforce.
We want to ensure that factories understand and have the support they need to achieve Steve Madden’s social and environmental sustainability requirements. To start, we require suppliers to sign our Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes social responsibility standards that are based on the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Steve Madden also has a dedicated team in China that works with our manufacturing partners. We provide key factories with training and support to make continuous improvements in alignment with our sustainability standards, including climate change and action in the fashion industry, GHG accounting and target setting, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and waste reduction.
Steve Madden is a member of the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Apparel Coalition, both of which set best practices and inspire collective action to advance sustainable business development globally.
Here are select policies that guide sustainability throughout our supply chain:
Environmental Policy Waste Policy Human Rights Policy California Transparency in Supply Chain Act DisclosureCultivating and extracting the resources required to produce materials has social and environmental impacts. Producing and processing those materials requires people, water, and energy. And the materials we choose affect a product’s potential to be resold or recycled.
So when sourcing more responsible materials, we have to take into account these social, environmental, and climate impacts, along with factors that impact pricing and availibility.
Use an old toothbrush and toothpaste. Then wipe off with a damp rag or rinse under cold water.
Polishing your leather shoes keeps them looking good and keeps the leather soft. As a preventative measure, it's advisable to apply several coats of transparent polish before shoes are worn for the first time.
Wash some fabric shoes by hand and let air dry at least once a month to keep them looking new. Keep the shape by stuffing with newspaper and replace as it gets soaked through. Newspaper helps speed up the drying process.
Use a soft brush to remove surface dirt.
Remove surface soil with damp cloth. Occasionally apply soft cream polish or thin film of Vaseline petroleum jelly. To keep leather flexible, apply conditioner or preservative. For good results, clean patent leather with Windex.
Regular trips to the dry cleaners will keep them looking new.
Should be brushed clean with a suede brush or light sand paper. This will raise the nap of the leather as well as loosen dirt. Never use water on suede because the dissolved minerals usually cause spotting. Stains such as paint or glue can be removed with fine sandpaper. A gum eraser or soft side of an emery board helps remove spots.
If your leather laces always come undone, keep them tied by sprinkling a few drops of water on the knot.
