Sustainability meets Tradition
How does the collaboration between Nakara and the Future Footwear Foundation blend tradition and sustainability?
The Future Footwear Foundation (FFF) marries anthropology, sustainable design, technology, and biomechanics in community-driven footwear projects. From the N! ang NIosi hunting sandals of the Ju|’hoan San in Namibia to Kolhapuri footwear in South India and Nuvttohat reindeer skin shoes of the Sami in Finland, FFF helps preserve indigenous wisdom while promoting sustainable livelihoods. In 2017, FFF reached out to Nakara for sourcing eland skins (world's largest antelope) to create San-Dals, inspired by the traditional N! ang NIosi hunting sandals. The eland skin, known for its durability, has been a staple for the Ju|’hoansi people. However, due to high hunting costs and habitat loss, hunting eland became unfeasible. FFF sought Nakara’s help, specifying a need for eland skins of 3.5 to 4 mm thickness with distinctive game skin scratches. After numerous trials, Nakara successfully provided these skins in a natural pigment and black, using a vegetable tanning process. FFF established a solar-powered workshop in the Kalahari desert where ten Ju|’hoan San cobblers now produce around 2,000 pairs of San-Dals annually. This initiative supports their families and the broader community. The San-Dals are sold by Vivobarefoot, a UK-based company. We are proud to participate in this collaboration, which embodies a sustainable lifecycle of leather made in Namibia, meticulously handcrafted by Namibians, and cherished by leather enthusiasts worldwide.
