
As a small, family-run business, Young Soles has always been committed to operating sustainably – not just for short-term profit, but to ensure a long-term positive impact on people, partners, and the planet.
From internal practices to responsible sourcing, Young Soles considers its environmental footprint at every stage. All our leather footwear is made in Europe, and Young Soles is proud to be the only UK children’s footwear brand to do so.
We source locally wherever possible – using cowhide leathers that are a by-product of the food industry, certified by the Leather Working Group, and used across styles to minimise waste. Our outsoles are made using recycled materials where possible, and our signature suitcase-style shoeboxes have always been made from recycled cardboard.
We also test our products to exceed REACH compliance standards and ensure our partner factories uphold the highest environmental and ethical practices.
In 2025, we took things a step further with the launch of our Recycle & Reward programme. Customers can now return worn Young Soles footwear – no matter where they were purchased – for recycling through our European recycling partners. In return, they receive £10 in store credit for each pair, helping to reduce the 72 million pairs of children’s shoes sent to landfill each year in the UK.
This ongoing commitment to sustainability was recognised in 2025 when Young Soles won Gold in the Best Footwear Brand category at the City Kids Green Awards – a proud milestone that reflects the values we’ve upheld since day one.
Sustainability isn’t a new initiative for us – it’s just the way we’ve always done business. We’re only just starting to shout about it.