P448 DEBUTS ECO-FRIENDLY COLLECTION, COLLABORATES WITH PRO-SURFER FOR CAMPAIGN

Italian streetwear brand P448 is partnering with Vibram, the leader in high-performance soles, on the P448 x Vibram Eco-Friendly capsule. Part of P448’s Project Sustainability, the line includes two footwear styles, a hybrid sneaker-hiker, and a thong sandal, each with the Vibram Ecostep Natural Sole with 90% natural biobased elements. The hybrid sneaker-hiker, priced at $298, and the thong sandals, priced at $185, are now available at p448.com and the P448 store at 663 5th Avenue in New York City.

P448 is also collaborating with pro surfer Balaram Stack for the collection’s social media campaign. Stack was born in Florida and grew up on Long Island, New York, where he learned to surf, living just a block from the beach in Point Lookout. Today, he can be found chasing swells worldwide, dividing his time between New York, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The styles are designed to be the ideal after-surf shoe for surfing devotees from a surf session to a day in the city.

Intended for light outdoor and casual activities, the P448 x Vibram collection has a midsole made of sugarcane and bamboo for excellent versatility and balance with optimal lightness and adaptability. The Vibram Ecostep Natural outsole uses 90% natural biobased materials for enhanced quality, grip, and the leading performance for which Vibram is known. From outdoor recreation to exploration, these eco-friendly soles provide excellent traction against outdoor elements, including water and tough terrains like mountainous dirt and sand.

The hybrid sneaker-hiker upper is made from recycled polyester lining, microfiber and knit materials. The sandal uses algae in the footbed and in the pieces that go in between the wearer’s toes. “Repurposing waste algae into useful materials prevents it from decomposing and releasing CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gasses, reducing carbon emissions,” said Sabrina Cohen, chief sustainability officer for P448.

To minimize unnecessary packaging, P448 will ship and package the P448 x Vibram capsule in a multi-purpose 100% water resistant, thermal sealed drybag made from Vibram’s highly durable rubber StratX, protecting shoes during shipping. It doubles as a backpack or monostrap bag after the shoes are removed.

“Our intent was to create a product that took the brand experience beyond the shoes with a full integration into the consumer’s daily adventures. The drybag saves over two pounds of paper waste per order by eliminating the shoe box,” continued Cohen.

The hybrid sneaker-hiker is available in eight colorways, with a palette of cool neutral tones from white, tan, and black to approachable solid color hues of olive and navy to mixed bold combinations with vibrant shades of yellow and orange.