GENERAL QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Do shoes made from recycled plastic feel like walking on plastic?
If walking on plastic gives you an unparalleled feeling of lightness, then yes! More seriously, you won't even notice that your SAOLA shoes are made from recycled materials. Our goal is to offer you eco-friendly, cool, and comfortable shoes that allow you to move freely! Not wooden shoes that will take you back centuries!
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
2. How do we work to minimize our environmental impact?
At SAOLA, we place great importance on the materials used and manufacturing processes, which together account for 70% of the carbon footprint of our shoes. We use as many recycled and bio-sourced materials as possible, making our shoes among the most sustainable on the market, with an average of 3.5 kg of CO2 per pair.
We understand there's no perfect solution, and our goal is to get closer to it, season after season. To see and learn more about the materials we use, visit the ECO-DESIGN section of the website.
At the same time, our environmental approach is expressed through our membership in 1% For the Planet. 1% of our turnover is donated to associations approved by the collective, such as Friends of Bonobos, which we have supported since 2021.
COMPOSITION
3. Do SAOLA shoes contain PFAs or latex?
SAOLA shoes are free of latex, PFOA, PFA, and PFC. To minimize their environmental footprint, they comply with the European REACH regulation. In effect since 2007, this regulation aims to preserve the environment and protect human health by making manufacturing safer and limiting the use of chemicals in European industry.
4. Are your materials labeled and certified in any way?
To produce our shoes, we pride ourselves on working with certified sustainable manufacturers and materials whenever possible. The main certifications, depending on the material, are GRS (Global Recycled Standard), GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard), and OEKO-TEX, the latter ensuring that every component of our product meets the requirements of a list excluding up to 350 toxic chemicals. It's good for their feet, and good for yours.
PRODUCTION
5. Why do you produce in Vietnam and not in France?
To ensure the international delivery of our shoes, the idea is to occupy a central position. Compared to our distribution points, French production would not be more responsible, and would, on the contrary, generate a higher carbon footprint.
The utopia would be for us to produce in every country we ship to (produce in the United States = sell only in the United States, produce in New Zealand = sell only in New Zealand – and the same goes for Europe and Asia). But logistically, that would be shooting ourselves in the foot, and incidentally, killing off our favorite SAOLAs. And then, despite our sense of innovation, we still haven't managed to duplicate Guillaume in multiple copies.
While we wait for our company's size to allow us to invest in other production countries, we chose Vietnam for its strategic location. Its central location helps limit the carbon footprint of our shipments. Close to Asia, where most of our raw materials come from, it also reduces the environmental impact of our manufacturing.
Note that studies show that a truck coming from Eastern countries to France pollutes more than a boat with thousands of containers coming from Asia (as we do)... It's paradoxical, but true!
6. What about the conditions of your workers in Vietnam?
We work with factories that have already implemented ethical and environmental charters, such as BSCI certification, which allows us to guarantee favorable working conditions for employees, without discrimination. It offers fair pay, decent working hours, no forced labor, responsible waste management, freedom of association, and the right to collective bargaining.
One of our factories recently participated in an “Ethics Audit” and received a score of 9.2 out of 10. More than one would have been satisfied with that. But not the factory! It immediately corrected the few points of attention identified during this audit.
As a reminder, an ethical audit “evaluates the social responsibility of factories and companies. It ensures that employees benefit from healthy, safe, and ethical work environments, as well as fair practices and compensation. It also ensures that areas for improvement are implemented when necessary.”
INTERVIEW
7. How do I wash my knit shoes safely?
All knit models are machine washable. Simply remove the cork insole and place your shoes in the washing machine. Wash at a maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F).
8. What care advice should you give to vegan and/or waterproof leather shoes?
Be sure to remove the insole, then hand wash your shoes with a sponge and Marseille soap. Do not apply wax or waterproofing spray to waterproof models. The materials used are naturally waterproof.
9. Can I remove the insoles from my SAOLA shoes?
Yes, the insoles can be removed and replaced with your own insoles.
ORDERS
10. I would like to try on your shoes instead of ordering online, where can I find a retailer?
Email connect@saola.com to find retailers near you. You can then discover and try on the pair(s) of your choice directly in-store.
11. Is it possible to modify or cancel my order?
Sure, just email us at connect@saola.com .
PAYMENTS
12. What types of payment are accepted and do you ensure secure payments?
SAOLA accepts payments by Carte Bleue, Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, and Shop Pay, with guaranteed secure payments. The "s" at the end of our http also guarantees the security of our communications.
DELIVERY
13. Which countries do you ship to and what are the pick-up and shipping times?
Are you already looking out the window for the delivery driver to arrive? We understand, we love our SAOLAs too! The time required to prepare your order is a maximum of 2 business days. And yes, at SAOLA, we don't have both feet in the same shoe!
Delivery times then depend on the mode of transport and the destination country. For your information, delivery to most EU countries, as well as to Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Finland, Portugal, and the Czech Republic.
If you're in one of these, we'll find you!
14. Can you tell me about your shipping costs?
Delivery is free* in mainland France and Corsica, excluding French overseas departments and territories, from €99 of purchase (*free delivery to Chronopost collection points from €99 of purchase).
Below €99, this is charged:
€5.90 for delivery to Chronopost collection points.
€7.90 for delivery by DPD Classic (office delivery).
€8.90 for DPD Predict delivery (home delivery by appointment).
For member countries of the European Union (excluding Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Finland, Portugal, and the Czech Republic), please allow €13 including tax for home delivery.
For Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Finland, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, delivery costs €20.
For the rest of the world, contact us at connect@saola.com for pricing.
In Monaco, it costs €8.90 including tax.
RETURNS/EXCHANGES
15. What is the return/exchange policy on the SAOLA website?
Got the wrong size?! Did your feet grow overnight!? Don't panic, visit our Returns and Exchanges page for more information. For all returns, shoes must have been purchased on our website and the request must be made within 30 days of the delivery date. For any questions, email us at connect@saola.com . And if you purchased them somewhere other than our website, skip to the next question!
16. Is it possible to return a pair that I purchased from a retailer?
If you haven't already done so, we recommend contacting the store where you purchased them. They will offer you either an exchange or a refund under the warranty.
17. Are SAOLA shoes guaranteed?
The answer is a resounding YES. We want you to be completely satisfied with your SAOLA shoes. If not, we'll take them back. SAOLA shoes come with a 6-month warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. This does not include normal wear and tear, improper care, product abuse, or use of the product for purposes other than its intended purpose.
RE-STOCKING
18. Tell me about the seasonality and restocking of SAOLA products.
In an effort to limit waste and overconsumption, we launch two new collections each year: one in spring for the spring/summer season and another in fall for the fall/winter season. To avoid excess stock at the end of the season, we do not restock current collections. Is the model you like out of stock on our website? Don't hesitate to contact connect@saola.com to be directed to a retailer.
FIND MY SIZE
19. I'm not really sure about my size, do I need help?
Take a look at our size guide , and look carefully at the page of the product you have chosen: there are some additional indications to help you!
Generally speaking, our styles fit true to size, but tend to run a bit narrow. Therefore, if you're between sizes or unsure, we recommend sizing up. All style-specific sizing recommendations are provided on the product pages. You'll also find our virtual sizing tool, designed to help you find your perfect fit.
Unfortunately, we don't yet produce shoes in different widths. Widths are all proportional to size, based on an "average" fit. You can try our virtual sizing tool available on the product pages to find the best size for your feet. However, if you're worried about getting the wrong size, we recommend Alta Vibram, Tsavo, and Cannon Knit models for wide feet. Feel free to go up a half size to ensure the shoes fit properly.
21. Can I choose a men's size if I regularly wear women's shoes and vice versa?
At SAOLA, we're not ones to pretend. What matters most is finding the right shoe for you. So, if a pair of men's shoes appeals to you, treat yourself. The same goes for women's models! Just make sure your size is available, and if necessary, use our virtual sizing tool and size guide to find the right fit.