Our Mission

On a mission to reduce our Planet's landfill waste by at least 1 million pieces of footwear waste with circular Primal designs

Primal Soles Cork Oak Forest Circular Footwear
Primal Soles Cork Oak Forest Circular Footwear

We're living in exciting times

Times of endless opportunity, but also times of increasing responsibility. At Primal, we make a conscious effort to be more in balance with our natural Planet.

Designed with the end in mind

Revolutionizing Footwear: Sustainable, Natural Comfort from Primal Soles

Break free from the traditional norm of cheap, synthetic shoe insoles with no concern for the product life cycle. At Primal Soles, we're leading the way in change. Our commitment starts with the first step and extends beyond the end of use.

Key Features:

  • Sustainable Materials: Unlike traditional insoles, our products are crafted with sustainable materials, prioritizing both comfort and the environment.
  • Closed-Loop Recycling: At Primal Soles, we've redefined the life cycle. After each use, we grind up the soles and reintroduce them into our production process, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes sustainability.

Experience the Primal Difference:

Join us in taking a step towards a more sustainable future. Choose Primal Soles for insoles that not only provide natural comfort but also contribute to a circular economy. Walk with us, where every step makes a positive impact.

Primal Soles Circular Footwear
Low Arch Bananas cork insoles insole primalsoles

Sourced from the world's most generous tree

The Sustainable Cycle of Cork Harvesting from Quercus Suber

Discover the eco-friendly marvel of cork harvesting from the Quercus suber, the cork oak tree. No harm is done during the process; in fact, it contributes positively to both the environment and the tree's regenerative capabilities.

Key Points:

  • CO2 Absorption Boost: By harvesting cork bark every natural cycle (nine years), we actively increase CO2 absorption, making it a sustainable practice that benefits the environment.
  • Minimal Impact, Maximum Giving: The Quercus suber stands out as a tree that gives generously while requiring minimal resources. It is a shining example of sustainable coexistence.

Embrace Sustainability with Cork:

Join us in celebrating the remarkable harmony between nature and sustainability. Explore our cork-based products and be a part of a movement that takes from nature with utmost respect. Welcome to a world where giving back is a natural cycle.

The Cork Oak Forests

Cork Oak Forests: Guardians of Sustainability and Biodiversity

Explore the profound impact of cork oak forests as living ambassadors of sustainability and vital contributors to sustainable development. These forests are not just trees; they are a powerful force in maintaining the world's ecological balance, combatting climate change, and preventing desertification.

Key Contributions:

  • Ecological Balance: Cork oak forests actively contribute to maintaining ecological equilibrium, fostering a sustainable environment for diverse ecosystems.
  • Climate Change Resilience: As champions against climate change, these forests serve as a crucial line of defense, mitigating its impacts and promoting environmental resilience.
  • Biodiversity Oasis: Hosting over 200 animal species and 135 plant species, cork oak forests provide a rich and diverse habitat, supporting a thriving ecosystem.

Join the Movement for Sustainable Change:

Experience the harmony of nature and sustainability with our cork-inspired products. By choosing cork, you align yourself with a movement that values biodiversity and environmental preservation. Welcome to a world where every choice makes a positive impact.

sustainable cork inserts

Our Story

Primal: Embrace Comfort, Explore Responsibly

At Primal, we celebrate movement, curiosity, and the primal urge deep within us all to explore and discover. Our mission extends beyond comfort; we advocate for a healthier, more aware world where both consumers and producers take responsibility for the entire product life cycle.

Key Initiatives:

  • Holistic Comfort: Primal is committed to designing footwear products that are not just comfortable but also natural and recyclable, aligning with our vision for a more sustainable future.
  • Accessible Sustainability: We believe that everyone should have access to products that prioritize both comfort and sustainability. Primal is dedicated to making eco-friendly footwear products easily accessible to all.

Join the Journey Towards a Better World:

Embark on a journey with Primal, where comfort meets consciousness. Our footwear is designed to support your every step, while our commitment to sustainability supports a world where responsible choices lead to a brighter future.

Primal Soles Circular Footwear

100% Recyclable under eu regulations

PRIMAL Soles and Amorim Cork Composites have a contract pertaining to the shipment of Green List Waste, in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament. This means our products are certified and able to be fully recycled at our cork supply partners, Amorim in Portugal.

1% for the Planet

David Even By David Even

As of January 1st, 2023, Primal Soles has become a member of 1% for the Planet. We are extremely proud, humbled and excited to be part of this special group...

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Negative Carbon Balance

The Negative Carbon Balance seal certifies that, when taking into account the carbon sequestration of the cork oak forest, Amorim Cork Composites’ products sequester more CO₂ than is emitted during the production process. Studies indicate that for each ton of cork produced, the cork oak forest can sequester up to 73 tons of CO2, and thus helps to reduce Global Warming.

Shopify Planet Member

When shipping carriers transport goods between locations, the transportation methods release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. A carbon offset process reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, so that increased greenhouse gases elsewhere have a 0 net impact.

FSC C153476

The Forest Stewardship Council A.C. is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 that promotes responsible management of the world's forests via timber certification.

Life Cycle Assessment

Amorim Cork Composites commissioned EY to conduct Carbon Footprint and Life Cycle Assessment studies, which concluded that Footcork® Evolution enables carbon sequestration of up to -8.2kg CO2 / m2 when considering the carbon sequestration of the cork oak forest.

Reforestation of 1.000 hectares of Portuguese cork oak forest with rePLANET Wildlife

Our Planet's cork oak forest is rapidly declining and together with the help of rePLANET we plan to avoid further loss, and uplift its biodiversity, by reforesting 1.000 hectares in Portugal. This project is planned for 2024.

Featured Products

 
Primal Soles Sustainable Circular Insoles
 
Sale
 
Low Arch Bananas cork insoles insole primalsoles
 
High Arch Cortiças cork insoles insole primalsoles
Carbon-neutral shipping with Shopify Planet
Carbon-neutral shipping on all orders
1168kg
shipping emissions removed
That's like...
4781
kilometers driven by an average gasoline-powered car
We fund innovations in...
Soil
Forest