Every pair of shoes begins long before production. It starts with the selection of materials - their textures, their origins, and the choices we make every single day.

At Koel, we believe that what we use shapes not only the final product, but also the impact we leave on the world.

WOOL

Naturally warm, soft and comfortable, wool gently envelops the foot and adapts to the rhythm of the day. It is a living material, deeply connected to nature, highly durable, and naturally antibacterial.

At Koel, we explore the versatility of wool in different ways - from models where it is used  in the lining to styles crafted entirely from wool, such as the Merino model.

Moreover, wool is inherently sustainable. It is a renewable, biodegradable, and reusable fibre, aligning with a more conscious approach to material selection.

LEATHER

In footwear production, leather is highly valued for its durability, comfort, and ability to adapt over time. As a material, it stands out for its breathability and resilience, making it a timeless choice in both functionality and aesthetics.

At Koel, almost all models are made from leather. However, the three most commonly used finishes are Napa, Suede and Nubuck.

Napa leather

Napa leather is smooth and supple, renowned for its flexibility and soft touch, offering a more classic and refined appearance.

Suede Leather

Suede is derived from the inner side of the hide, resulting in a softer texture and more relaxed feel, with a distinctly casual appearance.

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck, in turn, is leather that has been lightly buffed on the outer surface, creating a velvety and sophisticated texture while maintaining excellent durability.

Hydro Leather

It is a type of leather treated to resist water and moisture while preserving the material’s natural characteristics.

The waterproofing process takes place during the tanning and finishing stages, where water-repellent agents are applied. This treatment prevents water from being easily absorbed, causing it to form droplets on the surface rather than penetrate the material.

In addition to its water resistance, Hydro Leather stands out for several key qualities:

·         High durability - more resistant to wear and challenging conditions;

·         Breathability - despite repelling water, it still allows air to circulate;

·         Flexibility and comfort - retains its softness and ability to adapt to the foot, making it ideal for footwear;

·         Low maintenance - easier to clean and less prone to staining.

 This material is particularly used in outdoor footwear, such as our Roba model, as well as in boots like the Filas model. It is ideal for products that require enhanced resistance to weather conditions, without compromising on style or comfort.

RUBBER

Rubber is an essential material in our production, with all our models featuring rubber soles. Chosen for its durability, flexibility, and excellent grip, this material ensures greater comfort while walking, effective shock absorption, and safety across different types of surfaces, making it ideal for everyday use.

In our soles, rubber enhances resistance to wear, extending the lifespan of the footwear without compromising lightness or the natural feel of movement.

Since 2023, we have taken an important step towards sustainability by beginning to produce recycled soles. These are made from defective or unused soles that would otherwise be discarded. To date, we have produced more than 14,000 soles using recycled material, reducing waste and environmental impact without compromising the quality or performance of the product.