SoleRebels: Ethiopia’s Handcrafted Eco Shoes
SoleRebels is an international footwear company that is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Indeed, the company is re-known worldwide due to its ethical production practices involving the use of locally sustainable materials. Furthermore, the company sources the materials using the help of local artisans. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu founded SoleRebels in 2004 to blend her Ethiopian community’s creative artisan talents with the traditional ‘barabasso’ (Ethiopian recycled tire) shoe. The result from her idea was unique original footwear that relies on ethical production, sustainable materials and maximum comfort. As such, below, we shall highlight on SoleRebels range of artisan-made shoes. It is one of Africa’s largest footwear brand which is selling in 55 countries.
SoleRebels Tire-soled Shoes
The footwear range includes sandals, flip flops and shoes with soles from recycled car tires. For sure, this footwear draws inspiration from the famous Selate and Barabasso shoe; a traditional recycled tire sole shoe that Ethiopians have worn for a very long time. Ethiopian rebel fighters who vehemently opposed Italian forces from colonizing the country wore the Selate and Barabasso shoes hence the name of the brand. SoleRebels repurposes old tires for the fabrication of the soles of the sandals and shoes. As of 2014, SoleRebels had 300 permanent employees.
SoleRebels manufactures shoes for both women and men. Specifically for women, they have flats, sneakers, boots, sandals slip-on, and lace-ups. For men, they have sneakers, boots, sandals slip-on, and lace-ups.
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, won the Pan-Africa Face2face award for entrepreneurship back in 2014. Face2face Africa is a global media company focused on re-modeling the current lack of global attention to African topics. Additionally, World Fair Trade Organization has recognized SoleRebels Company as an important pioneer in African business for using Ethiopian traditions and culture and leveling the company on an international platform. Indeed, the work of the company has boosted Ethiopia’s development through Fair Trade. SoleRebels has a zero carbon emission policy.
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