Every year, 20 billion pairs of shoes are manufactured worldwide, with more than 90% destined for landfills. Vivobarefoot’s new Take Back by ReVivo programme is rewriting this grim narrative, offering a permanent solution to shoe waste.
Launching across the UK, EU, and the USA, this initiative is more than just a recycling effort—it’s a commitment to sustainability and circular design. Customers can send in any old trainers, trail shoes, or outdoor boots for free (high heels not included) and receive a 20% discount on their next Vivobarefoot purchase. The aim? To keep shoes on feet and out of landfills.
“Take Back by ReVivo is about making deliberate, planet-friendly choices and encouraging our community to do the same,” says Galahad Clark, Vivobarefoot’s Co-Founder. “We’re walking a path with purpose, committing to meaningful, lasting change.”
Since its inception in 2020, ReVivo, Vivobarefoot’s repair, recycle, and resale platform, has made a significant impact. Over 170,000 pairs of Vivobarefoot shoes have been refurbished, with 62,300 pairs restored in 2023/2024 alone—a 23% year-on-year increase. This success extends to Take Back, which now accepts shoes from any brand, ensuring no shoe is left behind.
How It Works
Participating is simple:
- Generate a free returns label via Vivobarefoot’s website.
- Ship your old shoes.
- Receive a unique 20% discount code.
For customers visiting Vivobarefoot’s Neal Street store in London, in-person donations are also welcome, with the same discount offered on in-store purchases.
Shoes in repairable condition are restored and resold through ReVivo.com. Unusable pairs are recycled through Fast Feet Grinded, whose innovative process repurposes materials into playground surfaces, outdoor sports fields, and furniture.
The Repair Revolution
At the heart of Vivobarefoot’s efforts is repairability. Partnering with Leeds-based Boot Repair Company (BRC), the brand has developed ways to make its products more durable and easier to repair. This collaboration feeds into Vivobarefoot’s sustainability scoring tool, which evaluates each style for repairability and eco-friendly materials.
“Vivo is leading the way in footwear repair, proving it’s sustainable, profitable, and enhances brand image,” says Jamie Whitehouse, Director of Operations at BRC. “Our partnership has opened doors for us, allowing expansion into the EU and beyond.”
The momentum for repair and reuse stems from necessity, innovation, and changing consumer habits. Customers are embracing sustainable choices, and brands like Vivobarefoot are making it easier than ever.
With Take Back by ReVivo, every pair of old shoes represents a step towards reducing waste and creating a cleaner, greener world.
To participate or learn more, visit Vivobarefoot Take Back. Your old shoes could start their next chapter today.
