Meet Ponto, the water-resistant, non-slip, sustainable footwear brand that’s designed for any occasion. For travelers, this versatility translates to no longer having to lug around a separate suitcase filled with shoes. (Just me?)
Actually, the brand is more of a sustainability company that’s putting its best foot forward with footwear made with eco-friendly materials. Timeless and multi-functional, Ponto shoes are designed so their owners won’t have to own (or pack) so many shoes. A shoe brand that encourages less consumerism? We’re intrigued.
The Shoe That Does It All
Dubbed “the shoe that does it all,” Pacific is Ponto’s hybrid sneaker/dress shoe that looks like work and wears like leisure. Made with high-quality, durable materials, Pacific’s classy and elegant, minimalist design can be worn for any occasion. This is part of Ponto’s mission to avoid wasteful, trendy, fast fashion trends. With this classic, seasonless style, you can purchase (and pack) fewer pairs of shoes. Plus, they’re ridiculously comfortable!
Features:
- Water-repellent
- Odor-resistant and sweat absorbent
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Certified slip-resistant outsole
- No socks needed
- Removable insoles so you can use your own inserts
The black pair above is also available with a black sole.
“These were comfortable right out of the package. Love the comfort of sneakers with the dressier look. Highly recommend.”
— Russell H.
No Socks Necessary
Ponto designed its shoes to fit true-to-size, sans socks. If you do plan on donning socks, order a half size up from what you usually wear. Also, order up half a size if your size varies between brands or you have wider feet.
“A great city walking shoe that accepts my custom-made orthotics! My new pair of Ponto shoes have become my favorite wardrobe item! They are comfortable and stylish and enhance whatever I am wearing. The best part is that the insoles that come with the shoes are easily removable, so my custom-made and quite necessary orthotics fit perfectly. I ordered a size up from the “size up” recommended to take into account the orthotic and the size of the box — perfect!”
— Shelly M.
How To Clean
Ponto’s shoes are made with certified water-repellent recycled leather that is highly durable. If they do get wet, simply dry them with a cloth. Small spots and dirt can be cleaned with a damp rag or sponge. Ponto recommends using Leather Honey to condition the leather if needed. Removable insoles can be taken out and washed with soap and water.
Shipping
Ponto ships internationally to the EU, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and more. Its goal of being as responsible and sustainable as possible in its manufacturing processes spills over to its shipping standards. The company proudly touts its shipping status as completely carbon-neutral. Plus, Ponto uses 100 percent recycled packaging and ships shoes in their shoebox instead of putting the shoebox inside of another box.
Returns And Exchanges
The fine folks at Ponto want to ensure you find the right fit. If you wish to return or exchange your pair of Pontos for any reason, the company offers free returns and exchanges, no questions asked. You have 30 days after delivery to initiate a return/exchange, then simply send in your undamaged pair of Pontos in “like new” condition. Sale items can’t be returned, however, they can be exchanged.
What Makes Ponto An Ethical Shoe Company?
Ponto is “committed to making the planet a better place one step at a time.” Now, that’s getting off on the right foot! From manufacturing to environmental efforts, here’s what makes Ponto a better brand to buy.
Ponto Shoes Are Made From Recycled And Bio-Based Materials
Ponto Shoe Uppers Are Made Of Leather Composite
Scrap leather that would be destined for the landfill gets repurposed in Ponto shoe uppers. According to the company, “Compared to traditional leather manufacturing, our process emits 33% less C02 emissions and uses up to 95% recycled water.” Nice! This manmade material looks and feels like real leather, with little to no break-in period as is usually required by genuine leather.
The Lining Is Made From Eucalyptus, Oak, And Birch Wood
Ponto’s “regenerated Tencel fiber lining” is made from natural, biodegradable materials that are antimicrobial, naturally breathable, and moisture-absorbent. Plus, it minimizes odors! This is handy because Ponto shoes are designed to be worn without socks (more on that later). The lining is certified by the EU Ecolabel, which the European Union doles out to products with a “guaranteed, independently-verified low environmental impact.”
Recycled and Plant-Based Foam Insoles
Ponto shoes feature removable foam insoles, which are composed of 30 percent natural bio-based and 25 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
Sugarcane-Based Foam Bottom
We don’t claim to know how, but somehow (something about bio-based foam technology) the folks at Ponto have figured out how to make an outsole out of sugarcane, a responsibly sourced and fully renewable resource. Plus, they’re certified slip-resistant!
Environmental Efforts
Ponto Donates A Portion Of Proceeds To Protecting Our Oceans
One percent of all sales are donated to The Changing Tides Foundation. “Growing up in Southern California, the ocean holds a special place in our story,” the brand’s site explains. “While Pontus is a Greek deity of the sea, Ponto is also named after our childhood favorite beach in Carlsbad, CA.”
In addition to partnering with the women-led Changing Tides Foundation, Ponto is also part of One Percent for the Planet. By allying itself with these groups, Ponto’s goal is to “help promote gender equity, social justice, and ocean health as well as remind us of the potential of our personal impact on the world.” Sounds like a cause we can get behind!
Donate Used Shoes
“Part of keeping our planet and oceans clean is reducing waste and creating a circular economy,” according to Ponto. That’s why the company partnered with Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based non-profit that puts used goods to use. When you’re ready to part with your Pontos, the company will give you a $20 credit for every pair you send to a regional Soles4Souls distribution center. Not only does this initiative help those in need, but it also keeps Ponto’s products out of landfills.
Save 10 Percent On Your First Pair
Head to Ponto’s website to joining its mailing list and save 10 percent on your first pair and get discount codes and promotional offers.