Andres Perez is the maker behind Peracles barefoot sandals. Peracles offers only a handful of models, all crafted with local and sustainable materials of the highest quality in their workshop.
In terms of quality and sustainability, it’s hard to find a better product. But what about its broader impact? The craftsmanship and care inherent in Peracles’ production mean limited volumes. Coupled with high material costs and the lack of economies of scale, prices are inevitably steep. As a result, while these sandals are exceptional, they’re accessible to only a few and unlikely to drive systemic industry change.
Does this mean Andres should scale his brand? Not necessarily. Yet, there’s a clear trade-off between crafting exceptional, exclusive products and aiming for greater impact for people, and the planet.
Is One Approach Better Than the Other?
I list brands on Foresighted based on how much they help to:
- encourage natural, active lifestyles.
- promote healthier, more natural eating habits.
- facilitate greater connection with nature.
Brands that don’t strictly align with these criteria, such as sustainable fashion labels (dresses anyone?), are also included because they offer products made with sustainable practices. A core pillar of a Foresighted lifestyle is fostering a deeper connection with nature, and maintaining an overall sustainable lifestyle is crucial to preserving the natural spaces we cherish.
I beleive they also add a lot of value because, if you’re enjoying Foresighted for the resources provided around Natural Movement, for example, then you’re likely interested in brands offering sustainable choices in other areas as well.
Not all listed brands are sustainably produced, but none employ harmful practices. My primary goal is to help people adopt healthier lifestyles, regardless of their starting point. Restricting the list to only sustainably manufactured brands wouldn’t align with this mission.
Let’s take a minimalist footwear xample
Consider the spectrum of minimalist footwear brands:
- Xero Shoes: A large brand focused on health benefits, but without string sustainable materials and parctices. It offers a vastly better option than standard footwear for most people.
- Vivo Barefoot: Another large brand that incorporates sustainable materials and practices, though at a higher price and with less stock availability.
- Mukishoes: A medium-sized brand with excellent sustainability practices. Limited production runs result in higher costs and fewer available models.
- Peracles Footwear: An individual maker using top-tier sustainable materials. The handcrafted nature limits models and affordability further.
All these brands are listed on Foresighted because they meet at least one key criterion: they’re much healthier alternatives to conventional shoes. While none of them harm the environment, some offer notable sustainability practices.
The Quality vs. Impact Trade-Off
When Quality Is High Because of Smaller Scale…
Small-scale brands or individual makers often produce the highest-quality, most sustainable products. Close control over materials and manufacturing enables exceptional standards. This is true not only for footwear but also for gear, clothing, food products and more.
However, small scale comes at a cost. Limited production runs, expensive materials, and localized or handmade processes result in higher prices. While these products benefit both people and the planet, they remain accessible to only a select few.
…Impact on People and Planet Stays Small
With small-scale production:
- The number of people benefiting from the products is limited.
- Despite their environmental benefits, the overall net impact is negligible due to low volumes.
Some makers are content with this model, focusing on quality over reach. Others, seeking greater impact, aim to scale. Scaling often necessitates compromises in materials, manufacturing practices, and production location. But it also introduces economies of scale, reducing costs and increasing affordability—and, by extension, accessibility and impact.
This is where medium-sized brands like Vivo Barefoot and Xero Shoes shine. While they may sacrifice some material quality, they help more people transition to healthier footwear.
Transparency: The Real Measure of Integrity
Is one type of brand inherently better? Not necessarily. For brand founders and makers, it’s as much a personal choice as a business decision. Similarly, as customers, we often support brands of varying sizes depending on our needs. However, one principle stands out as universally right: transparency.
Transparency isn’t just about certifications—though these have their place. It’s about openly communicating the reasoning behind decisions, whether related to sourcing, manufacturing, or scaling.
Examples include:
- Wool & Prince: Founder Mac publishes quarterly updates detailing everything from management goals to factory partnerships.
- Jack Stillman: This Australian brand is transparent about its decision to manufacture in Vietnam, explaining the ethical and practical considerations behind it.
Most brands listed on Foresighted are similarly transparent about their practices. This honesty, more than scaling decisions, is what sets them apart.
Do you agree? Tell me below or directly at julien@foresighted.co
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