Loom Footwear Review: Sustainable, Comfy Sneakers Worth the Investment

Hey there, eco-conscious fashion lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for clothing and accessories that look great, feel amazing, and are kind to our planet. So when I discovered Loom Footwear and their sustainable sneakers, I knew I had to put them to the test.

Spoiler alert: Loom is the real deal! After thoroughly testing out and researching this eco-friendly shoe brand, I‘m excited to share all the details with you in this comprehensive Loom Footwear review. As a sustainably-minded consumer, I think you‘ll be just as impressed by Loom as I am.

What is Loom Footwear?

First, a bit of background. Loom is a relatively new player in the footwear space, founded in 2018 by Mark McCormick and Erica Cohen in Hong Kong. The brand was born out of the founders‘ desire to create stylish yet sustainable sneakers that would help reduce the fashion industry‘s notoriously large carbon footprint.

Interestingly, Loom has decided to keep things simple by offering just two key styles – a men‘s sneaker and a women‘s sneaker. By avoiding the typical cycle of fast fashion and overproduction, Loom is able to minimize waste while perfecting its classic, unisex shoe design.

Another thing that sets Loom apart is its commitment to using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices at every stage. But more on that in a bit! Let‘s dive into the actual sneakers.

Loom Women‘s Sneaker Review

Ladies, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite everyday sneaker. Loom‘s shoe for women is sleek, comfy, and ultra-practical for daily wear.

The first thing I noticed when unboxing my Loom sneakers was how lightweight they felt. Slipping them on, I was delighted to discover the silky-soft merino wool interior, which kept my feet cool and dry even after a full day of running errands.

The merino lining is also naturally antibacterial, meaning the sneakers ward off any stink or sweat. After a couple weeks of regular wear, I can confirm – no odor whatsoever! Major bonus points.

But Loom isn‘t just about coziness. The women‘s sneakers are equipped with some serious functionality too, like a full rubber outsole for excellent traction and shock absorption. I found myself reaching for my Looms for neighborhood strolls, intense grocery store runs, and even light workouts.

Loom‘s waterproof construction also came in handy during a few unexpected downpours. The moisture-wicking upper kept my socks completely dry, while the textured sole prevented any slipping on slick surfaces.

Looks-wise, I‘m a fan of the women‘s sneaker‘s minimalist aesthetic. You can choose from classic black or white color options, both of which feature clean lines and a tasteful speckled midsole. They pair well with everything from leggings to jeans to casual dresses.

One of the best parts? Loom is offering the women‘s sneaker for just $99 right now, marked down from $250. Considering the quality, versatility, and eco-friendly construction, that‘s a total steal!

Loom Men‘s Sneaker Review

Gentlemen, don‘t worry – Loom didn‘t forget about you. The brand‘s men‘s sneaker boasts all the same sustainable materials and performance features as the women‘s, just in a more masculine silhouette.

Loom‘s men‘s shoe sports a slightly chunkier shape that gives off cool, streetwear vibes. I love the breathable knit upper, which is stretchy and forgiving while still structured enough to be supportive. No break-in period, pinching, or blisters here!

The 4-way stretch material molds to your unique foot shape for a truly custom fit. My husband, who has wider feet, was especially impressed by how roomy and accommodating the Loom sneakers felt right out of the box.

Just like the women‘s, the men‘s sneakers have a cozy merino wool lining that regulates temperature and fights odors. The cushioned insole is also a dream if you‘re on your feet a lot – it‘s made of plush memory foam that provides bouncy yet stable arch support.

Loom‘s signature waterproofing gives great peace of mind too, especially if your adventures tend to involve unpredictable weather. The men‘s sneakers can handle rain, mud, and puddles without breaking a sweat (and more importantly, without soaking your feet).

At $99, the Loom men‘s sneakers are an absolute bargain. The style is timeless and the construction is so durable, I can easily see them lasting for years to come. In fact, that brings me to my next point…

Loom‘s Sustainable & Ethical Practices

A comfy, good-looking sneaker is one thing, but Loom goes the extra mile by centering eco-friendly values in everything they do. Let‘s talk sustainability!

For materials, Loom relies on natural, organic, and recycled elements as much as possible. The sneaker uppers are made of either 100% organic cotton canvas or a breathable knit spun from recycled plastic bottles. The ultra-cushy insoles contain cork, a biodegradable material that‘s both renewable and carbon-negative.

Even the smallest details are chosen with intention, like the jute laces which come from responsibly-harvested plants, or the natural rubber outsoles that are sourced from ethically-managed plantations.

By thoughtfully selecting these materials, Loom has managed to cut the carbon footprint of each pair of shoes by over 500% compared to a standard sneaker. That‘s a massive win for the planet!

It‘s not just about the materials themselves, but also how they‘re made. Loom only partners with manufacturers that pay fair wages, follow safe working condition regulations, and uphold strict environmental standards.

The merino wool, for example, comes exclusively from Bluesign® certified farms that never practice mulesing and always allow sheep to freely roam. The organic cotton is grown and processed without any toxic dyes, chemicals, or pesticides that can leach into waterways.

When you buy from Loom, you‘re directly supporting a network of principled suppliers, farmers, and factories. Now that‘s what I call voting with your dollar.

Comfort & Durability

We‘ve established that Loom sneakers are sustainably made – but how do they actually feel and perform IRL? To get the full scoop, I scouted out feedback from other Loom wearers in addition to doing my own hands-on (well, feet-on) testing.

The verdict? Loom‘s sneakers deliver best-in-class comfort, plain and simple. Reviews consistently rave about the pillowy-soft memory foam insoles, which apparently feel "like walking on clouds." Several people report being able to stand or walk all day in Looms without any soreness or fatigue.

I have to agree that Loom sneakers almost make you forget you‘re wearing shoes. The lightweight, flexible materials really do move with your feet for an incredibly natural stride. There‘s ample cushioning in all the right places, but it never feels clunky or weighed down.

Loom also earns high praise for its reliable durability. Aside from the waterproofing, the sneakers are fortified with hardwearing outsoles and reinforced stitching to withstand daily wear and tear. Many reviews come from customers who have had their Looms for well over a year without any fraying, holes, or loss of shape.

Based on my experience so far, I have no doubts that my Loom sneakers will be with me for the long haul. The quality is simply topnotch, which makes the $99 price tag feel like an even better value.

How Loom Compares to Other Sustainable Sneakers

Of course, Loom isn‘t the only eco-friendly footwear brand out there. Labels like Allbirds, Veja, and Rothy‘s have also built cult followings around their green sneakers and practices. So how does Loom stack up to the competition?

In my opinion, Loom is the clear frontrunner when it comes to minimizing environmental impact. While other sustainable shoe brands incorporate some eco-friendly elements, Loom has truly committed to a top-to-bottom green approach, from materials to packaging to shipping. The 500% reduction in carbon footprint per pair is pretty remarkable.

Loom is also one of the few brands completely eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain. Meanwhile, shoes from Allbirds and Rothy‘s still contain some new synthetics. If zero-waste is a priority for you, Loom is your best bet.

Aesthetically, Loom has more of a classic, everyday look whereas the other brands lean a bit trendier and athletic. I think Veja‘s sneakers are the most similar to Loom‘s in terms of styling potential. Allbirds and Rothy‘s give off stronger athleisure vibes with their modernized tennis shoe silhouettes.

Pricing-wise, Loom‘s $99 sneakers are a fantastic deal – especially considering Allbirds‘ pairs start at $110 and Veja‘s can go up to $195. Rothy‘s flats are also upwards of $145.

All in all, I think Loom offers some of the best value, style, and sustainability credentials of all the eco-friendly footwear options right now. The brand just seems to check all the boxes.

How to Style Loom Sneakers

Thanks to their sleek, goes-with-anything design, it‘s a breeze to work Loom sneakers into your wardrobe. You can truly dress them up or down!

For a foolproof casual look, pair your Looms with cuffed jeans or rolled chinos and a crisp white tee. Throw on a light jacket or an unbuttoned button-down for an extra layer.

Headed to brunch or running to a meeting? Loom sneakers add cool-casual flair to flowy midi dresses and skirts, especially when topped with a denim jacket or cozy cardigan. Don‘t be afraid to mix feminine and sporty elements.

Of course, you can keep it comfy in Looms with your favorite leggings or joggers too. I love the athleisure aesthetic of the sneakers with some sleek black leggings, an oversized sweatshirt or hoodie, and a longline coat.

When the weather warms up, Loom looks great with shorts and a breezy tank or tee. Cuff the hem of your shorts a couple times to show off the sneakers‘ high-top silhouette.

The beauty of Loom sneakers is that they‘re an easy way to inject a nonchalant, carefree vibe to any outfit. Since the sneakers are on the simpler side, they won‘t compete with prints, bright colors, or other statement pieces in your look. Just effortless, all-purpose styling potential!

Promotions, Discounts & Where to Buy

Ready to get your hands on some Loom sneakers? The only place to shop is directly on the brand‘s official website, loomfootwear.com. Loom doesn‘t wholesale through any other retailers.

Luckily, Loom offers some sweet discounts if you stock up on multiple pairs at once. Buying any two sneakers saves you $340 compared to purchasing separately, and nabbing three pairs at once will knock $525 off your order.

As of this writing, Loom is also running a special $165 off promotion with the code EARLYBFCM at checkout. I‘d definitely take advantage of that deal while it lasts!

One important thing to note is that all Loom sales are final. The brand doesn‘t accept returns or exchanges on any worn shoes for hygienic reasons. However, if your sneakers are unworn and in original packaging, you have 7 days from delivery to request a full refund.

Loom currently ships to the US, Canada, and Australia, with delivery running about 2-3 weeks. The great news? Shipping is 100% free, so no pesky extra fees at checkout. Can‘t argue with that!

The Final Verdict on Loom Footwear

Drumroll, please…after putting Loom‘s sneakers through their paces, I can confidently say that this eco-friendly footwear brand is the real deal. The shoes are ridiculously comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and grounded in sustainable practices that actually make a difference for the planet.

I love that Loom is taking a less-is-more approach by perfecting one signature sneaker style instead of chasing fast fashion trends. It‘s a refreshing change of pace! The fact that Loom can offer such premium, Earth-friendly shoes for less than $100 is the cherry on top.

While I do wish Loom had a few more color options beyond black and white, I understand that the simplicity is part of the brand‘s low-waste mission. The timeless look of the sneakers is also super wearable and pairs with pretty much everything.

Bottom line: if you‘re searching for an eco-conscious sneaker that doesn‘t sacrifice an ounce of style or comfort, Loom is the way to go. I know my pair has quickly become an MVP in my shoe rotation – and I have a feeling it‘ll earn a top spot in your closet too.

Happy (and sustainable) stepping!