Thousand Fell Sneaker Review: My Honest Take on Sustainable Style
Hey there, sneaker lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect kicks that combine style, comfort, and quality. But in 2023, I believe it‘s time we add another key factor to that criteria: sustainability.
As a conscious consumer and fashion blogger, I‘ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Thousand Fell, an up-and-coming sneaker brand shaking up the scene with their eco-friendly designs and closed loop recycling model. I decided to get my hands on a pair and see what all the hype is about.
In this Thousand Fell sneaker review, I‘ll give you my honest take on the brand‘s story, bestsellers, and sustainable practices to help you decide if these earth-friendly kicks are worth the investment. Let‘s dive in!
What‘s the Deal with Thousand Fell?
Co-founders Chloe Songer and Stuart Ahlum launched Thousand Fell in 2018 with a mission to create sneakers that are "circular by design." But what does that really mean?
In a nutshell, Thousand Fell crafts their shoes with the end in mind from the very beginning. They use sustainable materials like coconut husk, sugar cane, recycled plastic bottles, and food waste to make their sneakers. Then, when your pair is worn out, you can send them back to be recycled into new products through their RecycleLoop program (more on that later).
Pretty cool, right? In an industry where less than 1% of shoes are recycled and most end up in landfills, Thousand Fell is tackling waste by closing the loop.
The brand spent two years in research and development to perfect their first sneaker, the Lace Up. Each component was carefully considered, from the aloe vera infused lining (bye bye, sweaty feet) to the recycled yoga mat insoles.
Women‘s Sneakers Review
Now, let‘s talk product. As a sneaker-obsessed woman, I had to get my hands on Thousand Fell‘s classic Lace Up in white.
When I unboxed these, the first thing I noticed was how sleek and minimalist they looked – a refreshing change from the chunky dad sneaker trend. The leather alternative material felt buttery soft and high quality.
Slipping them on, I was impressed by how comfortable they were right out of the box. The aloe vera lining and padded insole made them feel like walking on clouds. I‘ve been wearing mine for a few weeks now and can attest that they‘re just as comfy as my Allbirds and Veja sneakers.
Since they‘re white, I was a bit worried about keeping them clean. But after getting caught in a rainstorm and splashing through some muddy puddles (for research purposes, of course), I was amazed to see the dirt and water bead right off. A quick wipe down and they still look pristine. The sneaker scientist in me is geeking out.
For my ladies who prefer a laceless look, Thousand Fell also offers a slip on style. I love how easy they are to kick on and off. Perfect for airport security or slipping on to walk the dog.
Both the lace up and slip on retail for $120, which I think is a reasonable price considering the quality construction and sustainable materials. For context, Allbirds wool runners and Rothy‘s sneakers are in the same $100-135 price range.
Men‘s Sneaker Review
Guys, if you thought Thousand Fell was just for the ladies, think again. My partner also picked up a pair of the Men‘s Lace Ups and he‘s been raving about them.
The men‘s styles have a slightly wider fit to accommodate those XY-chromosome feet. He loves that he can dress his pair up with chinos for a business casual look or down with joggers for weekend errands. The versatility is key.
Like the women‘s, the men‘s sneakers have that addictively comfortable aloe-vera lining and a cushioned insole. After breaking them in, he said he doesn‘t even notice he‘s wearing shoes. A resounding endorsement from a guy who‘s on his feet all day.
The Men‘s Lace Up and Slip On also go for $120 a pair. Hot tip: Thousand Fell offers interest-free installment payments with Klarna if you want to split up the cost.
RecycleLoop Program
Remember how I mentioned Thousand Fell‘s closed loop recycling program? Here‘s how it works.
Once your Thousand Fell sneakers reach the end of their life, you can print a free shipping label and send them back to be recycled. The brand will break down the materials to be repurposed into new products. As a thank you, they‘ll give you $20 towards a fresh pair.
It‘s an insanely smart model that echoes other recycling programs in the industry like Patagonia‘s Worn Wear and Eileen Fisher Renew. By incentivizing customers to keep materials in play and out of landfills, Thousand Fell takes responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products. More of this, please.
How Does Thousand Fell Compare to Other Eco-Conscious Kicks?
The sustainable sneaker market is heating up, with brands like Allbirds, Veja, Rothy‘s, and Cariuma leading the charge. So how does Thousand Fell stack up to the competition?
I‘d say Thousand Fell‘s biggest differentiator is their recycling program. While other brands use eco-friendly materials, Thousand Fell goes the extra mile to ensure circularity. Their recycled material content is also on the higher end:
| Brand | Recycled or Natural Material Content |
|---|---|
| Thousand Fell | 80% |
| Allbirds | 29-100% |
| Veja | 53% |
| Rothy‘s | 100% |
| Cariuma | 100% |
In terms of style, Thousand Fell is the most similar to a Veja or Cariuma sneaker with that classic tennis shoe silhouette. If you like Allbirds or Rothy‘s for their knit uppers, Thousand Fell might not be the best alternative.
Pricewise, Thousand Fell is right in line with other sustainable sneakers:
| Brand | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Thousand Fell | $120 |
| Allbirds | $110-140 |
| Veja | $120-200 |
| Rothy‘s | $125-165 |
| Cariuma | $79-129 |
All in all, I think Thousand Fell hits a sweet spot by balancing the traditional look of a Veja with the earth-friendly ethos of Allbirds or Rothy‘s. And that recycling program is a serious bonus.
What Are Shoppers Saying?
You don‘t have to just take my word for it. Thousand Fell has racked up hundreds of glowing reviews from happy customers. The Lace Ups earn an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 200+ ratings.
One thrilled buyer writes, "After months of debating, I finally purchased these Thousand Fell sneakers. I. AM. OBSESSED. Seriously, I have been wearing them nearly everyday since they arrived. They are so so so comfortable, easy to clean, and adorable. I love the company‘s mission and am so happy to support them. I normally wear a 9.5 in sneakers and the 9.5 fit me perfectly. I cannot recommend enough!!!"
Another sneaker junkie like myself shares, "I have MANY pairs of white sneakers…Allbirds, Vejas, Adidas, Frye….you name it. I love these TF sneakers more than all the others. They are comfortable, easy to clean, stylish and most importantly, SUSTAINABLE! I am a customer for life. I cannot wait to buy another color. I am also excited to recycle them and buy another pair."
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many shoppers picking up multiple pairs. Some common themes are the barely-there break in period, the dreamy cushioned feel, and how easy they are to style.
FAQs on Fit, Care, and More
To wrap things up, I wanted to address some frequently asked questions I got from you guys about Thousand Fell sneakers.
How do Thousand Fell sneakers fit?
Most reviewers, myself included, find that Thousand Fell sneakers fit true to size. If you‘re between sizes, I‘d recommend going with the larger one for a comfortable fit. Thousand Fell offers free shipping and returns, so you can always exchange sizes if needed.
How do you clean Thousand Fell sneakers?
Thousand Fell sneakers are super easy to clean – just wipe them down with a damp cloth or toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Let them air dry and they‘ll look good as new.
Does Thousand Fell offer international shipping?
Right now, Thousand Fell only ships within the United States and to Canada.
What is the 5 for 500 Recycling Challenge?
Thousand Fell has a program where if you buy 5 pairs of their sneakers, wear them down, and send them all back to be recycled, they‘ll give you $500 towards more Thousand Fell goodies. It‘s an amazing way to reward customer loyalty and keep hundreds of sneakers out of landfills.
Are Thousand Fell sneakers vegan?
Yes, Thousand Fell sneakers are 100% vegan and cruelty free. They‘re made with a plant-based leather alternative, recycled plastic, and food waste.
My Verdict: Are Thousand Fell Sneakers Worth It?
Drumroll please…After putting Thousand Fell to the test for a few months, I can confidently say that these sustainable sneakers are worth the hype. The quality, comfort, and mission behind the brand really stand out from other kicks I‘ve tried.
I‘d highly recommend Thousand Fell if you‘re looking for…
- Sneakers that are sustainable and ethically made
- A classic, goes-with-anything sneaker to add to your wardrobe
- Delightfully comfy shoes you can walk in all day
- A closed loop recycling program to reduce waste
- Supporting small AAPI and women-owned businesses
What I love most about my Thousand Fell shoes is that I don‘t have to compromise my values for great style. Every time I lace them up, I feel like I‘m voting for the kind of world I want to see – one with cleaner production, less waste, and a whole lot more comfy feet.
If any of this resonates with you, I really encourage you to check out Thousand Fell‘s collection for yourself. Use my link to get free shipping on your first order and let me know what you think!
The Sustainability of Style
At the end of the day, this Thousand Fell sneaker review is about so much more than just a pair of shoes. It‘s about the power we have as consumers to shape the future of fashion with every purchase.
In 2023, we‘re not settling for "that‘s just the way things are done" anymore. We‘re demanding more from the brands we support – more transparency, more sustainability, more damn comfortable shoes. And brands like Thousand Fell are rising to the occasion.
So here‘s to voting with our dollars and our feet. Here‘s to progress over perfection and doing a little better than yesterday. Here‘s to the collective "Thousand Fell" swoop – the sound of an industry changing for good, one sneaker at a time.
