Vionic Is Transforming Ocean-Bound Plastic Into Adorable Shoes
The pioneering footwear brand has partnered with Fabien Cousteau’s PROTEUS™, the world’s most advanced underwater research station, to create a line of eco-conscious shoes that give back to the ocean.

If you ask Marie Claire editors (and readers for that matter) what they want in a new pair of shoes, the answer will fall within the Venn diagram of chic, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable. And while plenty of fashion choices are stylishly on-trend, very few manage to also feel great and do right by the planet. But Vionic, the footwear brand already beloved for its super cute, wildly comfortable shoes, is also focused on helping the environment. As part of that mission, Vionic has announced a supporting partnership with PROTEUS™, the world’s most advanced underwater research facility and habitat, to develop a line of sustainable sneakers that will make your feet, and the planet, feel better.
The line of sneakers in the Vionic + PROTEUS™ Partnership collection features hand-drawn coral prints celebrating the waters off Curaçao, where the PROTEUS™ team, led by renowned ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau conducts research. But the partnership extends much further than that: Each pair of shoes is crafted with a Repreve® Our Ocean™ textile, made with plastic bottles recycled from the ocean. So far, Repreve has recycled over 33 billion (with a “B”) ocean-bound plastic bottles, all collected within 30 miles of coasts and waterways in developing nations. Vionic leans on the expertise of the PROTEUS™ team to create eco-conscious products that go beyond just lip service, while also amplifying the important oceanic research Proteus conducts.
So what does the Vionic and PROTEUS™ partnership look like when it comes to your new favorite pair of shoes? Check out the Pismo sneaker, which diverts 3.6 plastic bottles from coastal waterways and upcycles them into these cute kicks:
Or the beachy Malibu slip-on style which, in addition to providing the same full-foot support and comfort of all Vionic shoes, also uses a full 4.9 plastic bottles:
And perhaps our favorite, the summery Laguna espadrille, which contains a full 5.2 plastic bottles:
So far, these three styles have already diverted more than 70,000 plastic bottles from coastal waterways and landfills, turning them into shoes that are beautiful, comfortable, and that serve as an important reminder of how your choices can positively affect the planet. And as part of Vionic’s Ocean Wellness Initiative, the brand has committed $500,000 to PROTEUS™ over the next three years, to help pioneer research and advancements in environmental conservation, human health, and technological innovation. Vionic contributed $100,000 to this important cause in 2021 alone, while directing long-time fans of their styles to learn about and contribute to research that will further the PROTEUS™ mission. It’s all part of how Vionic is turning a passion for the ocean into sustainable action.
In addition to footwear, the Vionic and Proteus partnership is focused on outreach, like hands-on beach clean-ups and consumer awareness campaigns about ocean conservation. In turn, Vionic is reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry, and setting an example for how other companies can follow in their steps (pun intended).
Vionic recognizes that even seemingly small choices—like your next pair of must-wear sneakers—can have an impact on the environment. To make it a positive one, and support pioneering ocean research in the process, check out the Vionic and PROTEUS™ partnership and turn your choices into sustainable action.
To check out the collection of eco-conscious sneakers and to learn more about the Vionic and PROTEUS™ partnership, visit VionicShoes.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram at @vionicshoes.
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Meet the Charming Cast of 'Better Late Than Single,' the Makeover Show for People Searching for Their First Love
The Netflix reality show is like 'Single's Inferno' for those who never date.
-
My Go-To Eyeshadow Palette Is the Equivalent of Owning an Entire Wardrobe From The Row
Simple, elevated, and hits every time.
-
Is the New Dyson Air Wrap Worth $700? Our Editor Put It to the Test
Spoiler alert: It's a resounding yes.
-
A $2,200 Ralph Lauren Bag and Andrew Garfield Are Monica Barbaro's Enviable Accessories at Wimbledon
The couple's coordinated outfits were a nod to the tennis tournament's all-white dress code.
-
Sold-Out The Row Flip-Flops and a Celeb-Beloved Mesh Tote Bag Accessorize Kendall Jenner's Claudent Mini Dress
Sofia Richie Grainge owns the very same flip-flops, and Zoë Kravitz has a mini version of the tote.
-
Kylie Jenner Takes a Super-Rare Hermès Birkin, Which Sold at Auction for More Than $300,000, on Vacation
It ranks amongst the top 6 most expensive Birkin bags of all time.
-
Jennifer Lopez Styles a Rare Fendi Peekaboo Petite Bag With PVC Mules and a Metallic Skirt
Meanwhile, her necklace was a nod to Carrie Bradshaw.
-
Katie Holmes Debuts a $3,400 Khaite Bag With Unexpected Pants and Glove Ballet Flats
She's mastered the art of high-low dressing.
-
A Rare Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Is the Perfect Accessory for Kylie Jenner's Isabel Marant Cut-Out Swimsuit
The Kylie Cosmetics founder and her priceless bag spent the day at Loulou Beach Club in Saint-Tropez.
-
Two Rare The Row Bags Are Kylie Jenner's Plus-Ones at the Bezos-Sánchez Wedding in Venice
Her $54,000 celeb-beloved watch was also in attendance.
-
Nordstrom’s Summer Shoe Trends Have Everyone Ditching Their Sneakers
Here's how to shop them at Nordstrom.