Take a Step Towards Sustainability with Psudo Sneakers
Let's discuss footwear! Shoes are everywhere. With so many variations and pricing points, there must be one style of shoe that stands out above the rest, be it boots, heels, platforms, or sneakers. Additionally, as the fashion industry and businesses are impacted by climate change, finding economical solutions for both you and the earth is undoubtedly a plus while shoe shopping!
First, A little bit about me. I like to follow shoe trends, but I also love basics! I like simplistic styles that are both comfortable and affordable but still good quality. If a shoe does not fit properly, it ruins my entire day. No one wants a shoe that will give them a painful blister or sore feet.
OK, now let's add sustainability to the mix. So yes, comfort is key, but what about helping our earth? I have honestly never really looked into sustainable options when shoe shopping, but I have definitely heard of fast fashion and I try to avoid those stores at all cost. Small businesses and eco-friendly brands are very important to me to protect our earth!
Let’s dive into the Psudo sneaker.
Printed laces. Yes, absolutely, why do we need laces? They just add more work to our already-overburdened schedules, you trip on them, and they just seem to be an inconvenience. Also, the laces genuinely look so realistic that I was shocked to open the box and realize they were printed on.
Made from recycled plastics. Yes. Lets reuse these materials we already have! I think that is brilliant, and I am all for it!
It is manufactured and sourced in the USA. Yes, I love it when products are made in America because it assures cleaner production techniques and health and safety product laws.
Water resistant. Yes, wet shoes and socks are probably one of the worst things that can happen. We have all been there, and it's not fun.
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial? Yes, yes. The lightweight feeling from these shoes doesn't make your feet feel squished and trapped — your feet and toes are given room. I can't tell you how many times I have been relieved to take off a pair of sneakers because my feet felt constricted all day.
Let's dig a little deeper. Let's talk about the comfort of the shoes. I decided to really test these shoes. Now, the company states, they are slip-resistant and lightweight support for all-day comfort. I do love good honest feedback and the only thing I would say about the slip resistant aspect of these shoes is that when taking my shoes off and on, the insole does seem to come out as well. This can get a little repetitive when having to put it back in every time. However, you can ditch the insoles and still wear the shoes without them to avoid this. I tried it without the insole and it was still comfortable and wearable!
I think what is really cool about these sneakers is that they have a back platform. It gives that extra layer of comfort. Most of my other shoes are just straight across and hard as a rock on the bottom. At the end of the day, my feet and heels hurt, but especially my heels. With this little platform in the back, it takes so much tension off my feet. It also gives extra height! Which is great for me because I am 5"6 1/2 and need shoes to get to 5"7!
If you haven't heard of Psudo sneaker, this is your time too. From someone with constant foot aches (seriously), these shoes really made a difference. As well, the sustainable nature of these shoes, with the comfort they give, is something that I assure you everyone should try!
Now, let’s talk to the expert! Please see our below interview with Psudo Sneakers founder Michael Rich.
Where are you based?
We are based in Sunny Los Angeles, CA, and our sneakers are proudly made with love here.
You created Psudo sneakers, have you always been into entrepreneurship?
Yes, over my career I made shoes for a lot of other brands, and was always on the manufacturing side. Behind the scenes work. I was always interested in creating something new and different.
What was the inspiration behind this brand? What sparked this desire?
I fell in love with the sneaker industry at age 16, when I was working in a sneaker store at the mall. Sneakers are not just colorful products that are evolving every day, it’s a lifestyle that reaches across cultures. This concept and idea is what I have always been so passionate about. I dreamed of making something unique that could capture this idea but in a new innovative way. And I wanted to do it locally.
Where does the name Psudo come from?
Psudo sneakers look like other typical sneakers, but are not like any sneaker you have ever owned. They are almost unreal, that’s why we named our brand Psudo.
How do your shoes get made? What differentiates your shoes from others on the market?
Our sneakers are packed with technology, but made with simple ingredients that are mixed with traditional shoe making, so they are easily made locally. The way these sneakers feel and look really sets them apart. You have to try them to feel the difference.
You currently sell online, do you plan on opening a store in the future? Or partnering with any stores?
Currently we sell on our own website and on Zappos. We are launching our new website early this fall, and activating two pop up stores in Soho and Miami Beach at Showfields. Showfields is a retailer that is revolutionizing the idea of what a brick and mortar store is. They do a great job curating brands and we are excited to launch with them at the end of September. We also plan to start working with key retailers in Spring of 2023.
You currently only offer sneakers; do you plan to expand into other shoe styles?
It's always sneaker season here at Psudo. We do have some more “dressy” Psudos we plan on launching this Fall, but all with the same comfort of the Psudo sneaker. We will also be adding some accessories, but mostly we are all about the sneakers.
Do you have a favorite among the sneakers you offer?
Yes, of course. The Blue/Multi is our signature sneaker and our most popular. It has a fun retro look that has really resonated with our customers. They say it “just makes them smile”. We can barely keep them in stock
Jejune appreciates that, in contrast to more conventional sneakers, your shoes place a major emphasis on sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint, in fact you say you want to be the most sustainable sneaker in the world! Why is it important to you that your sneakers be as environmentally friendly as possible?
I always use the analogy of the electric car…..if you launch a new car company today it would be electric, right? So when we wanted to put something into the market I felt it had to have sustainability at its core. Making everything locally and small batch along with using recycled materials, those were the guiding principles when we launched Psudo. We still have more to do, but I am proud of what we have created so far.
Your shoes are made from REPREVE yarn made from recycled water bottles. What made you decide to go with this approach?
Repreve has been a great partner, they are the largest of its kind making yarn from recycled plastic bottles in the US. Plus, they add a lot of technology into the yarn, such as sweat wicking and breathable technologies. It was an easy choice for us.
Does this mean your sneakers are vegan too?
Yes, 100%!
Psudo uses 3D sublimation printing to create unique prints and fun patterns. Can you tell us a bit about this process?
This is part of our secret sauce so I can’t say too much, but this process allows for quick design and manufacturing. We have been able to be very nimble and reactive to the market. Reacting to sales trends and adding new designs using an almost “on demand” process. It’s a lot of fun designing using our process, and we have really unlimited options we can quickly go to market with.
There is a bit of cross over with the sustainable shoes and the barefoot shoes. Do you have any plans to introduce a bearfoot design?
So Psudo does have a well thought out anatomically correct foot bed. It offers a lot of support but it’s a lifestyle shoe, meant for running around, but not for running. The way a Psudo fits is also a big part of our success and our DNA. You will see some future styles with a lower profile, but we don’t have any current plans to create a barefoot version.
What do you think the future holds for Psudo sneakers? Are there any exciting drops in the works?
Wow, so many exciting things are in the works over here….. new designs, new technologies. We have a lot of plans including the ability to make our sneakers fully circular. In the near future you will be able to recycle Psudo sneakers into new Psudo sneakers! We also have some great upcoming collaborations with musicians, artists, and other like minded brands. Stay tuned.
Covid was hard on fashion. Did you have to make any changes due to the pandemic? Are you back to normal?
We launched Psudo just at the beginning of 2020 when the world began to shut down. Of course we had disruptions just like everyone else. However, being made in the USA and controlling our entire supply chain allowed us to be very nimble. I know that’s a large part of our success. It has been a wild ride, but we are fortunate to have weathered the storm.
What is your motto in life?
Create your own path. And dream big. I have always followed my own path in life and especially when creating the Psudo Sneaker. We do things differently here and we are very proud of that.
To keep up with Psudo sneakers and exciting new drops, please follow their platforms below:
www.psudo.com
Instagram: @shoppsudo
Facebook: @shoppsudo
