GABOR

Introduction

GABOR is a distinguished footwear brand that was founded in 1949 by Joseph Gabor in Germany. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, the brand has consistently aimed to blend comfort with style, catering to an ever-evolving market. GABOR’s expertise in crafting high-quality women's shoes reflects a dedication to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. The founders' vision embraced the idea of providing shoes that not only look elegant but also support the wearer throughout the day.

The philosophy behind GABOR centers on a commitment to quality, comfort, and timeless design. Every collection is developed with an understanding of the needs of women, emphasizing versatility in style while maintaining a steadfast dedication to comfort. This holistic approach ensures that each shoe not only enhances fashion but also meets the practical demands of everyday life. GABOR aims to empower women through footwear that complements their individuality and lifestyle choices, striving to create products that inspire confidence with every step taken.

What sets GABOR apart is its focus on innovation alongside tradition. The brand is recognized for utilizing advanced technologies in shoe production, ensuring that all products meet stringent standards for comfort and durability. Furthermore, GABOR places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices within its manufacturing processes, which resonates with a growing consumer base that values ethical considerations in fashion. This thoughtful approach to design and production continues to foster a dedicated following for the brand, making GABOR synonymous with quality footwear for discerning customers.

Signature Products

GABOR products exemplify the brand's philosophy of comfort and style, showcasing carefully designed footwear suited for various occasions.

• Gabor Comfort Shoes : Known for their cushioned footbeds and soft materials, these shoes are designed for all-day wear without sacrificing style.
• Gabor Ankle Boots : These boots combine modern trends with classic designs, offering versatility for both casual and formal settings.
• Gabor Sandals : Featuring adjustable straps and ergonomic designs, Gabor sandals aim to provide comfort while showcasing elegant aesthetics.
• Gabor Loafers : These timeless pieces are designed with ease and style in mind, perfect for both office wear and casual outings.
• Gabor Heels : Balancing height with comfort, the heels are crafted to ensure that wearers can enjoy elegance throughout the day.

Materials and Ingredients Used by GABOR

• Suede : Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. It is commonly used in GABOR's footwear collections for its luxurious feel and aesthetic appeal, providing a sophisticated touch while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
• Mesh : Mesh is a lightweight and breathable material that is often used in GABOR's shoes to enhance ventilation. This choice helps to keep the feet cool and comfortable, making it ideal for warmer weather or active lifestyles.
• Rubber : Rubber is a durable and flexible material commonly used for outsoles in GABOR's footwear. The use of rubber provides excellent traction and grip on various surfaces, ensuring comfort and stability while walking.
• Leather : Leather is a popular choice for GABOR due to its durability and timeless style. This material is often used in both the uppers and linings of their shoes, providing a structured fit and a classic look that appeals to a wide range of customers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From GABOR

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Animal welfare concerns:

The use of suede and leather raises significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Such materials typically require the killing of animals, often under inhumane conditions. For example, cows raised for leather are frequently subjected to overcrowded living conditions and painful procedures without adequate anaesthesia. Moreover, the leather industry indirectly supports practices such as illegal animal trafficking and deforestation for cattle farming, which further exacerbates the issue. Addressing welfare concerns necessitates comprehensive animal handling standards and transparency in sourcing practices.

Chemical pollution in tanning:

The tanning of suede and leather involves the use of numerous hazardous chemicals, including chromium salts and arsenic. These chemicals can contaminate water bodies when inadequately managed, leading to detrimental environmental impacts and posing health risks to workers and surrounding communities. For instance, the city of Kanpur in India has reported waterway pollution due to chromium waste, affecting both biodiversity and human health. Switching to vegetable tanning or developing more sustainable chemical processes could mitigate these risks.

High water usage:

Producing suede, leather, and cotton requires substantial water resources. The production of a single leather jacket or pair of jeans can consume thousands of litres of water. For example, the Aral Sea in Central Asia has almost entirely dried up, primarily due to water diverted for cotton production. This depletion transpires in areas already facing water scarcity, thus intensifying the resource strain and affecting local communities who rely on these water sources.

Microplastic pollution:

Mesh, commonly made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, contributes to microplastic pollution. When garments are washed, these microfibers are released into water systems, eventually reaching oceans where they can harm marine life and enter the food chain. Research shows that microplastics are found in the digestive tracts of many marine species, highlighting a growing concern for biodiversity and human health, respectively.

Non-biodegradable waste:

Materials such as mesh, polyurethane, and EVA are non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in landfills for decades. This quality escalates the volume of waste, contributing to landfill overflow and environmental degradation. For instance, polyurethane foam products often exude toxic gases and substances as they degrade, impacting local air and soil quality. Finding biodegradable alternatives or investing in recycling technologies can significantly reduce these issues.

Deforestation:

The demand for natural rubber and cork can instigate deforestation, especially in biodiversity-rich areas like the Amazon rainforest. Deforestation not only causes habitat loss and species extinction but also contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Examples include the clearing of swathes of forest in Cambodia for rubber plantations. Sustainable forest management and certified sourcing are crucial to mitigating these environmental impacts.

Biodiversity impact:

The extraction of resources like cork and rubber has profound effects on biodiversity. Forest regions, transformed into monoculture plantations of economic importance, reduce species diversity. This diminishes ecosystem resilience and disrupts ecological processes. Solutions such as fostering agroforestry systems, which integrate varied plant species alongside commercial products, can preserve habitat quality and biodiversity.

Chemical leaching:

Polyurethane and EVA are associated with chemical leaching during production and deterioration phases. When exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, they can release hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may contribute to concerns like smog formation. Workers exposed to these emissions in manufacturing facilities often face higher risks of respiratory and skin conditions. Adopting rigorous safety measures and exploring non-toxic material innovations can alleviate such problems.

Greenhouse gas emissions:

Producing polyurethane, a polymer used for flexibility in shoe soles and other applications, generates notable greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and nitrous oxide. These emissions further foresaw climate change, compelling an evaluation of manufacturing energy sources and adopting more sustainable practices like closed-loop systems and renewable energy installations to reduce the carbon footprint are critical considerations.