Around Marbella in Baabuk Shoes
When I got the email from Baabuk about a possible collaboration, I got absolutely thrilled: from the first glance, I fell in love with their products! This brand represents everything I value: sustainability, closeness to nature, comfort, and originality. When sourcing materials and furniture for my interior design projects I try to opt for eco-friendly, authentic and artisanal products – the same principles I try to apply now for my wardrobe as well. For our collaboration with Baabuk, I have chosen their stylish Urban wooler sneakers.
The history of Baabuk shoes is very interesting. It is a family owned Swiss brand founded by a creative couple – Dan and Galina. It all started when Galina received a gift from her parents – the famous “valenki” (traditional Russian felted boots). That’s how the idea was born to make modern 100% woolen shoes.
The wool is natural and renewable fiber that has excellent moister and temperatures properties which is great for the shoes – they keep the feet warm but don’t make them sweat. I was surprised that even in a warm climate of Spain I felt very comfortable in them. The sole is also great – it repeats the shape of a foot, very elastic and is made of TPO which is a much strider, stronger and long-lasting rubber. And my absolute favorite is the elastic shoelaces, perfect for lazy people like me – I only spend a couple of seconds to slide my shoes on.
The wool comes from Nepal, while sneakers are produced in Portugal – this country has great traditions and know-how of shoe-making. Baabuk uses 100% wool from healthy happy sheep – it takes 3 days to make just 1 pair of shoes, but the result is amazing. People in Nepal have great knowledge about wool-felting, that’s why for their sneakers Baabuk was able to produce a very thin, elastic yet durable felt, which is quite difficult to achieve.
What I love about Baabuk (except their amazing products of course) is their responsibility and care for nature. They are certified by B Lab – “a nonprofit organization that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good (TM). Its vision is that one day all companies compete not only to be the best in the world, but the Best for the World® and as a result society will enjoy a more shared and durable prosperity.”
It’s curious that the project of Baabuk was entirely sponsored by Kickstarter – great support and acknowledgment for any creative start-up!
Photography by Alberto Casacruz
Visit Baabuk website and their Instagram to the full range of their amazing products.
