With the world's first Fairtrade Cotton, GOTS & GOLS certified MELA sneaker, we have managed to process raw materials of natural origin into shoes without the addition of toxic substances. Since we do not use any animal components, the shoe is 100% vegan.

MELA has thus created another product that continues our holistic and innovative sustainability claim. MELA sneakers are the perfect all-rounders: The robust organic cotton canvas makes the shoes particularly breathable. The sole made of natural rubber ensures good cushioning and a soft and comfortable feel. At the same time, it gives the sneakers flexibility and slip resistance. During the intensive product development period, we made several trips to our producers and suppliers and were in constant contact with certification bodies and laboratories in Germany, Italy, Sri Lanka and India. The natural rubber from Sri Lanka, which is processed for the MELA sneakers using tools and fits from Italy, is just as high-quality and sustainable as the Fairtrade Cotton-certified organic cotton from India. The flexibility, comfort and slip resistance of the soles have been optimized over several stages. To ensure that our shoes are particularly durable, we have used water-based and GOTS-certified adhesives and integrated a 360° seam into the design. The MELA sneakers combine modern design with the highest quality for people and the environment.YALA is part of our collection. Since we want to avoid overproduction, we have initially produced this item in limited quantities. So get your new favorite sneaker now!If you like this style, then it is for you. We believe that everyone can wear our shoes, regardless of gender stereotypes.

woven fabric

Processing: Canvas

natural rubber

Additional materials: Cotton laces + a pair of extra laces, hand wash

Free from harmful substances according to the GOTS standard

This sneaker is not suitable for machine washing. To enjoy YALA for a long time, please clean it by hand only.

MELA shoes are quadruple certified according to Fairtrade Cotton, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Green Button. In our opinion, the social and ecological aspects of these standards complement each other perfectly, so that we can speak with a clear conscience about holistically sustainable textiles.

Through the Fairtrade Cotton Standard, we ensure that social criteria are adhered to when extracting raw materials. We place particular emphasis on fair pay for cotton farmers. With every MELA item you buy, you support Indian cotton cooperatives with a Fairtrade premium. MELA is also part of the new Fairtrade Textile Standard and is committed to living wages along the entire supply chain.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that only ecologically optimized substances are used along the entire supply chain - from cotton cultivation to dyeing the fabrics - and that social standards are met. This is monitored by independent certification bodies.

In addition, this fashion item is certified according to the state textile seal Green Button, which checks social and environmental criteria at both product and company level.

The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that the entire supply chain from the plantation to the manufacturer of eco-certified latex products is clear and transparent. In addition to other requirements, social and environmental standards must also be met.

Do you have any further questions? You can find more information on our sustainability page , in our podcast and in our FAQs .

The sneakers are manufactured by our producers in Sri Lanka. Together with them, we are part of an innovative development project. The aim is to build a supply chain for organically certified rubber for the textile industry - from rubber cultivation to the final product.

As part of the project, factory employees are trained in areas such as chemical management, occupational safety, energy and water management. In addition, workers on the rubber plantations are trained in organic farming and supported in setting up their own organic home gardens.

From rubber to cotton to the finished product, we can trace all ingredients and guarantee compliance with ecological standards along the entire supply chain. This makes the MELA sneaker unique in terms of sustainability.

All our production steps take place in the countries where the raw materials come from. This helps to maximize local added value and shorten transport routes.