category: Ahimsa | Vegan Shoes

The word "ahimsa" comes from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit and roughly translates as "non-harm" or "non-violence." It describes one of the central concepts of Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is, of course, no coincidence that the small Brazilian company AHIMSA chose this word for its name. Rather, the AHIMSA brand stands for precisely the values ​​embodied by the concept of ahimsa.

AHIMSA was founded in 2013 by Gabriel Silva, a long-time vegan himself, who set out to produce high-quality vegan shoes that also met his own high ethical standards. It's hardly an exaggeration to say he's achieved just that.

AHIMSA operates a small factory in the city of Franca in the northeastern Brazilian state of São Paulo, where all of the company's shoes, bags, and belts are lovingly handcrafted by the company's employees. The workers there work an 8-hour day with regular working hours and fair pay—something that's unfortunately not a given in this industry.

The raw materials used are always selected with sustainability in mind. Materials used include cotton and natural rubber, fibers from recycled PET bottles, and water-based adhesives. It almost goes without saying that everything AHIMSA produces is free of animal ingredients. After all, respect for all forms of life is one of AHIMSA's principles.

AHIMSA shoes are not only extremely sustainable in their production, they also exude a charm all their own. This is partly due to the materials used and the loving craftsmanship. But it also certainly has something to do with the mild climate of the region around São Paulo, which leaves its mark on life there. AHIMSA shoes always exude a light, summery feel that makes even the grayest Central European autumn day seem a little less gloomy.