Pawprints

Concept Overview

PawPrints is a sustainable footwear concept where the strap of a sandal (slide/flip-flop) doubles as a repurposed pet collar. The idea bridges human products and animal needs—when the user is done with the slides, the strap can be donated to an animal shelter to become a collar for a cat or dog.

Materials & Sustainability

• Natural Cork: Used for the sole and top structure, with customizable colors.

• Recycled Metals: Used for buckles and strap tunnels, available in multiple finishes.

• Recycled Rubber: Used for the bottom sole.

• Natural Leather: Used for straps, offered in different colors.

• Laser Etching: Enables personalization and branding.

Every component is designed to be recyclable or reusable, making the product 100% sustainable.

Product Life Cycle

1. Ordering – Customers personalize their slides (size, cork/leather color, buckle finish).

2. Manufacturing – Eco-friendly production with cork molding, recycled rubber, and machined metal.

3. Usage – Designed to last 3–4 years with comfortable, simple styling.

4. Afterlife – The strap is donated to shelters for animals; cork, rubber, and metal are recycled accordingly.

Problem & Opportunity

• Animal Shelters spend $24–32M annually on new collars for incoming animals.

• Around 6–8M cats and dogs enter U.S. shelters every year.

• PawPrints offers an easy donation pathway, turning everyday human footwear into a direct support system for animal welfare.

In short: PawPrints is a sustainable footwear brand where each pair helps reduce waste and supports shelter animals by transforming sandal straps into pet collars.