Vivobarefoot unveils vegan Gobi sneakers made from mushroom-based HyphaLite
British eco-friendly footwear brand Vivobarefoot has launched a pioneering addition to its vegan lineup: the Gobi II Sneaker, crafted from HyphaLite, an innovative mushroom-based material. This debut marks a significant step toward eliminating plastic from the brand’s vegan offerings, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.
Developed in collaboration with HyphaLite, the material combines mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—with latex and cellulose to create a durable, animal-free, and plastic-free alternative to leather. Charlotte Pumford, Vivobarefoot’s Director of Sustainability, told Forbes, “We’ve been seeking a plant-based material that can perform at the level people expect from everyday footwear.” After overcoming early challenges with durability and absorbency, the refined HyphaLite material now withstands daily wear while supporting the brand’s Revivo programme, which refurbishes and reuses worn shoes to reduce landfill waste.
Priced at £96, the Gobi II Sneaker Premium Canvas is available on Vivobarefoot’s website and at select retail partners, offering eco-conscious consumers a stylish, sustainable choice.
