Vegan shoe! No animal products or even animal byproducts. The foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper. Water based glue is used to hold the shoe together, not petroleum based. Just another way to reduce our dependence on petroleum, and it also means no nasty smelling glue for the people who put your shoes together. The sole of the shoe is biodegradable! The midsole is made of EVA with Eco-Pure and the outsole is made of 30% recycled rubber and 70% natural rubber with Eco-Pure added. The Eco-Pure additive makes the EVA and rubber biodegrade in 20 years in a landfill or compost heap. Comes in a biodegradable bag with a biodegradable hanger.