Sugarcane represents more than just a material for MinKay—it’s a symbol of hope and transformation. From its roots in the earth to the soles of your shoes, sugarcane embodies the possibility of a world where style and sustainability walk hand in hand.
The sugarcane used is processed into bio-ethanol, which forms the base for high-performance, plant-based materials. Its versatility and minimal environmental impact align with MinKay’s commitment to sustainability.
we chose sugarcane because it tells a story of renewal. This incredible plant absorbs CO2 as it grows, giving back to the planet while offering us a biodegradable, lightweight, and durable alternative to harmful synthetic materials. Through an innovative process, sugarcane is transformed into bio-ethanol, creating high-performance, plant-based components.
MinKay’s sugarcane material meets GOTS for eco-friendly processing, ISCC for traceability and sustainability, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for being free of harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for the planet and its people.
Algae foam is an innovative, eco-friendly material that serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic foams. Lightweight and flexible, algae foam offers remarkable cushioning and support, making it perfect for use in shoe insoles and midsoles.
This material is both durable and biodegradable, ensuring it breaks down naturally over time, unlike conventional foams that persist in landfills for decades. In Minkay footwear, algae foam provides all-day comfort while reducing the environmental impact, combining functionality with sustainability.
The inspiration to use algae foam comes from its dual purpose: creating a comfortable shoe component while contributing to water health by repurposing excessive algae. By using algae, we help clean waterways, preventing harmful blooms that impact ecosystems, an effort that resonates with Canada’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Minkay partners with algae foam suppliers who meet Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Cradle to Cradle Certification standards, ensuring responsible sourcing and production. We commit to sustainable practices, using only algae foams that contribute to water health and meet rigorous environmental certifications.
Cork is a renewable, lightweight material with natural cushioning properties, perfect for shoe midsoles and footbeds. The natural cushioning adapts to the shape of the foot, providing a unique, custom fit that enhances comfort over time.
While cork isn’t native to Canada, its sustainable benefits resonate with Canadian values around eco-consciousness and conservation. MinKay brings a globally sustainable material into the Canadian market, aligning with the country’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Using cork adds a natural aesthetic and earthy feel to Minkay’s shoes, connecting the wearer to nature and reinforcing the brand’s dedication to responsible material choices.
Our inspiration for using cork stems from its environmental benefits. Cork is harvested without harming the tree, allowing it to regrow and continue absorbing carbon dioxide. This aligns with MinKay’s philosophy of creating products that respect the planet’s natural resources while providing high-quality comfort.
Minkay sources cork only from suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring responsible forestry practices. Our products are crafted to comply with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact through every stage of production.
Piñatex, crafted from pineapple leaf fibers, is an innovative, vegan alternative to leather that combines strength, flexibility, and a unique texture. This plant-based material is derived from the agricultural waste of pineapple harvests, transforming an often-discarded byproduct into a high-performance textile.
The eco-conscious values behind Piñatex resonate with Canada’s dedication to sustainability and support for innovative solutions that repurpose waste. The use of Piñatex aligns with Canada’s growing commitment to the circular economy, reducing reliance on traditional animal-based leathers and synthetic materials.
We chose Piñatex due to its origins in repurposing waste. By utilizing pineapple leaves, Minkay helps reduce agricultural waste while offering a high-quality, cruelty-free alternative to leather. This material represents our commitment to sustainability, transforming waste into something beautiful and functional.
Minkay uses only Piñatex certified by the Vegan Society and PETA-approved standards, ensuring our materials meet ethical, cruelty-free criteria. We also adhere to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to guarantee that our materials are free from harmful chemicals, prioritizing both environmental and consumer health.
Key features for custom shoes
Any customization selected by your customers can be visualized in real-time from multiple perspectives.
Upload only one image of your components and use live coloring to display all the colors available of your product.
Add extra prices to certain colors, material or components. Your customers will see the price change dynamically as soon as they select an option.
Design Your Perfect Pair
Minkay offers a unique customization experience, allowing customers to design their shoes to match their personal style. Choose from a variety of colors, add unique artwork, and select eco-friendly materials to make each pair truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s bold shades, subtle tones, or custom patterns, our customization options give you full creative control, all while staying sustainable. Create a pair that reflects not only your style but also your commitment to the planet.
Virtual Fit, Real Style!
Experience the future of shopping with Minkay’s Virtual Try-On feature, designed to make your footwear journey as seamless and eco-friendly as possible. With just a smartphone or device, you can preview exactly how Minkay shoes look on your feet, allowing you to explore various colors, patterns, and styles in real-time. Adjust and visualize customizations like color choices and artwork to see how each option matches your unique style before committing to a purchase.
Pixel perfect assets ready for virtual try-on
The interactive experience isn’t just about convenience—it also contributes to a more sustainable approach to shopping. By helping you make the right choice the first time, our Virtual Try-On feature minimizes unnecessary returns, lowering both carbon emissions and waste. Try on any pair from the comfort of home, and feel confident that each step you take with Minkay is a step towards a greener planet.
Showcase Your Style
At Minkay, we empower you not only to design your dream shoes but also to share your creations with the world. Our platform allows users to create their own custom shoe line, complete with personalized colors, artwork, and eco-friendly materials.
How It Works
We look for creative people with a good sense of design and great motivation. Experience is welcome but not required. Participation in the program is free of charge.
Make your own custom shoes and fashion accessories from more than 200 style genres and a wide variety of colors and materials. Add your own logos and even customize the packaging.
Launch pre-order campaigns to start production, or easily get ready-to-wear prototypes of your designs and start selling through your custom e-shop.
Blending AI with eco-conscious production, empowering creators to design, launch, and manage sustainable shoe lines effortlessly.
Leverage AI to suggest colors, materials, and artwork based on your style preferences, making it easy to create unique, on-brand designs.
Access insights from AI-driven analytics on your design trends, sales performance, and customer preferences, helping you refine and enhance your shoe line.
Minkay’s AI optimizes the production process for sustainability, ensuring minimal waste and efficient resource use while you focus on creativity.
Brings eco-friendly footwear
directly to our customers.
Minkay’s D2C model delivers eco-friendly, custom footwear directly to customers,
enhancing accessibility, transparency, and sustainable practices.
Seamless, personalized shopping experience with direct access to eco-friendly footwear and easy customization options.
Directly with our community, sharing sustainable fashion tips and showcasing creator designs, building an engaged, eco-conscious following.
Sustainability, innovation, and empowerment, crafting a unique identity that resonates with fashion-forward, eco-minded customers.
Customer Relationship
Direct insights to personalize the shopping experience.
Cost Savings
Without middlemen, Minkay offers eco-friendly shoes at better prices.
Brand Consistency
Full control ensures MinKay’s brand aligns with its sustainable values.
Quick Feedback Response
Direct feedback lets Minkay adapt products quickly.
Sustainability Focus
The D2C model allows Minkay to minimize waste and use eco-friendly practices.
Unique features of Minkay’s D2C
e-commerce platform
Minkay’s platform allows customers to design their own shoes with AI-suggested colors, materials, and styles, creating a truly personalized experience.
Minkay empowers users to create and sell their custom shoe lines directly on the platform, fostering a community of eco-conscious creators.
Minkay offers an immersive virtual try-on feature, enabling customers to visualize their custom designs in real-time, ensuring the perfect look and fit before purchase.
Crafted from eco-friendly materials, each pair is designed to reduce your environmental impact while keeping you fashion-forward.
