April 2010

Kinder Soles Brand to Feature Recycled Materials with Buy-One, Give-One Business Model

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 2010) – Two Raleigh entrepreneurs are joining the worldwide shoe shortage movement with the launch of a new company and a socially-responsible business model designed to donate a pair of gently-used shoes for every pair sold.

Kinder Soles, co-founded by Mark Saad and Chris Smith, is a new flip-flop brand that combines classic design style with recycled materials and better ergonomics.

Kinder Soles, co-founded by Mark Saad and Chris Smith, is a new flip-flop brand that combines classic design style with recycled materials and better ergonomics. Each pair of sandals is made of repurposed material from the rubber sole to the leather upper. Kinder Soles will retail for $49.99 after donation rebate.

“After seeing the need for better footwear in the developing world first hand, we designed Kinder Soles to help fill that need,” said Mark Saad, co-founder of Kinder Soles. “When we first set out to make a better sandal, making a green product just made sense.”

According to Soles4Souls, a nationally-renowned nonprofit, Americans throw away at least 300 million pairs of shoes each year that end up rotting in our own landfills. Meanwhile, the U.S. government estimates that 300 million children around the world have never owned a pair of shoes.

Kinder Soles offers customers $10 off every pair sold if the buyer donates an old pair of shoes. The online retailer simplifies the process by providing pre-paid shipping labels in the same box that the Kinder Soles sandals are delivered. The sandals currently retail at www.KinderSoles.com with plans to launch in brick and mortar retail within the year.

After working closely with podiatrists, the sandal is ergonomically designed to provide proper arch and heel support that molds to the shape of your foot, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. This healthy alternative to the “traditional” flip-flop will seek approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association to help the 75% of Americans who experience serious foot problems in their lifetime.

“Working with athletes every day clearly demonstrates how critical good foot support is for overall well-being,” said Chris Smith, tennis pro and co-founder of the Kinder Soles brand. “We developed this shoe to be good for the earth, your feet and soul.”

The company’s charitable partner is Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org), a charity that collects donated shoes to distribute free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria, both domestically and internationally.

Kinder Soles is planning a brand launch party in downtown Raleigh on May 20 at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub & Restaurant. Become a Kinder Soles fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kindersoles) and check out their website at www.kindersoles.com for more information.