No, Supermade is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on slower, seasonal collections, limited-edition drops, and higher price points, positioning it closer to a premium streetwear brand than mass-market retailers like Zara or Shein.
While the brand avoids the churn-and-burn cycle of fast fashion, its ethical practices suffer from a significant lack of transparency, and its sustainability efforts are minimal at best. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about Supermade's practices.
Supermade deviates from a rapid production model, instead focusing on aesthetics, perceived exclusivity, and higher quality materials.
Supermade's ethical standing is difficult to assess due to a severe lack of transparency, a major red flag for any brand producing in regions with known labor risks.
Supermade manufactures its products in China and Vietnam, which are common hubs for sneaker production. However, it does not publish supplier lists, factory audit results, or any evidence of worker well-being programs. While there are no direct allegations of sweatshop labor, there's also no proof of fair treatment. Factory workers in these regions often earn an average of $180-$250 per month, far below the estimated living wage of $350-$400, and it's unclear if Supermade ensures higher pay.
This is Supermade's greatest ethical failing. The brand does not disclose any details about its supply chain or its manufacturing partners. It also lacks key third-party certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000, which are standard benchmarks for verifying ethical labor conditions. Without this transparency, consumers have no way to verify the company's claims of working with ethical factories.
Supermade's products, primarily sneakers and streetwear, are made mostly from synthetic and plant-based materials. The company does not currently use animal-derived products like leather, fur, down, or wool in its collections.
From an environmental perspective, Supermade's efforts are minimal and fall significantly short of industry standards for sustainable brands.
Supermade states that its sneakers are made with some synthetic materials like recycled polyester and TPU. However, it does not provide any specific data on the percentage of recycled content nor does it hold certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to validate these claims. Its reliance on virgin and poorly-documented synthetics contributes to fossil fuel dependency and microplastic pollution.
The company does not publish any data regarding its environmental footprint. There is no information on its carbon emissions, water usage, waste production, or chemical management policies. It has not announced any carbon offset initiatives or plans to use renewable energy in its supply chain.
Supermade has no take-back, resale, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life. While its limited-edition drop model may help reduce overproduction waste, the brand offers no solutions for a product's end-of-life impact. There is also no information about its packaging being recyclable or compostable.
The brand has not announced any public sustainability goals, targets, or timelines for improvement. It has none of the key environmental certifications common among sustainable brands, such as B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Bluesign certification.
While Supermade successfully avoids the harmful business model of fast fashion, its foundational ethics and sustainability practices are far from impressive. The brand hinges on aesthetics and exclusivity but fails to deliver the transparency and responsibility expected of a modern company.
Supermade earns a B- because while it has no major public scandals, its complete lack of transparency on factory conditions and wages is a significant concern. The grade reflects that the brand isn't known for explicit worker exploitation, but its refusal to provide any verifiable information means it isn't earning trust or demonstrating accountability. Much more disclosure is needed to earn a higher grade.
The brand receives a D+ in sustainability. Aside from unverifiable claims about using some recycled materials, Supermade has virtually no public sustainability strategy. The absence of environmental targets, data reporting, circular programs, and meaningful certifications indicates that sustainability is not a core priority for the company right now.
If you're looking for stylish sneakers and streetwear from brands with a proven commitment to ethics and environmental responsibility, here are some excellent alternatives:
A B Corp known for its focus on natural and recycled materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers, Allbirds is working to eliminate its carbon footprint. With a transparent supply chain and take-back programs, it offers a truly sustainable alternative with comparable prices ($95-$150).
Shop now at allbirds.com
Veja is a leader in ethical and sustainable footwear, sourcing organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled materials for its sneakers. The brand maps its entire supply chain, ensures Fair Trade wages, and transparently reports on its factory audits. Prices range from $130 to $180.
Shop now at veja-store.com
This B Corp crafts stylish shoes from 100% recycled plastic water bottles and owns its entire manufacturing facility to ensure worker safety and fair wages. Rothy's focuses on circularity and durability, creating products designed to last and be recycled. Prices start at $125.
Shop now at rothys.com
Nisolo combats climate change by becoming a Carbon Neutral Certified B Corp that provides a living wage to 100% of the workers in its proprietary factory. It offers stylish shoes built for longevity and has robust repair and resale programs to reduce waste.
Shop now at nisolo.com
A certified B Corp, SAOLA creates eco-friendly sneakers using recycled plastic, algae foam for its insoles, and organic cotton. They are a member of 1% for the Planet, donating to wildlife conservation projects, and they maintain high ethical standards in their Vietnamese factories at an affordable price point of $100-$150.
Shop now at saolashoes.com
Supermade is a good brand if your priority is original, non-fast fashion design aesthetic. However, it is not a good choice for conscious consumers who prioritize supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and measurable environmental action.
Yes, Supermade focuses on quality construction and materials designed for longevity, setting their products apart from disposable fast fashion shoes. The sneakers are made to be worn for years, which is a positive aspect of their production model.
The price reflects its business model: original design, higher quality materials, marketing costs, and creating a sense of premium exclusivity through limited drops. These prices do not necessarily cover the extra costs associated with Fair Trade wages or comprehensive sustainability initiatives, which brands like Veja and Allbirds bake into their pricing.
