Zig + Star’s unisex and paediatric podiatrist-approved collections include sandals, shoes and boots, as well as a special schoolwear edit. A brand with sustainability at its core, Zig + Star is committed to lessening the landfill load with its range of children’s shoes for 2-10 years.
The brand is the brainchild of Ali McAleavy. The mother of three left her job as head of buying at Topshop to launch Zig + Star in 2021, after becoming disillusioned at the growing dominance of fast and disposable fashion.
The range of non-gendered, sustainable kids’ footwear uses the highest quality materials chosen for their durability and biodegradability. The shoe and boot collections are also designed with a hidden Good-to-Grow midsole, which can be removed to give at least an extra six months of wear.
Collections are made with non-toxic materials and feature premium leather uppers with natural pigskin linings and natural rubber soles for flexibility.
Zig + Star’s sandals are available in three designs – Solar, Cosmic and Rae. Colour and prints include two metallic options, three leopard prints as well as yellow, navy and khaki designs.
The brand’s collection also includes two styles – Atomic and Astro – which are available in all-black options for school. Atomic has a double adjustable strap design and a leather padded collar and insock. Astro, meanwhile, is a classic T-bar design with a child-friendly adjustable strap and leather padded collar and insole. Completing the collection is the brand’s Rockit Boot.
Since launching in 2021, Zig + Star has received industry-wide recognition for its sustainable collections.
Most recently the brand won the Best Circularity Initiative Award (<£30m turnover company) at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards. In 2022, it received a Platinum Junior Design Award for Best Children’s Footwear Collection. This is alongside nominations for the Best New Footwear Brand at the Drapers Footwear Awards and Best Footwear Design at the Footwear Awards.
Zig + Star is passionate about circularity, which is why the entire collection is unisex. This allows the shoes to be passed on to relatives and friends, regardless of gender. The brand also offers customers three ‘end of life’ options.
Parents can resell shoes via the brand’s nominated resale platform Kidswear Collective, receiving a discount towards their next purchase. They also have the option to donate their shoes to Sals Shoes, a charity that gives pre-loved shoes to children living in deprived areas of the UK and across the world.
If the shoes are not suitable for either of the above, Zig + Star offers a recycling option. In this case, the old shoes go on to be used for resurfacing playgrounds among other uses. Again, customers are rewarded with a discount voucher as a thank you.
For wholesale enquiries, please contact hello@zigandstar.com. Alternatively, click here to visit the brand’s website.
