FAQ

Yes. Plakton sandals—especially those featuring our natural cork footbeds and Plakton Memory Cushion Technology—are designed to gradually adapt to the unique shape of your feet.

Cork is a naturally flexible and renewable material. When exposed to body heat and pressure from walking, it slowly compresses and takes the form of your foot’s arch, heel, and pressure points. This creates a custom fit that improves with wear.

In addition to cork, many Plakton models include a layer of high-density memory foam, which provides additional cushioning and helps evenly distribute weight across the footbed. This combination not only increases comfort but also supports better posture and reduces strain on joints and pressure areas.

The result is a sandal that becomes more personalized over time—ideal for those seeking long-term comfort, orthopedic support, and improved foot alignment in everyday footwear.

While Plakton sandals are not classified as medical orthopedic devices, many of our models are designed with features that offer orthopedic-style support and comfort.

Several styles include anatomically shaped footbeds made from natural cork, designed to support the natural contours of the foot. These footbeds help promote proper alignment, support the arches, and reduce stress on the ankles, knees, and lower back.

Additionally, our Plakton Memory Cushion Technology includes a layer of high-density memory foam that conforms to the shape of your foot while providing shock absorption. This combination can assist with pressure relief, improved weight distribution, and enhanced comfort over long periods of wear.

These elements make Plakton a thoughtful choice for individuals seeking footwear with added support, especially for daily use, travel, or extended standing.

Plakton sandals are crafted with comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility in mind. Our material choices and sourcing practices reflect a long-term commitment to sustainable footwear design.

Many of our models feature natural cork footbeds, a renewable material harvested from cork oak trees. The bark is carefully removed every 9–10 years without damaging the tree, allowing it to regenerate naturally. This method supports biodiversity and helps maintain healthy Mediterranean forests.

We also use recycled EVA in our outsoles, which helps reduce industrial waste while preserving performance qualities like shock absorption and flexibility.

Select Plakton models incorporate SEAQUAL-certified fabrics made from upcycled marine plastics. These materials are part of a broader initiative to clean oceans and repurpose ocean waste into durable textiles used in fashion and footwear.

Our commitment to responsible sourcing includes working with:

• Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified tanneries to ensure environmentally sound leather processing
• OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 certified textiles, verified to be free from harmful chemicals
• FSC-certified wood where applicable, from responsibly managed forests
• REACH-compliant chemicals that meet strict EU standards for human and environmental safety
• GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified recycled materials

All Plakton sandals are handmade in Spain by skilled artisans. This small-scale manufacturing approach supports traditional craftsmanship while minimizing material waste and ensuring consistent quality.

Are Plakton sandals sustainable?

Plakton is deeply committed to sustainability, integrating eco-conscious practices throughout its design, sourcing, and production processes.

Regenerative Cork Harvesting

Plakton sandals feature natural cork footbeds—a renewable resource obtained through traditional harvesting methods that preserve cork oak trees. Only the bark is removed every 9–10 years by skilled “descortiçadores,” allowing the tree to regenerate without damage or deforestation. This centuries-old technique supports forest health and long-term biodiversity.

Circular and Recycled Materials

Recycled EVA is used in Plakton soles to help reduce waste and energy consumption while maintaining comfort and durability. Additionally, certain models incorporate SEAQUAL-certified fabrics made from marine plastics. These materials contribute to ocean clean-up efforts by transforming plastic waste into functional, sustainable textiles.

Ethical Leather and Responsible Sourcing

Leather used in Plakton sandals is sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), ensuring high environmental and social standards in production. Textiles are certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100, confirming they are free from harmful substances. Wood materials, where used, are FSC-certified for responsible forestry, and all chemical inputs follow EU REACH compliance for safety and sustainability.

Manufacturing with Mindful Craftsmanship

Every pair of Plakton sandals is handmade in Spain by skilled artisans. This traditional craftsmanship is combined with efficient modern processes to reduce material waste and produce durable, long-lasting footwear.

Rooted in Nature and Ocean Conservation

The name “Plakton” reflects the brand’s connection to plankton—microscopic organisms vital to oxygen production and marine ecosystems. The whale emblem represents respect for marine life and endangered species. Guided by this identity, Plakton embraces slow fashion values, focusing on sustainable materials, ethical production, and ecological awareness in both land and sea.

Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email containing a tracking number and a link to follow your shipment. If you did not receive this email or need help locating your tracking information, please contact us at info@plaktonfootwear.com.

We do not offer exchanges. If you need a different size, color, or model, please submit a return request for the original item and place a new order separately. This approach ensures faster and more accurate fulfillment.

Yes, you may return your sandals within 30 days of receiving your order, provided they are unworn, unwashed, and in their original condition with all tags and packaging intact.

To start your return, please use our return portal at:
www.plaktonfootwear.com/a/returns

Please note: a $5 restocking fee per item will be deducted from your refund. Return shipping costs may also apply, depending on the method you select during the return process.

If you believe your item is defective, please initiate a return through our return portal within 30 days of receiving your order:
www.plaktonfootwear.com/a/returns

During the return request, you’ll have the option to upload photos. Please include clear images showing the defect so our team can assess the issue promptly. Once reviewed, we’ll follow up with next steps.

If your order contains the wrong item(s), please contact us at info@plaktonfootwear.com and include a photo of the item(s) received along with any labels or references on the box. We will verify the error and assist with a solution.

No. Items marked as Final Sale are not eligible for return, refund, or exchange under any circumstances. Please review your order carefully before completing your purchase.

For any order-related inquiries—including product information, returns, sizing, or delivery—please reach out to us at info@plaktonfootwear.com. Our customer support team will be happy to assist you.