VIVOBAREFOOT Raises More Than $130,000 for the San Bushman of Namibia; Exceeds Goal for Kickstarter Give-Back Campaign

Barefoot Shoe Technology Leader Successfully Attains Kickstarter Target; Money Raised To Help Revive Ancient African Craft, Support Namibian Community

Press Release – LOS ANGELES — June 10, 2016 — Vivobarefoot, the leading global producer of barefoot shoes, announced today it has exceeded its $100,000 Kickstarter campaign goal for production of original bushman SAN-dals in Namibia. With over 630 backers, the company raised $133,860 (£93K), in total, surpassing its 30-day goal by more than 30 percent.

Vivobarefoot launched the Kickstarter campaign after its very successful Crowdcube campaign, which raised more than $1.8 million in the U.K. The Kickstarter, which started on May 10, 2016, was designed to help revive ancient San bushman leather-making craft, support the local community and bring traditional Bushman sandals—some of the first shoes ever made, which were used by the bushman for persistence hunting for generations—to people around the globe.

Pledge levels ranged from $10 to $5,000, and backers could purchase a standalone pair of San-dals for $150 or pledge towards a once-in-a-lifetime six-day adventure with the San Bushmen in the wildest parts of Namibia. The SAN-dals, which will start shipping in June 2016, are made with ethically-sourced eland skin, one of the thickest and most durable leathers in Africa. They are handmade and wholly unique. These shoes were originally designed to protect villagers from the burning hot sand and sharp thorns. The edges are hand-sewn and sealed with natural beeswax, featuring an embossed animal footprint on the sole for extra grip, abrasion resistance, and so that you can leave an animal footprint!

“We are humbled by the support not only for our company, but for our mission and the craft we are looking to help revive in Namibia,” said Galahad Clark, Founder and MD of Vivobarefoot. “By surpassing our goal, we are now able to give back to the community that has taught us about ancient shoe-making and the importance of shoe design. We are thankful to all those who contributed and enabled us to support one of the oldest communities on Earth, as we continue to create revolutionary footwear for our customers.”

All proceeds from the campaign will be reinvested back into the Namibian community to maintain the village, purchase staple foods and create a famine fund for drought years.

For more information about the campaign, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vivobarefoot/the-original-san-dal

About Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot make the best barefoot shoes in the world: launched in 2012* as a standalone brand, and based in London, England.

Vivobarefoot is on a mission to change the footwear industry based on one simple insight—shoes should let your feet do their natural thing. The shoes feature a patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole in every shoe that protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback. Designed using ancient wisdom with modern technology Vivobarefoot is a complete shoe collection for off road, exercise and everyday wear, as well as a line for kids.

Created by two cousins from a long line of cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark are on a quest to make the perfect shoe—perfect for feet.

Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials in independently monitored factories. For more information on Vivobarefoot, visit http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us.

*Vivobarefoot started life in 2004 as a sub-brand “Terra Plana using Vivobarefoot technology.”

The post VIVOBAREFOOT Raises More Than $130,000 for the San Bushman of Namibia; Exceeds Goal for Kickstarter Give-Back Campaign appeared first on GoodCrowd.info.