Sustainable sneakers champion local craftsmanship and eco-friendly exploration
Every pair is born from the hands of Negrense weavers and farmers
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Every pair is born from the hands of Negrense weavers and farmers
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For the modern adventurer, exploring the world now goes hand-in-hand with protecting it. Local footwear brand Lakat Sustainables is stepping up to this demand with The Traveler’s Collection, a new line of eco-friendly sneakers designed for both urban exploration and outdoor discovery.
The highly anticipated collection will make its exclusive debut at the Purveyr Fair 2026, happening 12 to 13 September at the World Trade Center.
Designed for movement and nature
While retaining the brand’s classic silhouette and signature pineapple fabric, the new collection introduces a completely revamped sole. Designed by Steph Claparols — daughter of Lakat founders Michael and Banj Claparols — the shoe features outsoles with distinct, intentional curves. The inner side closely follows the foot’s natural shape, while the outer curve mimics the forward momentum of a wave.
“Lakat’s new shoe design encapsulates the feeling of exploration,” shares Steph. To complement this dynamic shape, the brand collaborated with visual artist and designer Jadon Kilayko to develop colorways inspired by the great outdoors. The palettes evoke memories of hiking mountains, drifting down rivers, dipping into the sea, or strolling through open fields.
The founders note that the ultimate goal was to strike a balance between sleek and sporty, resulting in footwear that seamlessly transitions from city leisure to rugged treks.
Woven with purpose in Negros
Beyond its travel-ready aesthetics, The Traveler’s Collection remains deeply rooted in community empowerment. Every pair is born from the hands of Negrense weavers and farmers.
Discarded pineapple leaves — a regular agricultural food waste — are ingeniously transformed into durable threads. These threads are then woven using techniques passed down through generations in Negros, showcasing the world-class capabilities of local artisans. By continuously creating demand for these indigenous skills, Lakat ensures that local agricultural workers can rely on their existing resources to sustain their families and uplift their communities.
