What Primal Does
Primal develops fully circular and biodegradable footwear designed to close the loop in the footwear industry. Through innovative material science and responsible production, the company creates premium insoles and slippers that can either decompose or are fully circular in nature, eliminating waste and setting a new standard for sustainable comfort.
The Current Landscape and Primal
The global footwear industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental footprint. Most insoles, sneakers, and slippers are made from petroleum-based foams that take centuries to decompose, contributing to landfill overflow and microplastic pollution. While many brands are taking steps toward sustainability, few address the full product lifecycle from creation to composting.
Competitors in this space include brands experimenting with recycled plastics or plant-based materials. However, most remain locked in a “less bad” approach—reducing impact rather than eliminating it. Consumers are now demanding genuine circularity: products that return safely to nature. Within this context, Primal emerges as a frontrunner in biodegradable design, offering a regenerative alternative to mainstream footwear.
The Birth Story of Primal
Primal was founded with a clear mission: to transform how people think about what they wear on their feet. The company originated in the Netherlands, inspired by a deep understanding of material waste in the footwear supply chain. After years of research and development, the founders identified a crucial gap—the absence of truly circular foot comfort solutions.
Rather than recycling old plastics into new products that would still eventually end up as waste, Primal Soles took a different path. The team focused on developing plant-based, compostable materials that naturally decompose without releasing toxins. The brand’s first success came through its innovative range of circular insoles—available in styles like Elevated Clouds®, Hard Cup, Soft Cup, Daily Insoles, and Volume Reducers—each designed for long-lasting comfort and full recyclability.
The Primal Solution
Primal stands apart by designing every product according to the principles of the circular economy. All insoles are made from fully recyclable or compostable materials and can be returned after use through a take-back program that ensures zero landfill waste.
Now, the company is expanding into biodegradable slippers—a natural evolution of its circular footwear vision. These slippers combine innovative biopolymers with natural fibers to create stylish, durable, and fully compostable footwear. Unlike traditional slippers that linger in landfills, Primal Slides’ upcoming line will safely decompose within months under the right conditions.
The company’s long-term vision is bold yet simple: a world where footwear leaves no footprint.
A Primal Customer Story
Outdoor enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike are embracing Primal Soles for its combination of comfort and conscience. One retailer, Bever, now carries four insole types across its stores, helping customers upgrade their footwear experience while supporting environmental regeneration. Feedback consistently highlights the insoles’ durability, comfort, and the peace of mind that comes with choosing circular products.
Customers appreciate knowing that every step they take helps reduce waste—and that when their insoles reach the end of life, they return safely to nature rather than polluting it.
The Team Culture at Primal
The Primal Soles team is made up of designers, engineers, and sustainability specialists united by one purpose: creating better footwear for the planet. The culture emphasizes transparency, experimentation, and environmental responsibility. Each team member plays a role in testing new materials, improving take-back logistics, and educating consumers about circular design.
At the heart of the company lies a shared belief that comfort should never come at the planet’s expense.
A Quote from the Founder of Primal
“Circular design isn’t a trend—it’s the only way forward. Every product should have a defined beginning and a natural end. At Primal, that principle guides everything we create.”— David Even, Founder of Primal Soles
