- Dubs, launched in August 2022 by co-founders Stuart and Gary, makes stylish, comfortable, and sustainable children’s shoes.
- The brand designs shoes with children in mind, focusing on durability and quick growth using sustainable materials.
- Their hero products, the Dubs Flex and Dubs Glide are designed to be durable and machine washable, perfect for busy parents.
Website: www.dubsuniverse.com
What is Dubs?
Dubs is a kid’s shoe company focused on creating the most comfortable, stylish and sustainable shoes for children.
The brand, which was started in 2022 by friends Stuart and Gary, was inspired by the children’s footwear industry, which was full of fashion trends with no durability. This meant that the industry was not only expensive – as parents needed to replace shoes regularly – but also wasteful.
The pair decided to change the sector by making shoes that were built specifically with children in mind. From there, they developed 2 key products: The Dubs Flex and The Dubs Glide. These shoes are designed without elements like laces, which children find difficult to master, and can be washed in a machine to stay in good condition.
And, given children grow out of their shoes quickly, the company has a re-sale programme where parents can exchange shoes for cash or credit. Parents can also buy these second hand shoes, giving them more affordable options.
What Makes Dubs Unique?
Dubs is unique for its children-focused shoe designs. As many children’s shoes are just smaller versions of adult styles, the company is reimagining children’s shoe wear.
The company is also unique for its commitment to sustainability, especially in a sector that generates a lot of waste. By using materials like sugarcane for soles and chrome-free leather, their shoes are durable and also eco-friendly. To add to this, the company also has a re-sale programme, which allows people to buy the shoes second hand. This not only helps parents financially, but the planet too.
Want to be featured as TechRound’s Startup of the Week? Find out more about this weekly feature, and how to get involved, here.
Is There A Market For Sustainable Kids’ Footwear?
Yes, there is a growing market for sustainable kids’ footwear for a number of reasons.
Firstly, consumers are becoming more eco-conscious when it comes to their purchases, and the childrens’ clothes industry is known for being incredibly wasteful. According to Future Net Zero, more than 183m pieces of kids’ clothes hit landfill each year. Parents are becoming more conscious of these statistics, which aren’t just a problem for the planet, but are also financially wasteful too.
Because of this, brands that prioritise durability and comfort are definitely more appealing. Dubs ability to combine these elements mean they are in a great position to grow in the market.
What Key Products Does Dubs Have?
Dubs has two hero products that come in a variety of colours.
Dubs Flex: For parents that are looking for comfort and style, these shoes have elastic collars, pull-tags for easy wear and are machine washable.
Dubs Glide: These shoes have velcro straps and designed for durability, this product suits young adventurers. Like the Flex, it is also made from sustainable materials.