News / Sustainability
Bristol startup gives climbing shoes a second run
A Bristol-based startup is helping the city’s growing climbing community cut waste and save money through sustainable shoe repairs.
Sole Brother, founded by climber Joe Casserley, restores worn-out climbing shoes using eco-rubber made from recycled materials, extending their lifespan and reducing landfill waste.
“Climbing shoes are an essential but short-lived part of the sport,” said Joe Casserley, founder of Sole Brother.
“Instead of throwing them away, we can give them a second or third life using recycled eco-rubber.
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Climbing is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, boosted by its debut at the Tokyo Olympics. And Bristolians are not immune to the climbing fever.
With more than 30,000 climbers regularly taking part across Bristol’s gyms and crags, the city has one of the most active climbing scenes in the country.
Among the many new facilities is The Climbing Hangar, where the former Wilko store on Union Street has been transformed into a space offering climbing facilities.
As climbing shoes wear out quickly and are expensive to replace, Sole Brother helps tackle the problem by giving shoes a second or even third life.
Sole Brother is helping the city’s growing climbing community cut waste and save money through sustainable shoe repairs
To make repairs more convenient, the business offers a 24-hour self-service system at Redpoint in Bedminster and Flashpoint near Temple Meads, allowing climbers to drop off and collect their shoes at any time.
“Sole Brother is about making climbing more affordable and sustainable, while supporting the circular economy here in Bristol,” added Casserley
The business has already repaired thousands of pairs across the city’s climbing centres.
All photos: Sole Brother
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