Xuz and Fly London – Two Portuguese brands with genuine soles!

Both Xuz and Fly London are characterized for including in their collections some lines with models with thick soles. Depending on the brand and the type of shoes, they vary between high heels, chunky, wedges or platforms. However, what we will truly focus on today’s post is on the materials that each one of these brands uses to make their soles.

What do you know about alder wood and cork? It is precisely about these two materials that we will talk about today on the EscapeShoes’ post. And why? Because they are part of the soles from two of our brands. Do you want to know the reasons why Fly London and Xuz choose them to make their shoes? You will realize that, in addition to the design, it is also about their fantastic properties.

Without further ado, we will divide the post into two main sections so that you know more details about these materials.

XUZ – Alder wood.

Where does it come from?

The Alnus acuminata is the tree from where alder wood is extracted from. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and, according to its different classes, it is a deciduous plant, when it is born in moist or semidry areas. It can reach up to 20m in height and its bark is scaly and greyish.

Characteristics and properties.

Fun fact! Do you know why a long time ago many European countries thought that the alder was cursed? It was because its wood has a light colour… However, when it is cut and comes into contact with oxygen, it acquires a more reddish or orange brown colour.

This wood is very light and also very resistant, even in water. It absorbs preservations treatments well and is easy to hew and cut, thus ensuring that it has a thin finish.

Uses.

It is very common to use alder wood to make beams. So that you have an idea about its importance in construction, the foundations of the buildings in Venice are made of ordinary alder wood.

It is also used for light objects and domestic utensils, like broomsticks, matches, pencils and boxes. It is also used to make furniture and for musical instruments.

Xuz makes all its shoes by hand. It uses alder wood, so easy to work with, for high boots as well as for ankle boots, clogs or sandals. Look at that perfect and polished finish.

Without a doubt, it offers shoes great resistance and stability, which will ensure that you feel secure as you walk. On the other hand, it is light, thus allowing your feet the rest that they need throughout the entire day.

FLY LONDON – Cork.

Where does it come from?

It is the bark from a tree called Quercus suber, commonly called cork oak. It is native to Europe and North Africa, and it is deciduous. It is important to clarify that the collection of cork does not harm the tree. Its though and thick bark is able to reproduce again, thus being able to collect it each 9-14 years. Did you know that its collection is completely manual? Besides, Portugal has 50% of the world’s production, up to the point that hewing is prohibited, except from unproductive trees.

Characteristics and properties.

We will sum up the properties of cork in different points:

– It is very light, since it is over 80% air;

– Its great elasticity ensures that it recuperates its initial volume when it is not pressured;

– The surface is non-sticky due to its micro suction cups.

– It is floatable and water-resistant to liquids and gases. It resists humidity without deteriorating.

– It is fire-resistant and a heat isolator.

Uses.

You already know that it is mainly used to close glass bottles. Up to the point that wine cork stoppers represent 80% of the business. It is also used for decorative panels to put on walls and to post posters with pins.

It is also frequently used for construction, since it is a heat and acoustic isolator.

More and more, it is used to make insoles and soles for shoes.

It is precisely Fly London that gives it this use and includes it in the soles of the Glam, Milly or Charlie lines. You can see that they appear in different shapes and in more robust or refined finishes.

In any case, cork offers a light, durable and very cushioning base for your feet. And, if you realize, both Fly London and Xuz give their outsoles a rubber finish underneath. In addition of a perfect finish, it gives even more resistance to the shoes, thus ensuring that it is completely appropriate to support your steps to the end of the day.

Now you already know why Xuz and Fly London shoes are amazing for your day-to-day. Without a doubt, they are two brands that think about your wellbeing, while respecting the environment during every moment. Remember that you can buy several models from both brands online at EscapeShoes. Are you going to let them slip away?