Can I Kick It?

Texas shoe brand goes green with fashionable new recycled sneaker

The Legacy is made using eight post-consumer water bottles and 100 percent vegan materials.

Photo courtesy of SUAVS

Texas footwear brand SUAVS is kicking into 2020 with sustainability in mind. The Austin-based brand, which launched in 2015, is introducing its first-ever shoe made entirely from recycled materials. The Recycled Knit Legacy Sneaker, a new high-top style, is the first of many eco-conscious releases to come, the company says.

Much like earlier SUAVS styles, the new sneaker features lightweight comfort, breathable construction, and a cool silhouette to deliver all-day comfort for travel, commutes, and other activities. While the newest style includes signature elements of the brand's product line, it also features ethical upgrades, including 100 percent vegan materials (even down to the glue). The shoe is made using up to eight recycled water bottles, and sustainable production methods have been put in place to reduce material waste during the manufacturing process.

SUAVS CEO Monxi Garza says the new style is the result of the company's focus on sustainability, something that has long been in the works for the brand.

“At SUAVS, we don’t just want to create the most comfortable, versatile shoes,” Garza says. “They need to be sustainable as well. We’ve been working on sourcing sustainable materials for a few years now. As soon as we were able to create a durable, equally as soft, and comfortable knit that was also made from recycled materials, we made the switch.”

Additionally, the new sneaker is designed with considerable comfort improvements and boasts a softer material than other classic SUAVS styles.

“Our Legacy high tops look like a boot, wear like a sneaker, and feel like a sock,” Garza says. “These updates allow for a more natural and comfortable fit, while also increasing durability in different terrains and weather conditions.”

The release marks a new era for the footwear label. Beginning this year, all new launches and current SUAVS styles will be made using sustainable materials, further solidifying the company’s focus on producing a smaller carbon footprint. Unsold styles will be donated to nonprofit organizations like Soles4Souls and LifeWorks.

“It’s a matter of accountability as a consumer brand and being more conscious about the products we create for our customers and the environment,” Garza explains. Shoppers can expect even more sustainable and sleek SUAVS styles and colors in the months ahead, with the next launch slated for as early as February 2020.

The Recycled Knit Legacy Sneaker is $110 and is available in three colors in both men’s and women’s sizes.

shopping

WHERE TO SHOP IN APRIL

Where to shop in Houston right now: 13 spots to get ready for spring

Photo courtesy of Gorjana

Gorjana debuts its “With Love, From the Desert” collection, featuring bandana-inspired pieces and easy, everyday layers.

Trips to Round Top and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo may be in the rearview, but Houston's social calendar isn't slowing down yet. Spring is just getting started with a full lineup of parties, galas, and sunny soirées that call for a wardrobe refresh or some retail therapy to match the new season.

From fresh boutique arrivals to statement jewelry drops and can't-miss events, April delivers plenty of reasons to shop.

Abejas
Spring has sprung, and West University-area boutique Abejas is ready with new arrivals from brands including Tutu&Lilli, Cleobella, Catherine Gee, and Pharaoh Collection.

BYLT Basics
Made famous for their "drop cut" tees and major athletic and celebrity partnerships, BYLT Basics is now open in the Galleria. The store offers a variety of transitional everyday essentials that can go from work to workouts.

Consuela
The Texas-based brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of the limited-edition Hola-Love Classic Tote. The anniversary tote features natural Diego leather that develops a deep patina over time, a bright Consuela Cloth interior, an orange star glitter pocket, and exclusive handcrafted “Peeps” charms created in collaboration with artists in San Miguel de Allende. Only 620 pieces will be released, each including a signed anniversary patch from Consuela's founder Conni Reed.

Fourth & Nomad
A Heights favorite, Fourth & Nomad is stocked with springtime favorites, including the newest drop of handmade jewelry from Merewif. The collection includes delicate rings and necklaces that still make a statement.

Gorjana
With Love, From the Desert is the latest drop from the So-Cal brand, and while bandanas are having a moment, Gorjana is ready with the Paisley Bandana Knot necklace and bracelets. The Zoey Mixed Stacked Huggies are great for those who love mixed metals, and with Mother's Day coming up, the Mama Wilder necklace is the perfect gift for mom.

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
After a four-year hiatus, Houston Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker Market Spring returns April 17–19 at NRG Center. Nearly 150 merchants will showcase warm-weather finds, from returning favorites like Apples Gone Wild and Dog Collar World to more than 40 new vendors, including Texas-based Beaded Blondes. Proceeds support the Ballet’s Academy and scholarship programs, continuing a legacy of more than $100 million raised. Tickets start at $20, with early bird options offering multi-day access and early entry.

M-K-T Heights
Shop at over 50 local plant and artisan vendors at M-K-T Heights Big Spring Energy Houston Plant Market. Enjoy hands-on activities, giveaways, DJs, and roaming entertainers for IG-worthy photo-opps at this outdoor event. Saturday, April 18, 12-5 pm.

Salvation Army Chic Boutique Showroom Sale
One of the year’s most anticipated shopping events is back, and it’s giving serious designer deals. The Salvation Army Chic Boutique sale returns with racks of new and pre-loved pieces, including clothing, shoes, and accessories from coveted names like Valentino, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Loewe, Zimmermann, Tory Burch, Rebecca Taylor, Staud, Cinq à Sept, and Alice + Olivia. Shoppers can stock up on luxury labels without the luxury price tags. The sale will take place at 3403 Richmond Ave, with an early-access preview on Wednesday, April 8, from 3-7 pm where a $20 donation gets shoppers first pick of the best finds. The doors open to the public Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11, from 10 am-5 pm.

Saturday Silks
Get ready for gameday or graduation with Saturday Silks' collegiate scarves, pocket squares, twillies, sleep masks, and scrunchies. The Houston-based boutique also carries an array of scarf accessories, including Skinny Scarf Reversible Leather belts, scarf rings, scarf sliders, and the Small Saturday Scarf Leather Belt Straps.

The City Market 2026
Hosted by the Houston Junior Forum, this annual market will take place on Thursday, April 9, from 2-8 pm, and Friday, April 10, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, at Silver Street Studios. Shoppers will find a wide range of merchants, including boutique gifts, accessories, art, gourmet food, clothing, jewelry, and more. Perfect for stocking up on gifts for Mother's Day, Easter, and graduations.

Tommy John
On Thursday, April 2, Tommy John will be launching its first-ever swim collection, with trunks designed to solve one of the biggest issues with traditional trunks, uncomfortable mesh lining. The collection features swimwear with a supportive, quick-dry liner inspired by its popular underwear. Available at the Galleria, the debut collection includes Men’s Classic Swim Short and the Men’s Air Flow Swim Short.

Tootsies
Designed with warm-weather dressing in mind, North Carolina-based brand Marie Oliver highlights bold color and easy, breathable silhouettes for its Spring 2026 collection. Available at Tootsies, the collection is full of effortless dresses, playful skirts, and separates that are perfect for any occasion, from brunch to evening plans.

Vuori
California-based performance and lifestyle brand Vuori is now open at the Galleria on level 2 near the Galleria Financial Center. Known for its integration of fitness, surf, sports, and style, Vuori offers stylish performance apparel.

Photo courtesy of Gorjana

Gorjana debuts its “With Love, From the Desert” collection, featuring bandana-inspired pieces and easy, everyday layers.

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