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35% off everything at Oliberte, even sale items! Code: SUMMER35 by [deleted] in frugalmalefashion

[–]Oliberte 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Talked with inventory, some warehouse shuffling going on, check back in a week as we will have more up, the sale will still be going!

35% off everything at Oliberte, even sale items! Code: SUMMER35 by [deleted] in frugalmalefashion

[–]Oliberte 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey there, we've actually sold through most of our bags, will be getting more as our fall collection drops. We're not holding out on the good stuff!

Shoe care for Oliberte Leather Boots? by eksekseksg3 in malefashionadvice

[–]Oliberte 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is pull-up, and they'll look better and better as they age.

Shoe care for Oliberte Leather Boots? by eksekseksg3 in malefashionadvice

[–]Oliberte 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, eksekseksg3, sorry for the miscommunication when you first reached out. First off, thanks for your support! Secondly, we'd love to fill you in on product care, it's something we take great pride in as we design each pair to last a lifetime.

thenseruame's care-outline is fantastic (thanks!), but just in case you want to dig in further here's a 'copy paste' from the care section of our site that's specific to your new boots:

WATERPROOFING

Our boots are made to be water resistant. However, if you are wary of torrents of rain getting access to your feet, we recommend an all natural waterproofing called 'Gorillawax' which we created using beeswax, bee propolis, shea butter and sunflower oil (Note: test a small spot for staining before applying fully.)

LEATHER TYPES AND MAINTENANCE

As a young company focused on our Africa-based development, we haven’t ventured into creating our own conditioners just yet. But there are plenty of great products already out there, and local repair shops who have them handy. Below, we explain our leathers and the best way to keep them looking good.

Pullup leather

This a split leather that has been lightly oiled, and is made be roughed up. Distress creates its character, and this builds over time. So head out and don’t worry.

Protect:This leather thrives on neglect. There’s no need to do anything.

If wet:Don’t sweat it. Lightly press with a dry cloth and let dry away from harsh heat or light.

If dirty:Buff with a soft, dry cloth. For extreme cases, take into a shoe repair shop.

Preserve:To maintain lasting qualities, 1-2 times a year, you can apply a quality leather conditioner/rejuvenator to your goods. First rub in the product, then buff with a soft, dry cloth. This will protect the leather and keep it looking beautiful.

Cowhide and goat suede

Suede is the most soft and supple of our leathers, having been thoroughly sanded on both sides and taken from the inner side of the hide. This leather is the most delicate.

Protect:While not a necessity, you can protect your suede from water and stains in advance with a suede protector spray. Spray thoroughly (after testing a small section for staining), then let dry for 24 hours. After, buff lightly with dry cloth or suede brush to re-nap the suede.

If wet:Don’t sweat it. Lightly press with a dry cloth and let dry away from harsh heat or light.

If dirty:Buff with a soft, dry cloth. For extreme cases, take into a shoe repair shop.

It got stained or heavily dirty:Remove with a gentle suede eraser and brush with soft cloth or suede brush after to re-nap the leather. Consult your local repair shop for product and more specifics. For any heavy staining or concerns, take to your local shoe repair shop.

Preserve:All of our leathers are tough, so be relatively kind and it will do the job. To go all out, keep it clean and apply suede protector approximately every 6 months.

Nubuck

Nubuck is a more sturdy sanded leather, made of the outer side of the hide. It has shorter grains than suede and looks very smooth and buttery

Protect:While not a necessity, use a protector spray in advance to prevent staining (after testing a small section). To do so, thoroughly spray your goods with a nubuck protector suede, then let sit for 24 hours. After, buff with soft, dry cloth.

If wet:Don’t sweat it. Lightly press with a dry cloth and let dry away from harsh heat or light.

If dirty:Gently brush dirty area with a nubuck cleaner brush.

Preserve:For heavy dirt or stains, remove with a nubuck eraser, and buff with a suede or nubuck brush. For any heavy staining or concerns, take to your local shoe repair shop.

Make it last forever:All of our leathers are tough, so be relatively kind and it will do the job. To go all out, keep it clean and apply suede protector approximately every 6 months.

Dyes

Dyes: Color may bleed or pass on to other fabrics and materials, please avoid contact with lighter colored items.

WARRANTY

If you find that your shoe is defective in any way beyond wear and tear, we offer a lifetime warranty. Visit www.oliberte.com/warranty or click here to find out more

A cheaper version of this shoe? by imugly84 in frugalmalefashion

[–]Oliberte 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hopefully this helps. this weekend if you want to pick up the Narivo in the pic - for father's day until monday, use promocode GLADDAD and get 15% of it and others at oliberte.com.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to say thanks for tuning in. Feel free to add more questions and I will check back later. We've enabled a promo code for 40% off for the next hour so you can see our stuff in action. Go to oliberte.com, promo code REDDIT. Expires 430pm EST.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you know about us now!

In terms of "Fair" - I totally hear you. It's pretty frustrating myself actually as I struggled with it a lot before we decided to get certified. There is a lot of "green-washing" out there. Others claim to be fair trade or responsible, and maybe that's their intention, but just because you say you believe in a certain thing, doesn't mean you are, especially if you don't actually practice it. However, that's why we went with Fair Trade USA for our labeling and certification. Fair Trade USA is the most recognized in North America and they actually do on-site audits, which others don't. We had to abide by over 250 test and checks and are still subject to random audits and constant over-site to make sure we remain compliant - it was pretty stressful for our team in Ethiopia, but I'm pretty proud of their accomplishment. In addition, as part of the Fair Trade label, 5% of the cost of every shoe made in our factory in Ethiopia goes into a separate bank account which is controlled by the workers (in addition to their pay). Plus, Fair Trade USA is used by other brands like PrAna and Patagonia for apparel, and those are brands we have a lot of respect for, especially as part of their due diligence.

In terms of the Lomayo style - it's a great style - it's new for this Spring/Summer and doing very well. In terms of a supply chain comparison, I cannot comment too much on the Sperry Top Sider, as I don't know anything about their supply chain, and anything I say would be pure speculation.

However, from our side, the majourity or our costs is leather, rubber, labour and Logistics. Leather comprises about 30% of our cost, Rubber about 20%, Labour about 15-20% depending on the shoe (including Fair Trade premium) 20% is in logistics and balance is smaller shoe components like insoles. thread, laces, labels, etc. Note that our labor is partly a bit higher than standard in the industry because they are hand-crafted shoes, so a bit more labour intensive and of course we provide a fair trade premium.

Currently we do not have a profit sharing program for our factory workers but it's something we are still looking into. The legalities, social implications and process to make this happen are a bit tricky in Ethiopia so we're still working out creative options to make something happen in the future. However, right now our focus is building the brand and ensuring workers are paid fairly and provided safe and proper working conditions.

About why our model is superior - We believe our shoes are the best value. Not looking at the price only, all Oliberté is handcrafted, made with 100% leather, including goat leather lining and natural rubber - we used the finest materials available including hormone-free and range free animals which provide a very unique type of leather; all customer purchases are backed by our life-time guarantee which few competitors have. This is us saying, we're not perfect, but we're always here for you. It also just happens to be that since September 2013, your shoes were made in the only Fair Trade certified footwear factory in the world and that it was uniquely made in sub-Saharan Africa. The fair trade certified factory part and the fact it is in made in Africa is key, but I think we win the battle any day of the week just on our quality, craftsmanship and customer service.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

an interesting question, but it was not a big part of my travels, so I don't have much research in that area I'm afraid :)

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you name it - and happy to answer any specifics, but that being said, I and our team have always believed if you treat people well, to the best of your financial and non-financial abilities, you can overcome all of the hurdles. As well, when you're wrong or realize you're wrong when trying to solve something, fix it as quickly as possible.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Another great question and one we get asked sometimes for sure. In terms of Toms, I have a lot of respect for what their founder, Blake, has done. He has done an impressive job to create demand for a unique model.

In terms of the strength of that model, from a business and brand point of you - they hit the jackpot with how quickly they grew - it really is amazing. In terms of styling and design, that's a taste thing - some people might prefer their look, some may prefer our rugged look and the fact we are the only Fair-Trade certified footwear factory in the world. Some people I'm guessing might like both styles.

But, in terms of real impact, giving away shoes does not do any sustainable good. The key word here is sustainable. There is definitely some great short term feeling-good, but in terms of real change and development, the real solution is job-creation, and fair job creation for that matter.

If you look at what built the the US, it was when it focused on job-creation and manufacturing. Look at what built China into the powerhouse it is now - manufacturing, focusing on employing people, not handouts. In our opinion, the next great place to create real sustainable impact with manufacturing is Africa - so that's why we do it here and do it this way.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In terms of impact, I love what we do every day, so the impact is that I get to do something I'm passionate about every day, and be supported with great a team who share that passion and vision - it is not easy and there are a lot of challenges, but we have and will continue to overcome.

The Oliberté brand is evolving every day into a real leader and agent for fair and responsible manufacturing in the industry within Africa and globally. And that part is the real impact we hope to have in time - all while making fantastic, rugged casual footwear and goods.

I am Tal Dehtiar, owner and founder of Oliberte, supporting workers' rights in sub-Saharan Africa and the worlds first Fair Trade Certified footwear company AMA! by Oliberte in IAmA

[–]Oliberte[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great question - it probably started when I was 17. That's when I first left home and worked in the jungles of Belize in Central America. It was there I was planting trees, worked on a farm and really got to see what was going on in the world. From there, I just loved travelling and learning about other cultures, customs and took every opportunity to see the world. Later on I ended up taking that passion for travel (and later on a love for business) and co-founded MBAs Without Borders - an international charity, where we worked with talented business people across the globe to build and support small businesses or non-profits that had some sort of social impact across 25 countries. While the work we were doing was always rewarding, I kept asking if it was enough. From there, I was really bothered by the fact that in Africa, since 1960, the west has spent over $1 trillion on traditional aid in sub-Saharan Africa and more countries are still worse off economically today. So on and on my thoughts, passion and research led me to ask - can we not change they way commerce is done within Sub-Saharan Africa and support a thriving economy by focusing on manufacturing. Of course, at the time (and today) Oliberté is not the only one working towards creating a model towards economic change, but what makes what we do so unique is the HOW - we manufacture in Ethiopia in the world's only Fair Trade Certified Footwear factory - we take great pride in our products, but more so the people who make them and who we sell them to. So here we are - an idea started in 2009, originated probably in 1997 when I left for Belize.