nat-2 ™ x zvnder's vegan fungi sneaker is made from tree fungus and innovative materials

the elementary material for the ‘vegan fungi sneaker’ project has been developed and delivered by designer nina fabert of zvnder. following the fungus leather, bio-textiles and a coating are used for the production. during the next step, the nat-2 ™ technical team develops the fungi material further and sebastian thies, founder and creator of the brand designs the sneakers made from tree fungus in combination with high quality, innovative materials such as eco-cotton terrycloth, microfiber suede from recycled PET bottles, real cork insoles and real rubber outsoles.

nat-2 ™ vegan sneakers are made from real fungus

german based engineering firm nat-2 ™‘s high-end fungi footwear is made by hand in a small family manufacturer in italy. the ‘mushroom leather’ is unique in its vintage look and unbelievably soft as well. by using the material from both sides, interesting contrasts and combinations become possible. the leather-like material is created from the trama of the tinder sponge. ‘fomes fomentarius’ aka tinder sponge is a parasite growing on dead or weak birches and beeches.

nat-2 ™’s high-end fungi footwear is made by hand in a small family manufacturer in italy

in a two-year process, the found fungus is tested for about a year after a long search, following nature through a friendly, gentle and certified hand harvest. afterwards it gets peeled off and further worked on by hand. the material is organic and chemical-free and the fungus is antiseptic and anti-bacterial.

following the fungus leather, bio-textiles and a coating are used for the production

the brand designs the sneakers made from tree fungus in combination with high quality, innovative materials

‘vegan fungi sneaker’ is made up of eco-cotton terrycloth, microfiber suede, cork insoles and rubber outsoles

the ‘mushroom leather’ is unique in its vintage look and unbelievably soft as well

interesting contrasts and combinations become possible

the leather-like material is created from the trama of the tinder sponge

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom