From the very start, Mr. HELAINE was looking for a material perfectly in line with the unique identity of Arche shoes: a simple and refined style, extremely supple nubuck leather, and unlined uppers offering exceptional comfort.

The meeting between Mr. HELAINE and LACTAE HEVEA marked the beginning of an exceptional collaboration that allowed both companies to establish themselves on every continent. United by shared values and a common DNA, the Arche brand and LACTAE HEVEA soles have forged a perfect partnership. This enduring commitment has continued for over 50 years, embodying a unique style and craftsmanship recognized worldwide.

In 2021, Huckberry, a company based in Austin, Texas, decided to expand its offerings by launching a line of footwear. With a business model entirely focused on online sales, the company needed components that could convey strong values in order to stand out in a competitive market.

Digital distribution, more cost-effective than traditional channels, enabled Huckberry to invest in high-quality materials. The choice fell on Lactae Hevea soles, known for their natural composition, handcrafted manufacturing process, and exceptional comfort. By integrating this concept into numerous models, Huckberry was able to embrace these values and strengthen its brand identity.

Backed by a well-mastered marketing strategy, this approach allowed Huckberry to quickly establish itself as one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S. footwear market.

In 2010, the brand TIMBERLAND was seeking rare and exclusive materials to give substance to its collaboration project with the iconic Parisian concept store COLETTE. Chris Pawlus, Timberland’s design director at the time, selected vintage textiles sourced from London, paired with LACTAE HEVEA soles.

This combination gave birth to a unique shoe, released in a limited edition of 2,000 pairs, now considered a collector’s item. This collaboration enabled TIMBERLAND to enter a highly selective distribution network — concept stores — starting with the most prestigious among them: COLETTE .

In 2019, the Canadian brand NATIVE, already enjoying immediate success, sought to steer its collection toward environmentally friendly materials, aiming to reduce the use of synthetic components. A sneaker was thus designed using the OLA model from Lactae Hevea as its sole.

This project, called « The Plant Shoe », enabled NATIVE to explore a more exclusive market segment while communicating its commitment to sustainability and to a more responsible future.

Based in the Marche region of Italy, the brand Officine Creative has long been recognized for the quality and style of its casual and fashion footwear. However, its President still aimed to establish the brand’s reputation within the demanding sneaker market.

Naturally, and in close collaboration, we worked together on developing lines that combine Officine Creative’s unique style with the exceptional aesthetics and comfort of Lactae Hévéa soles. The success was immediate.

Today, four sneaker lines — as well as more casual lines — are regularly featured in the brand’s collections. This successful partnership with Officine Creative demonstrates the strength of two brands firmly rooted in their identities and confident in their craftsmanship.

Brunello Cucinelli: founded in Solomeo, Umbria, in 1978, has built, over the years and through constant dedication, a reputation for excellence and refined discretion — reaching the very essence of sophistication, a feat that only the Italians truly master.

Backed by exceptional textile expertise, the house naturally sought to extend its craftsmanship to footwear, creating shoe collections as exclusive as its ready-to-wear line.

It was therefore only natural that the design team turned to Lactae Hévéa, a noble material born of rare and precious artisanal know-how. This choice was driven not only by the material’s outstanding quality, but also by a shared philosophy: both brands share a deep respect for artisanal craftsmanship, which they strive to highlight and promote.

Fueled by the success of this initial launch, two sneaker collections quickly followed, then a more casual line. The rapid rise of footwear within Cucinelli bears witness to the strength of the message carried by Lactae Hévéa soles when combined with the prestige and high standards of a leading international brand.