Trainers Made from Apples? Meet JAK – Now at Selfridges

There’s a new step in the world of sustainable fashion, and this one’s made from apples.

Portuguese premium sneaker brand JAK has officially landed at Selfridges London, and they’ve brought a genuinely fresh innovation with them: trainers made from leftover apple peels and cores. Yes, really.

Blending timeless minimalism with cutting edge eco materials, JAK’s AppleSkin™ trainers mark a bold new chapter for conscious footwear and they look just as good as they feel.

What Is AppleSkin™?

AppleSkin™ is a bio based, vegan leather alternative, made using residual waste from the food industry. It’s durable, breathable, and completely animal free. JAK incorporates this material into their vegan range, including the new S01 Vegan AS White trainers, a reimagining of their best selling silhouette, now with an eco-conscious twist.

Designed in Lisbon and handcrafted in family run Portuguese factories, these kicks are about more than just sustainability, they’re about quality, comfort, and a design ethos that never shouts, but always delivers.

The Details: S01 Vegan AS White

• AppleSkin™ & Cotton Upper – Vegan, durable, and earth-friendly.

• Ultra-Absorbent Microfibre Lining – For breathability and lasting comfort.

• Recycled Midsoles & Rubber Soles – Designed to tread lightly.

• Removable Coconut Fibre Insoles – Natural cushioning that supports.

• Natural Cotton Laces – Small details, big difference.

• 30% Lighter Than Leather – More bounce, less bulk.

This is minimalism, elevated — and designed for today’s more mindful generation.

Why Selfridges?

JAK’s launch at Selfridges aligns perfectly with the retailer’s Project Earth initiative, which champions brands innovating responsibly across sustainability, circularity, and transparency. For JAK, Selfridges marks their first major UK rollout, making this a milestone moment for the brand and for sneaker lovers ready to make more ethical choices.

Alongside the AppleSkin™ drop, Selfridges will also stock some of JAK’s traditional silhouettes made using certified leather from Leather Working Group approved suppliers, showcasing the brand’s full material spectrum.

Behind the Brand: The Story of JAK

Founded in 2014 by fashion designer Isabel Henriques da Silva and entrepreneur José Maria Reffois, JAK was born from a frustration: the lack of minimalist, well crafted sneakers at a fair price. With Isabel’s eye for refined design and José Maria’s operational rigour, JAK grew into something more than just a footwear label, it became a statement of intent. A belief that simplicity, when done well, can be powerful.

Since then, the brand has evolved into a curated collection of wardrobe essentials rooted in quality, design, and purpose. Their transparent approach to sourcing and manufacturing (detailed here: JAK Factories) underlines their commitment to doing things differently.