Sampla: The Irish footwear brand using apple skins to make sustainable shoes

We’re an Irish brand focused on making footwear that challenges the norms of the industry. 

At Sampla, we create shoes that are simple, functional, and designed with the environment in mind. What excites me most about Sampla is our ability to innovate, to use sustainable materials and ethical production practices while still producing a product that doesn’t compromise on style or durability. 

Our mission is elegance without consequence. 

We aim to set a new standard within the footwear industry by challenging what’s come before us. Our goal is to make shoes that are not just about fashion, but about a bigger picture: sustainability, innovation and craftsmanship. We want to prove that it’s possible to create a beautiful product while also doing right by the planet. 

It wasn’t always clear to me that I wanted to be a designer.

I’ve always been passionate about design, but the path wasn’t linear. Growing up, I was exposed to different forms of design and it wasn’t until later that I started seeing how I could apply that to something as functional as footwear. What really drew me in was the challenge of creating something sustainable with an honest design and knowing that I could make a difference in the industry while doing something I love. 

We primarily focus on creating ethically crafted, unisex footwear. 

Our shoes are made with sustainable materials, like AppleSkin™, a durable, vegan alternative to leather and innovative, recycled elements like our midsoles and insoles. As we continue to grow, we’re always exploring new textiles and manufacturing techniques to develop new styles and push the boundaries of what can be offered. 

Right now, I’m exploring a range of innovative and sustainable textiles. 

Recently, we created a set of heavy (over 450 GSM) French terry hoodies made from 100% organic cotton as a personal project for family and friends. The response has been amazing, with lots of people asking about them, so producing another small batch is definitely on the radar. 

Starting Sampla, like any new venture, had its challenges but the thing that kept me going was my belief in the product. 

We were lucky enough to get some initial funding through crowdfunding and that helped us get off the ground. What really mattered to me was not how much we had to start with, but the belief in what we were doing and the passion to make it work. 

The best advice I’ve received is to embrace the process, even when it’s hard.

Starting a business isn’t a straight line, it’s full of ups and downs, but it’s about sticking with it and learning along the way. If you have a passion for what you’re doing, you’ll find your way. That advice has been crucial for me as I’ve grown Sampla. 

I enjoy following social media accounts that spotlight archive pieces from designers who inspire me. 

Accounts like @ramsfoundation, which celebrates the work of Dieter Rams, and @aramldn which is dedicated to Eileen Gray’s incredible designs, are among my favourites. I also find @dasswerke fascinating for its minimalist curation of timeless design across different decades, it’s a great source of inspiration.

One of my best purchases has to be my AW50 watch by Dietrich Lubs.

It’s a simple, yet beautifully functional piece that really reflects the kind of design philosophy I admire; minimal, timeless, and thoughtful. It’s the type of design I try to incorporate into my own work.

I have a huge respect for Irish brands that focus on quality and craftsmanship.

Waterford Crystal is a legendary brand that inspired me from a young age. I’ve always found it remarkable how a local product can be crafted to such an exceptional standard and be globally adored. Another standout is Ceadogán Rugmakers. I recently had the pleasure of meeting owner Colm Kenny – the skill and artistry involved in their process completely blew me away. Their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every piece they create. 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned since starting Sampla is the importance of taking the time to get things right.

Whether that’s working with the right partners, refining a design, or ensuring that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the product. The process is everything, and without a solid foundation, it’s hard to build something truly meaningful. 

There have been a lot of proud moments on this journey, whether it was the months spent working with our factory to develop our first prototype or, more recently, winning the Irish Business Design Challenge from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.

The support from family and friends during that moment was huge, and it really reinforced my belief in what we’re doing and in the journey so far. 

I want Sampla to be remembered for setting a new standard in the footwear industry, one that focuses on sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship. 

More than just a product, I hope we inspire others to think differently about design and how we can create meaningful, long-lasting items with respect for the environment and the people who make them. 

If I could have anyone wear my designs it would have to be the people who understand what we are about – the everyday customer who connects with what we’re all about. 

There’s truly nothing better than bumping into someone wearing a pair of our shoes and seeing firsthand how much they appreciate the work and values that go into what we create. I recently met a customer outside SOMA in Cork City and had a great chat. It’s moments like these that remind me why I started this journey. Seeing people embrace our product and resonate with its story brings me joy and fulfilment.

Photography courtesy of Finbarr Power.