From Waves to Wear: The Story Behind Green T

I grew up with the ocean. My earliest memories are of salt water, sandy feet, and the rhythm of waves breaking against the shore. Surfing became more than just a sport, it was my community, my freedom, and my teacher. The sea has shaped who I am, from childhood adventures along the Cape Town coastline to traveling to surf remarkable destinations like Indonesia for months at a time.

No matter where I’ve travelled, Cape Town, Elands, J Bay, Durban, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa or beyond one truth is impossible to ignore: plastic pollution is everywhere. From floating plastic bottles to micro fragments in the sand, the ocean I love is under constant attack. And it’s not a local problem; it’s a global one.

That realization stayed with me.

For more than 20 years, I worked in the footwear industry, supplying most SA retailers. But in that world, the focus was always on one thing: price. Could we make a shoe that looked good at the cheapest possible cost? Longevity, sustainability, and environmental impact were secondary and not  part of the equation. Shoes weren’t made to last; they were made to be replaced.

Over time, this weighed on me. I had seen firsthand the effects of mass production, factories churning out fast fashion, consumers buying shoes destined for landfills within a season, and little thought given to the true cost. Not just the financial cost, but the environmental cost, the damage to our oceans, our ecosystems, and ultimately, to future generations.

It reached a point where I couldn’t keep ignoring it. I wanted to do things differently.

That’s why I created Green T.

Green T isn’t just about making sneakers; it’s about rethinking what sneakers stand for. We work with approved factories in China to source recycled plastic waste and turn it into sneakers designed for comfort, quality, and longevity. We don’t mass produce or cut corners. Our shoes are made in small batches, using the highest level of recycled materials we can, to create a product that lasts and that consumers can feel good about wearing.

From the beginning, we tried to produce Green T locally in South Africa. But the reality is, the materials and technical expertise needed to manufacture a truly sustainable sneaker range simply aren’t available here yet. Launching the brand was the top priority, and producing in China allowed us to deliver a world-class product that could stand proudly alongside international standards. That said, our wish remains to one day bring production home, when the right suppliers and factories are in place. We hope that shift isn’t too far away.

Yes, our sneakers cost more than a fast-fashion pair. But the reality is, cheap shoes don’t reflect their true cost. The “savings” are passed on to the planet in the form of pollution, waste, and exploitation. Every Green T sneaker is an investment in a future where fashion doesn’t come at the expense of the earth.

And while we source and produce in China to tackle a global plastic problem, we’re also committed to giving back locally here in South Africa. That’s why we support The Litterboom Project, an inspiring initiative working to stop plastic from reaching our oceans and empowering communities to be part of the solution. Together, we’re proving that sneakers can do more than cover your feet, they can spark real change.

Our logo, the trident, symbolises this connection. It’s a mark of strength and protection, rooted in the ocean, a reminder of what inspires us and what we’re fighting to protect.

Green T is about small steps. The steps we’ve taken to build a sustainable brand, and the steps you take when you choose products that matter. Alone, a single step might feel small. But when many people walk together, those steps can change the direction we’re all headed.

The ocean has given me so much joy, so many friendships, and unforgettable memories. Green T is my way of giving something back, protecting what I love, while building something better for all of us.

When you wear Green T sneakers, you’re not just choosing footwear. You’re choosing to make a difference. To protect the waves. To walk towards change. To join a movement where every step counts.