Our Philosophy

Founded in Oslo in 2017 by fourth-generation shoemaker Martin Evensen, New Movements builds on a family shoemaking tradition that began in 1916. Rooted in respect for nature, European craftsmanship and family heritage, it combines innovation with tradition to make refined shoes built to last.

Circularity has been part of New Movements’ DNA from the very first pair, and in 2020 we launched our own recycling programme. Today we keep working towards a new standard of responsible craftsmanship: precise, purposeful and quietly confident.

The problem

Every year, the world produces around 25 billion pairs of shoes, and a staggering 95% of these end up in landfills. This not only wastes valuable materials but also contributes significantly to global pollution and resource depletion.

Our mission

New Movements was founded by Martin Evensen with a clear goal: to revolutionize the footwear industry by creating the perfect circular shoe. We aim to end the cycle of waste by ensuring that every pair of shoes we produce can be fully recycled, reducing environmental impact and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Let’s move

To step into our shoes is to see what it’s like to buy into the circular economy. Because something happens when we begin to internalize the new movements we start, however small they are. Little drops create ripples that become waves. New Movements sets people on their own paths to nurturing and healing our planet, and inspires them to start new movements of their own.

What we do

Move people

New Movements is not just a company that makes shoes. We’re a group of people with a calling to create a business that lives in harmony with the planet – and believe in challenging others to follow suit. We are doing this through the shoes we make. This is our movement to make the world a better place.

Design philosophy

Our approach goes beyond aesthetics. We believe in marrying innovation with purpose, creating shoes that are not only stylish and comfortable but also designed to last and, eventually, to be recycled. This philosophy guides every decision we make, from selecting materials to designing our supply chain.

Black leather New Movements loafers at a chrome chair – AW26

Ethical manufacturing

We are committed to ethical production practices. This means choosing manufacturing partners who provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for their workers. Our production sites in Portugal and Spain exemplify our commitment to ethical standards, showcasing the possibility of responsible manufacturing within the fashion industry.

Moss Leather – Macchiato Brown – New Movements

Circular materials

Every component of our shoes is chosen with the environment in mind. We prioritize organic, recycled, and recyclable materials, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to increase the sustainability of our products.

How we do it

Innovation and R&D

We're at the forefront of material technology and circular design. In collaboration with leading research institutions like SINTEF, we're developing new materials and production methods that could redefine sustainability in footwear. Our projects aim to create shoes that can go from shoe-to-shoe-to-shoe in a closed-loop system.

Recycling Program

Our Recycling Program embodies our commitment to circularity. You can return your worn-out New Movements shoes for recycling and receive a 20% discount on your next purchase. This initiative gives materials a new life and encourages you to participate in the circular economy.

Community and Education

We believe in the power of community and knowledge. Through our website, social media and events, we share what circular design and conscious choices can do. We invite you to join us, one pair at a time.