Born in 2001 Los Angeles
Founded in 2001 by footwear and fashion industry veteran Sung Choi, CLAE was established out of the need for a new approach to footwear: modernizing classic, casual shoes and blending them with the comfort of athletic footwear.
We share an authentic passion for footwear and offer long-lasting products with thoughtful consideration of minimizing our environmental impact.
In such an innovative industry, comfort, quality, and the highest manufacturing standards for our timeless footwear are at the forefront of our design philosophy.
Our Values
The materials selection is a crucial step in the making of our shoes. We select premium leathers from certified tanneries by the Leather Working Group. We are constantly innovating to find sustainable Vegan alternatives to traditional leather.
All our Vegan materials are organic such as GOTS certified organic cotton or CRS-certified and made from 70% recycled fibers. We are proud to have pioneered the very first sneaker made out of cactus and continue using bio-based alternatives with the launch of our first capsule made out of apple.
Our Mission
CLAE has pioneered classic footwear with meticulous attention to detail and is always committed to durability and style. Part of that commitment is to produce sustainable and eco-friendly offerings, including plant-based products using Cactus and Apple. We continually evolve, endure, set an example for the industry, and create products that are good for you and the environment.
Inspired By Sport
Whether tennis, soccer, or basketball, our appreciation for sports runs wide. Fields and courts hold memories and emotions that inspire a genuine lifestyle. We have modernized classic court and performance shoes by creating updated styling, colors, and materials while still capturing the essence of sports.