Pingree Detroit: How Upcycled Sneakers Strengthen Our Community
At KARMA jack, we love nothing more than the opportunity to make new friends in our community and support local Detroit businesses. Recently, we had the pleasure of connecting with Pingree Detroit, located on the Avenue of Fashion on Detroit’s West Side.
Founded in 2015, Pingree is a worker-owned cooperative that creates high-quality, sustainable products from upcycled automotive leather, providing living wage jobs and training to veterans and Detroiters. KARMA jack founder Joel Sellentine decided to get a pair of custom sneakers from Pingree, and the experience was nothing short of remarkable.
Joel chose “The Eastsider” Men’s Low Top Sneakers, a made-to-order pair of low-top sneakers that blend Detroit grit with LA style. The KARMA jack visited the workspace to see the big reveal of the finished product. We met with Nathaniel Crawford II, Co-Owner & VP of Footwear Operations, who gave us a tour, showcased their space, and explained the company’s process and mission.
Pingree utilizes upcycled materials primarily from the auto industry to produce different leather products, from the first pair of sneakers made in Detroit since the 1950s to drawstring bags and purses. Each piece is imbued with character and purpose, just like the people who make them.
In nine years, they’ve successfully saved over 23 tons of automotive material from landfills. Looking ahead, by 2025 they aim to source the majority of materials from the Great Lakes Region, achieve zero carbon emissions, and use plant-based alternatives to leather and plastic.
Namesake Hazen S. Pingree was the Mayor of Detroit from 1889 to 1897, a shoemaker, and a veteran. He transformed the city by creating jobs and fighting corruption. In his spirit, Pingree Detroit aims to create living wage jobs for veterans and Detroit residents, sharing 77% of profits with their team. They teach new skills in industrial sewing, shoemaking, and leather crafting while fostering entrepreneurship. The mission is to create pathways for every team member to become a co-owner, building a resilient and equitable business model.
Say you’re coming in to get your very own custom shoe. The process starts with a precise fitting session, where you’ll have your foot carefully traced to guarantee a perfect fit. Next, you’ll meet with Megan, Pingree’s talented product designer, to discuss the color scheme and design elements. This personalized approach means that every pair of sneakers is completely unique and tailored to your preferences.
When Joel received his custom sneakers, he was blown away by the attention to detail and craftsmanship. The sneakers were not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable and well-made. Knowing that they were handcrafted from sustainable materials was the cherry on top. Not to mention that every member of the team was an absolute delight to interact with. They sure know how to earn a 5-star review.
Pingree’s model of worker ownership and their dedication to upcycling materials demonstrate that it’s possible to create high-quality products while making a positive impact. Through their work, they’re preserving the craft of shoemaking in Detroit, setting the gold standard for sustainability in the fashion industry, and improving the lives of Detroit locals. Their commitment to local production helps strengthen our community economically and culturally, fostering a sense of pride and resilience in a city known for its history of innovation and hard work. Pingree Detroit is a business that everyone should be watching.
At KARMA jack, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting local businesses. We had a blast befriending our neighbors and documenting the process along the way. We just wanted to make this video for fun, because we love where we’re from, and where we’re all going together.
