At Oka Recovery, we’re not just here to sell you the most comfortable, sustainable sandals your feet have ever met. We’re also working to make real change in Washington, DC. Because for us, recovery doesn’t stop at your soles. It starts with policies that support American jobs, local economies, and a more self-reliant future.
Earlier this spring, our CEO Pepper Harward joined industry leaders at the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) Summit in Washington, DC to dig into a big question: What would it take to make more footwear in the USA? (Spoiler alert: it’s possible—and necessary.) Pepper spoke on a panel alongside major players in the industry and even had an off-the-record chat with a reporter from Axios. We can’t spill the juicy quotes, but trust us. It was a big moment for the movement.
More importantly, our work in DC isn’t just one and done. We’ve been actively lobbying on Capitol Hill with the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA). Unlike some industry orgs, USFMA is focused on building and protecting American manufacturing—and we’re proud to be part of that mission. In fact, we’re so committed that we’re hosting 45 USFMA members at our Buford, Georgia headquarters for their Fall 2025 meeting.
Our work with Senator Michael Bennet on the Americas Act is another way we’re making waves. The Act aims to strengthen partnerships across the Western Hemisphere while supporting local industries at home. For a brand like Oka Recovery, which is 100% made in the USA and zero-waste, it’s a natural fit. We’re excited to be part of the conversation, and to keep pushing for policies that prioritize people over profits.
So next time you slip on your Oka sandals, remember: they’re more than just ridiculously comfortable. They’re part of a bigger mission. One that walks right into the halls of Congress with values, vision, and very comfy footwear.
