40 Years of Footwear Innovation and Sustainability in the USA
Oka may be new to you, but we’re not new to footwear. We’ve been making shoes in the U.S. for 40 years.
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While most of the industry took their manufacturing overseas, we stayed home — holding fast to our commitment to creating quality, sustainable footwear that’s made to last. Not only do we manufacture shoes for the brands you know and love, we've sold over 35 million pairs across our own shoe brands. Learn more about them at Okabashi.com and Oka-B.com.
Rob Whalen, head of purchasing and wholesale at the Made in America Store, first encountered our flagship brand 28 years ago by chance while at a grocery store. He stocked Okabashi in his chain stores since its launch in 2010, and the sandals are consistently among Made in America's top-five sellers.
Now, with decades of experience under our belt, we’re launching Oka — a recovery footwear brand built for everyone who values wellness, comfort, and the planet.
At Oka, we believe that good recovery shouldn’t be limited to the gym. Life is demanding, and whether you’re putting in miles on the trail, grinding through workouts, or just on your feet all day, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So let’s dive in and tell you a bit about our journey, our purpose, and how we’ve become leaders in sustainable, American-made footwear.
Buford, Georgia: Small Town, Big Dreams
Where are Oka sandals made? Our story starts in Buford, Georgia, in 1984 — back when 60% of shoes worn in America were actually made in America. Well, while the industry changed and most brands went abroad to cut costs, we stuck around. Now we are part of only 1% still manufactured here. Keeping production local wasn’t the easiest or the cheapest path, but it was the right one for us. We knew that by staying here, we could create jobs, reduce our environmental impact, and maintain a level of quality you can only get when you oversee every step of production.
40 miles northeast of Atlanta, Buford was once known as the "Leather City" due to its footwear legacy. A large shoe factory operated here until 1941 and reopened to serve the military during World War II. Oka Brands now occupies a 100,000-square-foot facility ringed by trees.
We are part of the state’s Georgia Made program. Created in 2019 to celebrate the people and industries that manufacture a wide variety of products across the state, we're committed to continuing to shape Georgia jobs and the global supply chain.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said, “Oka Brands reflects the true spirit of Georgia business: innovative products, a hardworking and skilled team, and an unwavering sense of community. [They] not only stayed open for business during the pandemic, they continued to grow and donated thousands of shoes to frontline workers. We’re proud Oka Brands calls the Peach State home, and we look forward to their continued growth.”
This commitment to American craftsmanship isn’t just about tradition; it’s about making sure every pair of shoes we create has the quality, durability, and sustainability that you deserve. After all, when you put on a pair of Oka shoes, you’re stepping into footwear with a legacy — one that’s been built to last from the ground up.
#EcoFriendly (Before The Hashtag)
These days, everyone’s talking about sustainability, but for us, it’s not a trend—it’s a promise we made to ourselves and to the planet from day one. A circular approach to manufacturing has always been part of our DNA, and we’re constantly finding ways to cut down on waste and create something better. Our brands Okabashi and Oka-B have recycled up to 100,000 pounds of PVC shoe material in one year. For our venture into foam footwear, this is where HEYLO comes in.
How is Oka sustainable? HEYLO is our answer to zero-waste, closed-loop manufacturing, a system that lets us turn your old shoes into new ones. You read that right — every pair of Oka shoes can be returned, recycled, and made into new Oka. It’s not just a cool concept; it’s a full-on commitment to sustainability. By being part of our community, you’re helping us make sure no pair of Oka shoes ever sees a landfill.
The Science and Soul of Oka
When it comes to making shoes, we don’t cut corners. What makes HEYLO special is our revolutionary regrind process that allows full and complete use of the used shoe. Rather than downgrading the material and recycling into something less valuable, we upcycle used shoe material into new shoes. You can't tell the difference between an Oka made of used Okas or an Oka made of our USA-sourced bio-based supplemental material. Our dream is see you wear and love enough Okas that we don't need supplemental material. In the meantime, our 100% honestly and transparently America-sourced EVA foam is bio-based, derived from sustainable raw material like algae or seashells.
Our foam is soft, stable, and insanely comfortable. But this isn’t your average foam; it’s made specifically for recovery. Think next-level shock absorption, deep heel cups for weight distribution, a wide toe box for roomy comfort, and soles that boost circulation. It’s about looking out for the everyday athlete in all of us, whether you’re running a marathon, running errands, or just running after life.
All of this means that when you slip into a pair of Oka sandals, your feet can finally relax. Our designs let your muscles release tension, and the impact-absorbing foam helps protect your joints from the wear and tear of daily life. It’s the science of recovery, wrapped up in sustainable comfort that feels just as good after mile one as it does after mile one hundred.
For the People, By the People (and Proud of It!)
We believe in putting our money where our mouth is, and part of that means giving back to the people who keep our communities strong. That’s why we offer a discount to veterans, teachers, and first responders. You are out there doing hard things. You'll love our active recovery flip flops and we want to help you get a pair.
As a family-owned business, we are able to grow with care and keep our commitments without outside pressures. Family member and Board Member Sara Irvani said, "We have so many team members who’ve been with us for a long, long time. Just like I’ve grown up with the company, so have they. For all of us, it’s a company with a soul.”
Our commitment to inclusivity goes even further. When it comes to sizing, we’re here for every body, which is why our shoes come in unisex sizing. No shopping by gender — just shoes designed for you to pick what you love and wear the color and style that makes you feel good.
The Oka Difference: Proudly, Honestly Made in the USA
Let’s talk about what “Made in the USA” really means for us. It’s not just a label; it’s a promise. It's not just a claim, it's a transparent fact. As a shopper, you hear a lot of "made" in the USA. In practice, that can actually mean "assembled" in the USA or even "shipped from" the USA. Oka is different. When we say Made in the USA, we mean our factory sources material from American companies with 100% American, bio-based material. We mean our workers use that material along with recycled HEYLO material to create pairs of Oka in our factory — running large machinery with highly specialized skill. They prep Oka for wear, check for quality, and pass them on to packing. Our team then attaches a tag, places them into a reusable drawstring backpack, and ships your new Okas to you. Want to know our supply chain's exact USA sources? Ask. By keeping everything here at home, we’re able to stay true to our values, cut down on shipping emissions, and make sure every single pair meets our sky-high standards. In a world where fast fashion often sacrifices quality for convenience, we’re taking a stand for the kind of craftsmanship you can rely on.
Is local more sustainable? Yes. Even at our size, manufacturing locally saves tens of thousands of gallons of fuel annually.
We’re all about creating products you’ll want to keep around — not only because they’re good for your feet and recovering body but because they’re better for the planet. So when you choose Oka, you’re not just picking another pair of shoes; you’re making a choice to support local jobs, reduce waste, and walk the walk (that's powered by HEYLO Circular Manufacturing).
Why Oka? Because You Want To Wear Your Values
In 2024, we know you’re looking for brands that mean what they say and do what they promise. That’s why we’re here — to give you footwear that aligns with the things you care about. Our mission is to make the best, most sustainable active recovery shoes on the planet right here in the USA.
We’re here for the everyday athletes, the weekend warriors, the movers, and the doers of hard things. Because at the end of the day, Oka is about recovery and that goes beyond the physical — feel good knowing that what’s on your feet is made with care, purpose, and respect for the earth.
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You can wear 40 years of dedication, innovation, and integrity right on your feet. Ready to take your next step in an athletic, stylish, comfortable recovery shoe that's powered by HEYLO, our genuinely sustainable manufacturing engine?
Shop Oka, Sustainable Active Recovery Footwear here at OkaRecovery.com
