Cork Shoes and Related Products

Keep Feet Healthy and Happy

Cork is the environmentally friendly renewable bark from a cork oak tree that grows primarily around the Mediterranean Sea. It is stripped from the tree every nine years without damage to the tree. Due to the unique characteristics of cork, the bark is used for a large variety of products ranging from wine corks to floor tiles to gaskets. Cork is light in weight and floats, soft but durable, expandable and flexible. It is moisture resistant yet allows some absorption. It insulates, isolates, absorbs sound and vibrations, and is anti-static. There is no other material – natural or man-made – that possesses all of these qualities.

Modern casual/dress shoes and sandals

The combination of all of the natural characteristics of cork makes cork the ideal material used for the production of cork shoes. It is said that cork was worn by man as far back as the 14 th century. Even then man understood that the soft but durable bark from the cork oak made for comfortable yet protective padding underfoot. The firm, resilient cork base provides the support needed to walk further without fatigue. Naturally over the centuries improved technology in both the shoe and cork industries have resulted in cork being adapted to modern footwear needs. Continued research into foot care has demonstrated that cork footbeds and insoles are the best products for maintaining healthy feet. Walking on cork shoes is not only comfortable underfoot but throughout the body. Lower back pain is often a result of poor footwear. Cork shoes absorb impact shock experienced whenever one is walking. Modern casual/dress shoes and sandals built on generous natural cork footbeds alleviate shock from impact, protecting bones and joints. They soften the impact to the feet as well as the rest of the body. Whether walking or standing for prolonged time, cork provides flexible arch support throughout a long day. Today the vast majority of high end orthopedic shoes are produced with cork components.

Jelinek Cork Group has supplied the shoe and orthopedic industries for many years with natural and agglomerate cork. Cork sheets and blocks, cork wedges, insoles, and footbeds have been used by shoe companies around the world. Jelinek products are available either pre-finished or custom made.

Jelinek also offers complete men’s and ladies’ cork shoes and sandals, stylish and modern, and possessing all the cork qualities to make for healthy and happy feet. The footware styles change as fashion dictates but the comfort and properties of the cork remain.

Jelinek also produces and supplies related products and materials

Cork insoles for comfort, warmth, and healthy feet. Contact us for details.

Cork fabric is durable, easily washable, and highly fashionable in many different styles and designs. Similar to natural leathers, cork fabric is used in the production of a variety of products including uppers in shoes and sandals.

Cork “anti-fatigue” mats are used in both residential and commercial settings where standing on hard surfaces for prolonged time is required. These are portable mats approximately 600mm x 900mm (24” x 36”) and can be placed wherever needed. The soft comfort of cork “cushions” the strain and fatigue of standing. Ideal for work stations such as by kitchen stoves in either homes or restaurants, in factory assembly areas or home workshops, behind serving bars, or at any other locations or for any other professions requiring prolonged standing. Contact us for details

Cork flooring has all the same advantages as “anti-fatigue” mats but is a total floor covering with a vast assortment of styles, patterns, sizes, and designs.