Lactae Hevea

Lactae Hevea soles are made by Reltex, a small, self-owned French company in the Dauphiné region near Lyon and Grenoble. Founded in 1970, Reltex has specialised in crafting natural latex soles ever since, positioning itself as a material partner for designers and brands seeking premium, natural soles. It is proud of a handmade production process that reflects traditional French artisanal skill, aligning its identity around the blend of tradition, sustainability and performance.

Lactae Hevea is a natural latex made from the milk of Hevea brasiliensis — the rubber tree — known for a spongy, springy "alive underfoot" feel and a distinctive alveolar, microcellular structure. The virgin hevea milk is sustainably tapped from rubber trees in Asia in a way that does not harm the forests, then poured, cured and finished in a labour-intensive, slow process compared with mass-manufactured rubbers — craftsmanship recognised by France's Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label.

The material's alveolar structure gives natural cushioning and rebound, with energy return above 80% and elasticity that stays resilient over time rather than packing down like many foams; it also resists stiffening in cold and extreme weather. Shoes with Lactae Hevea soles are widely described as cloud-like, soft and springy underfoot — cushioned and responsive, breathable and comfortable for all-day wear. Reltex does not make finished footwear, acting instead as a one-of-a-kind sole supplier to footwear brands.