Lactae Hevea

Lactae Hevea® soles are produced by Reltex, a small French company based in the Dauphiné region of France (near Lyon/Grenoble). The company was founded in 1970 and has specialized in crafting natural latex soles ever since. Reltex is positioned as a small, self-owned business focused on artisanal shoe components.

Lactae Hevea is a natural latex material made from Hevea brasiliensis (commonly referred to as the ‘rubber tree’) latex, known for its spongy, springy “alive underfoot” feel and distinctive alveolar/microcellular structure. The core material, virgin hevea milk (latex), comes from sustainably tapped rubber trees in Asia (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam). This harvesting doesn’t harm the forests or trees.

The company aligns its identity with this blend of tradition, sustainability, and performance and positions itself as a material partner for designers and brands seeking premium, natural soles. Reltex is proud of its handmade production process, which reflects traditional French artisanal skills. Lactae Hevea emphasizes natural, eco-friendly production, blending natural materials with human craftsmanship to create soles that are breathable, flexible, lightweight, and durable.

Reltex and Lactate Hevea do not make finished footwear but supply soles to a plethora of brands, leveraging their unique market position as a one-of-a-kind material. Reltex highlights its work as that of a small but passionate maker, often emphasizing the harmony among nature, human skill, and comfort-focused innovation. An artisan producer of natural latex soles with a strong tradition, eco-conscious mission, and long history in French Craftsmanship.