Athleisure slides with upcycled cork footbeds made in Portugal.
Photo credit: Message
Message is footwear brand building modern slide sandals for everyday comfort, from yoga to dinner, using materials chosen for both performance and lower impact. Founded by Meghan Whitney Higney and launched in 2023, Message set out to create a contemporary alternative to classic cork sandals with a gender-neutral aesthetic and athleisure versatility.
Signature styles feature a patent-pending Barecork footbed made with upcycled wine corks from Portugal and a compression-knit Hugflex upper designed to hug the foot, support circulation, and stay machine-washable. Shoes are made in Portugal, where cork oak forests are stewarded through regenerative bark harvesting that does not fell trees.
Message sits between luxury recovery sandals and mass performance slides on price, prioritizing thoughtful materials, limited-run production, and a product you can style up or down without defaulting to disposable fashion footwear.
Message’s impact is materials- and manufacturing-led: upcycled cork from Portugal’s wine industry becomes durable footbeds, while knit uppers and washable construction extend product life. Small-batch, founder-led growth favors quality and material integrity over hypergrowth volume that would dilute sustainability claims.
Launched April 2023; founder-funded start (~$500K) plus under $1M in angel capital. Products made in Portugal using upcycled wine cork; sold DTC and through select specialty retail including Goop.
Upcycled Cork
Footbeds use cork reclaimed from Portugal’s wine industry — renewable bark that regenerates without cutting trees.
Everyday Versatility
Slide silhouettes styled for athleisure and dress-up moments, not just the beach or locker room.
Washable Comfort
Compression-knit uppers and molded cork beds are designed for all-day wear and easy cleaning.
Made in Portugal
Production close to cork sourcing supports quality control and a shorter materials story.
Locations
