BURMESE PYTHON

Invasive Species Innovation

The Python Problem

The newest drop in our Project Sustainability®️ Collection features our responsibly made, regenerative Burmese python leather.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species disrupting Florida’s wildlife ecosystem. Not only do they compete for food, but they’re also a leading factor in the significant decline of native mammal wildlife populations. The rapid breeding of non-native Burmese pythons resulted in the effective disappearance of entire wildlife populations like marsh and cottontail rabbits and foxes, and nearly all raccoons, opossums and bobcats.

By removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades, we’re helping to preserve native species, their resources and their environment.

PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY®

How it all started

When Python Removal Contractor Federico Arrosa came to us—by way of Instagram DM—to share his passion for protecting the environment and his work in the Everglades, we knew that together we could make an impact.

As he says about python catching, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Each python excursion is a unique experience—never guaranteeing a find despite how long the search is. The best scenario for a python search is a hot, humid night in the late summer months while the pythons are hunting their prey.

After months of tannery testing and material samples, we created this innovative Burmese python leather to accent our bestselling low top.

At P448, we’re working towards regenerative sustainability practices.

Creating purposeful, first-of-their-kind materials like Burmese python leather also works to prevent future environmental degradation by reducing the population of such an invasive species. Nearly 20,000 snakes have been collected since 2006, with 538 of those having been collected since May 2022. In just four months, our new Burmese python leather has used up 25% of the Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades over one year.

Crafting our one-of-its-kind snakeskin takes partnership, skilled craftsmanship, and lots of patience. The long timelines result from putting care into every step, from the unpredictable snake search to the tanning process, manufacturing, and getting our sneakers to your doorstep—just the tanning process alone can take anywhere from 30-60 days.

Our Python collection was designed with the planet in mind from heel to toe, sole to laces. Now featuring our best selling silhouettes—Bali, Monza and Rail—we’ve curated a regenerative and responsibly‑made snakeskin collection.

P448 INVASIVE SPECIES

A Collection Evolution

After realizing the far-reaching, positive impact of our original Bali Python sneaker, the P448 team knew there was an opportunity to take the Burmese Python collection further—in the name of style and sustainability. 

The long and slow process, from python catching to final stitching, takes a village. In collaboration with local environmentalists, we continued to learn, impact and connect with others putting the future of the planet at the forefront of their careers and daily lives. 

INTRODUCTION

Isabella Greene

P448 Python Model and environmental pioneer dedicated to creatively upcycling materials

Julian Yuri

P448 Python Model and award-winning filmmaker telling compelling wildlife stories through immersive films

Brian Heidbreder

P448 Python Model and wetland biologist researching and educating about ecological trends in the Everglades 

Martina Potlach

P448 Python Model, photographer and filmmaker capturing environmental stories through multimedia storytelling 

Brock Lee

Nature preservationist and sustainability enthusiast

P448 Burmese Python Documentary

BEST SELLERS

Better-For-The-Earth

With recycled suede, leather, and cotton, along with our RCS and GRS Certified materials and components, these sneakers are another step forward in our sustainability efforts.

With every pair of Bali, Monza and Rail Python we create, we’re helping to protect more than hundreds of native animals in the Everglades from squirrels, rabbits, mice, alligators and more!