Okabashi Brands Inc. announces expansion into private label and new jobs created

Friday, April 20, 2012- Buford, GA: Okabashi Brands announced today its expansion into private label and the effects on the local community.

Okabashi employees, members of the Gwinnett County Chamber, and key invited guests were on hand to discuss the jobs and business growth in Gwinnett County based on the 28 year-old brand’s expansion. The new development into private label aims to add an additional 150 new jobs to the State and is working to bring a number of companies back to being “made in America” while maintaining competitive production costs.

Okabashi CEO, Bahman Irvani, addresses the development, “Years ago we would hear about factories closing every week… somehow Okabashi has survived thanks to the hard work our team put in and our quality of manufacturing.  Finally 28 years later trends are different-now the tide is turning back to being American made.   This is where Okabashi comes in.”

Gwinnett County and Buford City officials, Chairman Charlotte Nash and Chairman Phillip Beard spoke to the attendees in support of the expansion announcement.

“I’m proud that a company like Okabashi is thriving right here in Gwinnett County and grateful for the new jobs this expansion will create. Okabashi is doing many things right – providing a great product at a great price, providing good jobs for local residents, making sound investments for the future, and doing it all in ways that are sensitive to the environment,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash.

About Okabashi Brands, Inc. 

Okabashi Brands is the leading U.S. based manufacturer of eco friendly casual footwear and sold in over 20,000 stores worldwide. The company produces shoes that are recyclable, waterproof, non-slip and ergonomically designed with massaging foot beds at price points under $50.  Founded in 1984, Okabashi Brands prides itself on being 100% recyclable, 100% USA-made and 100% comfortable.

Press Contact:
Meredith Garcia, Meredithg@okabashi.com , +1.678.730.5332

For more information please visit www.okabashi.com or for our latest news follow Okabashi on Facebook.

Check out all the Gifts at www.foxbusiness.com

a range of colors, but always Green

December 1, 2011- ATLANTA- This spring, Okabashi, the leading U.S. manufacturer of environmentally friendly comfort footwear is excited to launch the new “a range of colors, but always Green” campaign.

The campaign, which launches in April 2012 is the opportunity to reintroduce to the public that not only are Okabashi shoes beneficial to your health, but are beneficial to the environment as well!

Okabashi has spent the last 28 years working on a material that is comfortable, durable, and recyclable. This focus coupled with the company’s internal lean manufacturing culture has rendered the manufacturing facility virtually waste free.

The result: this year alone Okabashi was able to reintroduce and reuse over 100,000 lbs of scrap shoes.  That is 10 tractor-trailers full of scrap that would have otherwise been sent to a landfill or have ended up in our oceans.

All Okabashi shoes are made in Buford, GA. By producing domestically, Okabashi is drastically limiting the fuel necessary to transport shoes from the factory to consumers. In fact, Okabashi shoes travel an average of 700 miles compared to imports, which travel 10,000 miles on average to get to a typical US home.  This means a huge reduction in our carbon footprint.

Okabashi’s unbeatable features:
• 100% recyclable and contains 30% recycled material  (Good for the Planet)

• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain. (Good for YOU)

• Guaranteed for 2 years & all styles less then $20 (Good for your pocket!)

• Made in the USA -Buford, GA to be exact! (Good for the U.S.)

• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable (Good for clean shoes)

• Antimicrobial agents and odor resistant (Good to prevent bacteria)

• Anti-slip (Good for locker room showers)

• Completely water-proof (Good for longevity)

• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (Good to be noticed!)

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds. For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which produces 100% recyclable shoes.

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November 22, 2011- ATLANTA- Okabashi Brands, the leading U.S. manufacturer of 100% recyclable comfort shoes, give footwear enthusiast one more reason to get online this Cyber Monday. The already affordable line (with every regular season shoe under a $20 price point) announces The More You Buy- The More You Save Cyber Monday Deal!

For one day only, take $5 off your order for every 2 pairs sold on www.okabashi.com .
For example:

• 2 pairs = $5 off
• 4 pairs = $10 off
• 6 pairs = $15 off
  and so on…

Offer valid until 11:59PM EST on Monday, November 28, 2011.
Just enter promotion code THANKFUL at checkout and remember that shipping is always FREE with all purchases of $40 or more.

Why buy Okabashi?  For our unbeatable features:

• 100% recyclable and contains 30% recycled material
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain.
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial agents and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Completely water proof (will not change shape or fade)
• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

For more information, images or samples contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

Bonus: Have your Cyber Monday purchase mean something! For every pair of Okabashi shoes purchased online through December 31^st, Okabashi Brands will donate a pair of shoes to a homeless student in need.

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds. For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which produces 100% recyclable shoes.

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 October 20, 2011- ATLANTA- Okabashi Brands, the leading U.S. manufacturer of 100% recyclable shoes, is proud to announce Holidays with SOLE, in conjunction with fellow Atlanta based Better World Books.

Starting November 1, 2011, for every pair of Okabashi shoes purchased online through December 31^st, Okabashi Brands will donate a pair of shoes to a homeless student in need.  Better World Books will also be conducting a parallel program by donating an age-appropriate book for every book sold on their website.  Donations will be distributed to Atlanta area schools.

“At any given time there are 12 million American children at risk of becoming homeless,” says Okabashi  CEO Bahman Irvani. “While we can’t help everyone, every little bit counts and we are working hard to do our part to make a positive impact for children within our community.”

Even more reasons to buy this unbeatable shoe. All Okabashi shoes are:

• 100% recyclable and contains up to 30% recycled material
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain.
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial agents and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Completely water proof (will not change shape or fade)
• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

About Better World Books:  

Better World Books (www.BetterWorldBooks.com) is a for-profit social enterprise that collects and sells books online matching each purchase with a donation, book for book, and with each sale generating funds for literacy initiatives. With more than eight million new and used titles in stock, Better World Books is a self-sustaining company that balances the social, economic and environmental values of its stakeholders. Better World Books diverts books from landfills by conducting book drives on thousands of college campuses and libraries. Since its founding in 2003, the Atlanta, GA.-based company has raised over $10 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 5 million books; re-used or recycled over 64 million books and achieved 23,000 tons of carbon offsets through carbon balanced shipping.

About Okabashi Brands:
With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds. For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes.  To learn more www.okabashi.com

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See the full feature @ www.prevention.com/tips/fitness/best-stay-cool-workout-clothes-summer/best-swimming

See full article:  http://www.parents.com/blogs/goodyblog/2011/06/meet-my-new-flip-flops/

See full article:  http://dailywd.womansday.com/health/daily-dose/2011/healthier-flip-flops/

March 25, 2011- Atlanta, GA: Okabashi Brands is proud to announce the honor and acceptance of the fourth annual Environmental Award sponsored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The award of “Envention” – given to a new product developed by an Atlanta company or individual that exhibits outstanding environmental or “green” benefits- was announced on March 25, to a packed house of Atlanta’s most notable companies and journalists.

“This award, while being an honor to receive, is more a motivation than simply an acknowledgement for our team, “ says CEO of Okabashi Brands, Bahman Irvani.  “Being recognized for what we have been doing for several years only drives us further toward our ultimate goal.  This goal is to continue to manufacture shoes that are recyclable, durable and have the lowest carbon footprint of any other shoe sold in the US.”

Good for the Planet: All Okabashi footwear is vegan friendly, 100% recyclable and made from up to 30% recycled material.  Send it back to our recycling center or recycle locally.

Good for the USA: Okabashi shoes are all Made in the USA! Buford, Georgia to be exact. Okabashi shoes travel an average of 700 miles, compared to imported shoes, which travel an average of 11,600 miles to get to your home.  This means a huge reduction in your carbon footprint.

About Okabashi Brands:

With all manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi has consistently produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984.  All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and to be dishwasher safe.  Customers can find men’s and women’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors.  Shoe collections include flip-flops, casual slides, mid-heel sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

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But what makes this shoe stand out amongst the rest?

AMAZING unbeatable features:

• 100% recyclable and contain 30% recycled material
• Ergonomic foot bed with massaging insoles
• Guaranteed for 2 years (If they break with the wear & tear of summer get a new pair on us!)
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial agents and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Completely water proof (will not change shape or fade)
• Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

See more styles at www.okabashi.com

To read the full article online check out http://www.thekindlife.com/post/the-perfect-holiday-gift-okabashi-a-dozen-vegan-shoes-for-100-sponsored-post

The process is easy- customers can simply go to www.okabashi.com and plug in their desired order; tell us each shoe, size & color and when you reach a dozen… there it is… ONLY $100.   Styles include men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors including flip flops, casual slides, mid-heels, sandals and clogs.

Why a dozen for $100?

-  Be the coolest person in a cubical & buy for your office mates.

-  Planning a getaway with friends? Bring a pair for all to start the trip off right!

-  New Year, New You; One for each of your gym buddies.

-  Be a bigger hit than grandma’s pie at X-mas dinner- a shoe for every place set.

And the best part- any order over $40 on Okabashi.com is ALWAYS shipped free- so no additional cost upon checkout (other than tax of course!)

Why buy Okabashi? For our unbeatable features:

• 100% recyclable and contains 30% recycled material
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain.
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Completely water proof (will not change shape or fade)
• The ONLY shoe endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds. For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes.

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The Okabashi Clog retails for an affordable $14.99 and is available Online http://www.okabashi.com/ds-clog.aspx and mass retailers around the country.

Unbeatable features:
• 100% recyclable and contain 30% recycled material
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain.
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Made in the USA
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Completely water proof (will not change shape or fade)
• Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds. For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes. Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Shoe collections include flip flops, casual slides, mid-heels, sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

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Flipping out over Flip Flops

Read full article by Jamesetta M. Walker

For full Article:  Eco Etiquette: How Can I Recycle Flip-Flops?

June 20, 2010

]]> http://pr.okabashi.com/okabashi-in-the-press-press-releases/okabashi-in-the-press-indianapolis-star/feed/ 0 http://pr.okabashi.com/okabashi-in-the-press-press-releases/okabashi-in-the-press-newsday-2/ http://pr.okabashi.com/okabashi-in-the-press-press-releases/okabashi-in-the-press-newsday-2/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:26:49 +0000 admin http://pr.okabashi.com/?p=213

This is great press!

Dear P.E.: The latest development in green shoes comes in the way of flip-flops from Okabashi, located in Buford in your home state. According to a company spokeswoman, the shoes travel an average of 700 miles (from Georgia to the consumer via the Internet), and 100 percent of the company’s waste is recycled to make more shoes. The flip-flops are made of Microplast, a proprietary blend of plastics invented by Okabashi in the early 1980s because the company wanted to have a waste-free facility. The material can be remolded over and over so the plastic can be recycled many times. When shoes are sent to the company’s recycling center, they are made into grind. This grind from the old shoes is used to make new ones so the process continues. The arch-support flip-flops ($16.99) are also anti-microbial and machine-washable, and they are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. They are available at okabashi.com.

For full article: Clothesline

With production based just 40 miles north of Atlanta, Okabashi remains committed to keeping all of its manufacturing and distribution functions in the US.   Today only less than 2% of shoes sold in the US are manufactured here, and this trend has decimated the shoe manufacturing industry over the past two decades. Okabashi has bucked this trend and produced a domestic product that outperforms overseas competition on design, durability and value.

“We have been fortunate in being able to take the long view,” said Bahman Irvani, President and CEO. “Okabashi has strived and succeeded in delivering what we internally call an ‘Honest’ product.  This means that our consumers have ended up getting more than what they pay for and what they expect.  This we have achieved by working hard on design and focusing on shoes with extraordinary footbeds.”

Good for the USA- here are the facts:

• Okabashi employees over 250 full time and factory employees in its Buford plant.

• Okabashi shoes travel an average of 700 miles, compared to imported shoes, which travel an average of 11,600 miles to get to the average US home.  This means a huge reduction in the carbon footprint of the product.

• Through Okabashi, many other local suppliers and businesses survive and prosper.

• Okabashi has created a substantial following for its products in the US, having manufactured and sold over 30 million pairs, with many of its consumers having purchased multiple pairs.

• Okabashi stands behind the quality of its products by offering a two year guarantee

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds.  For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes.  Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors.  Shoe collections include flip-flops, casual slides, mid-heels sandals and clogs. All Okabashi shoes are sold at under $20 retail.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

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These flip-flops seem too good to be true: Their website says the shoes are made with recycled material, have massaging arch support, are antimicrobial, dishwasher safe and fully recyclable once you’ve worn them out (just send them back to Okabashi). In my two-week tryout, I’ve found they’re every bit as good as the website pitch claims.

dishwasher safe

The weather is finally on the cusp of summer, and for many this means days at the park, hitting the pool and wearing flip-flips.

Flip-flops are a staple of warm weather, but in recent years, the act of wearing the thong sandal has come under attack by a number of factors.   Most alarming from a study that proved that shoes (flip flops in particular) harbor approximately 18,100 types of fungus and bacteria – even some which if left untreated could be dangerous.  Yes, gross!

Good news: Okabashi’s latest line of footwear is dishwasher-safe, which at high temperature kills all bacteria and germs.  The Okabashi sandal will not shrink or lose its vibrant color no matter how often it is placed in a dishwasher.  In addition, this vegan friendly line is 100% recyclable and is made in the U.S.A. thereby minimizing its carbon footprint.

Okabashi’s tips to healthy and sanitary feet:

• Avoid wearing other people’s shoes, as this can spread fungus and bacteria to your feet
• Always wear shoes in public areas like gyms, saunas, and whirlpools- Exfoliate feet twice a week for the ultimate cleanliness and health
• Exfoliate feet twice a week for the ultimate cleanliness and health
• Wash your Okabashi flip-flops in the dishwasher weekly during peak flip-flop season
• Alternate between your Okabashi shoes for best massage combinations

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

With all manufacturing based in Buford, GA, Okabashi has produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984.  All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and ergonomic foot beds.  For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes.  Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors.  Shoe collections include flip flops, casual slides, midheels sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

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VegNews- This Just In Blog

This just came across my desk via a reader of VegNews & Blogger- Lindsay of Cooking for a Vegan Lover .

Today marks the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day- a day created to inspire the general public to the awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s environment and take a reflective look on oneself & their community. One note of reflection is that a number of companies have made it their mission to celebrate this holiday everyday.

One such company is a brand out of Buford, Ga that has spent the last 25 years reducing their carbon foot print.

Read the rest of this article.

Reasons why the Okabashi Flip Flop is the best gift to give:

Pink Maui Flip Flop

Great for Her: Ergonomic foot beds for the mom who is constantly on her feet. With message beads, arch support, and comfortable toe rest, nothing comes close in comfort.

Great for the Planet: This Vegan friendly shoe is 100% recyclable and made from 30% recycled material.  Send it back to our recycling center or recycle locally with your milk containers.

Great for the USA:  Okabashi shoes are all Made in the USA! Buford, Georgia to be exact. Okabashi shoes travel an average of 700 miles, compared to imported shoes which travel an average of 11,600 miles to get to your home.  This means a huge reduction in your carbon footprint.

Great for your Pocket: All regular season shoes are under  $20 with a 2 year guarantee!

So Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers out there!

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

With all manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi has consistently produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984.  All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and to be dishwasher safe.  Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors.  Shoe collections include flip flops, casual slides, mid-heel sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

Follow Okabashi on Twitter and Facebook:
www.okabashi.com/twitter
www.okabashi.com/facebook

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Earth Day Maui

April 21, 2010- Atlanta, GA- Okabashi Brands Inc.,  announces the 100% recycled shoe just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. The limited run of the popular Okabashi Maui Flip Flop is made from 100% recycled material and is available online starting Earth Day Thursday, April 22, 2010.

But here at Okabashi we are reducing our carbon footprint and celebrating Earth Day 365 days a year!

Here are the facts:

• Okabashi shoes are all Made in the USA! Buford, Georgia to be exact; which means that we are reducing our use of natural resources.

• Okabashi shoes travel an average of 700 miles, compared to imported shoes which travel an average of 11,600 miles to get to your home.

• Okabashi practices clean manufacturing. 100% of our waste is recycled to make more shoes. In fact, Okabashi has used GREEN manufacturing for more than 25 years!

• We use 15% recycled raw materials in our process. Each Okabashi shoe is made from our proprietary Microplast™ material that is completely recyclable via the cradle-to-cradle recycling process.

• Okabashi shoes are made to last for years, creating less waste and reducing our carbon footprint.

• Okabashi promotes a recycle program- just send them back!

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With all manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi has consistently produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984. All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and various other personal wellness features. Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Shoe collections include flip flops, casual slides, mid-heel sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or contact Meredith Garcia @ 678.730.5332 or Meredithg@okabashi.com

Follow Okabashi on Twitter and Facebook:
http://www.okabashi.com/twitter
http://www.okabashi.com/facebook

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ATLANTA, March 23, 2010 – Okabashi Brands, Inc., the only major manufacturer of sandals and flip flops in the United States, today announced its new Maui Flip Flop line for the 2010 Spring and Summer season.  The Maui flip flop is crafted with feminine styling, massage beads and excellent arch support.  While being joyfully comfortable, the Maui’s massaging insole stimulates nerve endings to improve foot circulation and reduce foot pain.  The supportive arch and heel give the foundation necessary for proper posture, alignment and back pain relief. Okabashi’s Maui Flip Flops can be found online at www.okabashi.com/maui for under $20.00 in a range of enticing colors.

Like all 2010 Okabashis, the Maui is dishwasher-safe – it will not shrink or lose its vibrant color with frequent high temperature washing. High dishwasher temperatures destroy germs, viruses and bacteria that are often picked up in public places. Like using hand sanitizer to protect the body from illness, it is important to sanitize sandals and flip flops to protect feet from disease.

While car­ing for the woman who wears it, the Maui also cares for the environment in which she lives. The Maui is 100% recyclable, made of up to 30% recycled material and is vegan friendly.  When Mauis are well-worn and well-loved, they may be returned to Okabashi for free closed-loop recycling; Okabashi can use the plastics in the Maui to make new shoes.

Maui Flip Flop Features:

• Made in the USA
• 100% recyclable and contain 30% recycled material
• Supportive with a massaging insole that helps relieve foot and back pain.
• Guaranteed for 2 years
• Dishwasher-safe and machine washable
• Antimicrobial and odor resistant
• Anti-slip
• Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

With all manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi has consistently produced wellness-oriented casual footwear in the United States since 1984.  All Okabashi footwear is designed with a massaging insole, superior arch support and various other personal wellness features.  For environmental wellness, Okabashi operates a clean manufacturing facility, which only produces 100% recyclable shoes.  Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors.  Shoe collections include flip flops, casual slides, mid heel sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our website at www.okabashi.com or call us at 770-945-1330.

Follow Okabashi on Twitter and Facebook:

http://www.okabashi.com/twitter

http://www.okabashi.com/facebook

Photos of Okabashi’s new Maui Flip Flop:

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ATLANTA, March 23, 2009 – Okabashi Brands, Inc., a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer, officially kicks off its 25th anniversary commemoration today, celebrating a quarter century of making casual and comfortable shoes in a manufacturing facility inBuford, Ga., just north of Atlanta.

With more than 25 million pairs sold in the US, Okabashi’s “Made in the USA” status is indeed rare when you consider that almost 99 percent of the U.S. footwear market was supplied by imports in 2006, according to a report titled 2006 Trends: An Annual Compilation of Statistical Information on the U.S. Apparel and Footwear Industries issued by the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

For 25 years Okabashi has bucked this trend and produced a domestic product that outperforms overseas competition on design, durability and value. “While footwear fads have come and gone, Okabashi continues to offer a Made in America shoe for consumers who want quality, comfort and arch support at a reasonable price,” said Bahman Irvani, President and CEO. “We will continue to compete against imports by continuing to innovate and stay focused on our core objectives and by not compromising on the quality and durability of our shoes.”

Using a unique, proprietary Microplast® material, Okabashi designs its footbed to conform to one’s foot, supporting the toes, arch and heel at the right places, producing healing comfort and helping avoid and alleviate foot, ankle, leg and back pain. This design commitment led to an endorsement of Okabashi shoes by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) for their ability to promote correct weight distribution and posture.

“In addition to our Made in America commitment, we continually make improvements to become an environmental steward,” added Irvani. All material waste created through the production process goes back into the manufacturing cycle, creating, in effect, a “wasteless” closed loop system. Over 15 percent of Okabashi shoes are made from that recycled material.

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi celebrates its 25th year designing and producing shoes ‘Made in America.’ Okabashi is number one in massaging footwear, having sold more than 100 million pairs worldwide. Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Shoe collections include thongs/flip flops, casual slides, mid heel sandals and clogs.

For more information, visit our Web site at www.okabashi.com or call us at 770-945-
1330.

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ATLANTA, February 18, 2009 – Okabashi Brands, Inc., a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer celebrating 25 years of making casual and comfortable shoes, today announced its new Women’s Splash and Men’s Surf flip flops.

The new 2009 Okabashi Splash and Surf flip flops feature a new, curved heel for fashion and summer fun versatility – accenting everything from beach wear to casual wear – while retaining the uncompromising comfort, support and a massaging feel that customers expect from Okabashi.

The Women’s Splash combines a comfortable foot bed with a fashion-forward 1.75-inch curved heel, featuring the same arch support and massage beads as Okabashi’s classic Flip Flop. Okabashi Splash comes in four fun colors – black, brown, white and chartreuse.

The Men’s Surf is built with a wider foot bed and a relaxed style brings out the beachlover in anyone or is a perfect after sports/workout recovery shoe. The Surf is non-slip for sure footing on the beach, boardwalk or backyard. Okabashi Surf is available in brown or black.

“Unlike cheaper import shoes that fall apart in one season or ‘fad’ shoes that charge an exorbitant price, Okabashi shoes represent a made in America brand that has consistently outperformed overseas competition on design, durability and price for 25 years,” said Bahman Irvani, CEO of Okabashi Brands, Inc.

Okabashi Shoe Features:
• Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
• An exclusive comfort foot bed help relieve back and foot pain
• Two year guarantee
• Machine washable
• Antimicrobial and odor resistant
• Made in the USA for 25 years

Using a unique, proprietary Microplast® material, Okabashi designs its footbed to conform to one’s foot, supporting the toes, arch and heel at the right places, producing healing comfort and helping avoid and alleviate foot, ankle, leg and back pain.

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.
With manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi celebrates its 25th year designing and producing shoes ‘Made in America.’ Okabashi is number one in massaging footwear, having sold more than 100 million pairs worldwide. Customers can find men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Shoe collections include thongs/flip flops, casual slides, mid heel sandals and clogs. For more information, visit our Web site at www.okabashi.com or call us at 770-945- 1330.

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Tested by a panel of ACA representatives, Okabashi shoes are designed to promote correct weight distribution and support, and feature an anatomically correct, therapeutically contoured insole with beaded surfaces at the instep and toes.

“Because footwear plays such an important role in the functional biomechanics of the human body, choosing the right shoe can help eliminate pain in your back, hips, knees and feet,” explains ACA President Richard G. Brassard, DC. “Okabashi’s product line provides wearers with a shoe that is designed for comfort and support at a very affordable price.”

“The endorsement from ACA means a lot to our company since we designed our shoes to alleviate the type of back, leg and foot pain that plague people seeking chiropractic services,” said Bahman Irvani, president and CEO of Okabashi Brands, Inc. “We feel that doctors of chiropractic will be excited to offer a comfort shoe to their patients that is both cost-effective and long-lasting.”

The ACA chose to endorse Okabashi shoes because of their:

• Foot support and massaging comfort
• Durability and flexibility
• Water and slip resistance on wet and dry surfaces
• Use of Micro-Check, an antimicrobial agent, which keeps shoes dry and repels stain and other deterioration
• Affordability.

Okabashi shoes are available for purchase in a range of colors and styles, including flip flops, casual slides, mid-heel sandals and clogs. Available sizes range from 5 1/2 to 11 for both men and women. Okabashi products are available online at http://www.okabashi.com or at select retail stores including some Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, and Osco Drug locations.

Special Pricing for DCs

Okabashi is offering a special 20 percent discount to doctors of chiropractic and their patients when they use a special code until March 15th.

About Okabashi Brands, Inc.

With manufacturing based in Buford, Ga., Okabashi is dedicated to providing customers with the best in therapeutic footwear and shoes are designed to prevent foot fatigue. Okabashi is number one in massaging footwear, having sold more than 100 million pairs worldwide. Okabashi is currently sold through the company Web site at www.okabashi.com. For more information, visit our Web site at www.okabashi.com or call us at 770-945-1330.

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association, based in Arlington, VA, is the largest professional association in the world representing doctors of chiropractic. The ACA provides lobbying, public relations, professional and educational opportunities for doctors of chiropractic, funds research regarding chiropractic and health issues, and offers leadership for the advancement of the profession. With approximately 15,000 members, the ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients.

For more information about ACA’s endorsement of Okabashi’s products, more information on the special DC offer or more on Okabashi shoes, contact customerservice@okabashi.com or call 1-800-433-6573.

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