Dig deep.
Nature is our biggest inspiration. It’s also our best solution.
Solum mimics plant life’s powerful cell structure, the same that enables trees to grow strong and plants resilient. It’s inspired us to develop a clean and dependable material.
In nature, waste is embraced. Our ingredients are compatible with nature’s recycling system.
By using 100% nutrient derived and biobased ingredients, Solum fits seamlessly into nature’s cycles.
Natural Rubber
Beeswax
Cellulosic
Ag-waste
Since 2020, Solum has been reshaping humanity's impact on the ecosystem through intelligent, sustainable material innovation. Our mission is to transform the global materials landscape by leveraging the nutrient building blocks of plants to replace petrochemical-derived products.
Thomas
Bogle
Founder & CEO
With over a decade of experience in the footwear industry, Thomas brings deep expertise in product creation, global manufacturing, and market adoption. He has led Solum in launching co-branded products with global footwear brands and developing a scalable materials platform for circular innovation. A passionate trail runner and environmental advocate, Thomas is committed to reshaping the future of consumer goods from the ground up.
Cathryn
Widdowson
Business Development Manager, EU
With over two decades of experience in materials sourcing and product development, Cathryn has been instrumental in helping global footwear brands adopt innovative and sustainable materials at scale. She values the industry for its unique blend of creativity and functionality—how footwear can meet a practical need underfoot while also serving as a form of cultural expression.
Dr. Eugene
Kelly
Chief Scientist, Co-Founder
Gene Kelly is a Professor of Pedology at Colorado State University, specializing in soil geochemistry and global change. His work advances understanding of how nutrient and carbon balances shape soil health, guiding regenerative practices that restore degraded lands and support long-term agricultural productivity. Dr. Kelly chairs the U.S. National Committee for Soil Science with the National Academy of Sciences and advises federal agencies, including USDA and NSF.
Bill
Huang
Footwear Technical Sales, Asia
Bill specializes in sustainable material strategy, supply chain integration, and factory-level implementation for footwear brands. Leveraging his deep knowledge of eco-friendly materials—including recycled, regenerative, and plant-based options—he ensures Solum’s materials are seamlessly adopted into existing manufacturing processes without compromising quality or efficiency. His hands-on approach at the factory level empowers brands to accelerate material innovation and deliver more environmentally responsible products to market.
Dr. Katrina
Cornish, PhD
Chief Rubber Advisor
A global expert on alternate rubber and latex production, processing and products with >30 years in rubber biosynthesis, production systems innovation, and alternative feedstocks in the Government, Commercial and University sectors. Her inventions and leadership provide the foundation of the current worldwide efforts to develop alternative natural rubber crops.
Blake
Lerner
Director, Supply Chain & Product Quality
Bringing 15 years of experience in systems and industrial engineering, supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing and materials development, Blake has played critical roles in aircraft manufacturing programs, managing global supply chains, regulatory compliance and technical program management. Blake ensures that Solum’s raw materials, operations, and final products are of the highest performance and environmental quality. As an avid runner and mountaineer, Blake is passionate about reducing the impact of every step.
About Solum
The Solum team came together around a shared concern: microplastics. As a trail runner and seasoned footwear developer, Thomas Bogle knew firsthand how harmful traditional shoe soles could be. After wearing through countless pairs, he began to imagine a better solution—one that was bio-circular and less harmful to the planet.
By blending expertise in soil health and material science, the team set out to reverse-engineer nature, asking: What does healthy soil need? The answers helped shape a new kind of outsole: one that not only performs but gives back to the earth.
Rooted in years of experience and a deep respect for the environment, Solum rethinks how shoes connect with people and planet—starting from the ground up.