Proof History

Proof was founded in 2010 by 3 brothers in Idaho, but its roots can be traced back to 1954 when their grandfather, Bud Dame, started a sawmill. The brothers grew up with sawdust in their veins working in the family mill and exploring the Idaho outdoors. The idea to start the brand surfaced in 2010 when founder, Brooks, was trying to create a bamboo ski pole in his garage. The ski pole was a failure, but it planted the seed that would eventually morph into Proof. 

In the following year, while building up the idea of a wood consumer product, the first prototypes of sunglasses were created. With Brooks moonlighting at Proof while also working his day job, the company was managed out of his garage with one laptop and a rack of sunglasses. Brooks, Tanner and Taylor took the product to their first trade show the day after launching the website, and the reception surpassed any expectations they could’ve had. 

Since then, the company has continued to grow and expand, going from garage to global in a few short years. Proof has kept pace with the demand for eco-friendly products, continuing to be a pioneer in sustainable eyewear. 

Proof embraces the idea of being global citizens by doing good around the world. The bird logo represents the belief, “Everyone has wings to fly, some just need a little help.” The efforts in helping others have affected people from Idaho to the other side of the world.

Today, Proof is headquartered in Boise, Idaho, USA at the recently opened Proof Flagship Store, and is sold in more than 20 countries worldwide. The company continues to break new ground in sustainable eyewear and push the brand into new territory.

The startup provides products handcrafted from sustainable materials including FSC-certified wood, cotton-based acetate, and repurposed skateboard decks. Proof stands firm on three principles: heritage, sustainability, and giving back.