Now the sneaker industry is bigger, than ever, and her growth shows no signs of slowing down. More than 23 billion pairs of sneakers, but such extravagance is behind the great demand for shoes, what makes sneakers the most popular shoe on the planet. Most of these new pairs use natural plastic, rubber and oil, emitting an alarming amount of carbon dioxide. But times are changing and every year the demand for eco men's and women's shoes from recycled materials, and sneaker brands, who produce ecological footwear are becoming very popular with modern fashionistas.
- More than 23 billion pairs of sneakers, and more than 300 million pairs, and on average for the complete decomposition of a vapor in a landfill 30-40 years.
- Sneakers are one of the most environmentally wasteful products in retail, but the thriving shoe industry shows no signs of slowing down.
- However, as, how buyers become more aware of environmental issues, related to the production of clothing and footwear, brands become more motivated, to offer sustainable alternatives.
- Below you will find nine brands of sneakers, who are trying to set a new standard, producing sneakers from innovative, environmentally friendly materials and production methods.
Eco Shoes – new trend in the shoe industry in 2020 year
Startup Sneaker Nothing New reports, that every year about 300 million pairs of shoes, and on average it takes 30-40 years, so that the steam is completely decomposed in the landfill. In the past, most buyers did not think about, exactly how the things they bought were made, but this is no longer the case, and eco shoes are becoming a new trend in the shoe industry in 2020 year.
In addition to demanding fashion styles and revolutionary innovations, educated consumers today expect, that products will be produced responsibly. Sportswear retail expert Matt Powell explained, that young people are very concerned about, how their purchases affect the environment and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Sustainable development of a shoe brand is an important topic in retail, that's why young consumers are ready to pay more for eco-friendly shoes ", – Powell said. “Brands have long been concerned about, to make our products less harmful to the environment ".
If you want to choose a more sustainable shoe, we will tell you how to do it. Therefore, we have compiled this list of brands, who use innovative, environmentally friendly materials and production methods women's sneakers, that do not destroy the environment.
Quality sneakers from famous brands, such as Nike and Adidas, to trainers-fashion startups Everlane and Allbirds, have been working on creating new standards for a long time.
9 brands, eco-friendly sneakers:
Adidas и Parley for the Oceans
When it comes to mainstream sportswear brands, Adidas, certainly, is the most vocal about her efforts to make shoes sustainable, and environmental organization Parley for the Oceans became its largest employee. These two brands merged for the first time in 2015 year using yarn, made from recycled ocean plastic, and illegal fishing nets. They officially released their eco sneakers to the public for the first time in 2016 year.
IN 2017 and 2018 years, respectively, Adidas sold 1 million and 5 million pairs of sneakers, made from recycled ocean plastic Parley, and c 2019 year – colossal 11 million pairs.
Today you'll find recycled materials across the entire line of Adidas sneakers, by Adidas Alphabounce Running Shoes + Run и Ultra Boost, and to adidas Terrex Two street shoes.
Eco Brand Tread by Everlane
While plastic recyclers produce a significant portion of the eco sneaker market, Everlane protector is designed for those, who still value quality leather.
Tread by Everlane practical, typical for minimalists and eco-style lovers.
Reebok NPC UK Хлопок + Corn
Last year, Reebok first released the NPC Cotton + corn", the brand took the initiative to reduce the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and make shoes for vegans. The updated sneaker has a top layer of 100% cotton, corn was used in the sole production, and castor oil insoles. Even packing on 100% recycled from recyclable materials.
Eco sneakers Nothing new
Nothing new, founded in 2019 year, must have a positive impact on the planet and human learning, who live on it. On this list, those looking to improve their sustainability.
As the name suggests, Nothing New sneakers are made from recycled materials only. The upper part is made of 100% recycled plastic, and the rest of the components are made from recycled cotton, fishing nets, rubbers and plugs. Beyond the manufacturing process, «Nothing new»Offers discounts in 20 dollars, depending on the condition of the sneakers. «Nothing new»Clear them, donate or recycle, and will return materials to its production supply chain.
Converse Renew Sneakers
ConverseAll-Star Chuck Taylor, probably, these are the most timeless shoes on the planet. These shoes first appeared in basketball shops in 1917.. At first, sneakers weren't as popular until basketball player Chuck Taylor noticed them.. The process starts with plastic bottles, supplied by an American waste recycling company First Mile. Then the plastic is crushed into flakes, melt, baled, twisted into yarn and woven into linen.
The best part of the Converse Renew sneaker collection is, that the shoes are fully available in sizes from smallest to adults.
Eco Sneakers Nike
In the past five decades Nike constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation in sportswear. While productivity was at the forefront of their projects, sustainability has also been a major factor in recent years. Despite, that sustainability is not heavily involved in brand marketing (compared to Adidas Parley or Allbirds), the work did not go unnoticed.
At the Textile Exchange in 2018 Nike was recognized as the most used brand in the polyester recycling industry. And with 2010-2018 the brand has turned 6,4 1 billion plastic water bottles in recycled shoes or clothing.
Nike Flyknit material, which can be found in shoes throughout the brand's catalog, partially made from recycled plastic, but the Nike Swoosh does more, than just resistant kits. Nike also released sneakers this past Earth Day, made from Flyleather, new material, manufactured, at least, on 50% from recycled leather fiber. You can expect, that Flyleather material will be included in other future designs.
Eco sneaker startup Allbirds
The brainchild of New Zealand native Tim Brown and San Francisco renewable energy expert Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds – it's an incredibly popular sneaker startup, which you've seen all over Silicon Valley and New York. In just four years, the brand has achieved a score of 77,5 million. dollars – all thanks to its stable shoes.
Love or hate them is your choice, but all designs by Allbirds, undoubtedly, unique and unmatched in comfort. The brand's shoes are made of merino wool or eucalyptus for the upper, and sugarcane for the SweetFoam sole.
They even made their SweetFoam patent public., so other brands can use it as a sustainable alternative. Recycled plastics and castor oil also end up in shoe lining components. Allbirds even uses 90% recycled carton for packaging, which serves as a shoebox, shopping bag and postal advertisement – all in one.
Greats Premium Sneakers
Founded in 2014 Ryan Babensen and shoe designer John Buscemi, Greats started out as an affordable alternative to the luxury sneaker market. The Greats Royale brand identity, made of premium leather, made in Italy and costs only 179 dollars, which is much less, than comparable top-class sneakers.
Striving to be greener, Greats tweaks the silhouette with a recycled plastic knit upper. Seven plastic bottles are used to craft each pair of Royale Knit sneakers, only at the initial stage of production, Greats exported 75 000 bottles from the ocean.
In addition to recycled plastic upper, Greats uses recycled materials in shoe boxes and packaging.
Eco sneakers from Rothy's
Founded in 2016 year, Rothy’s has taken over the social media and streets of New York and San Francisco with its recycled plastic ballet flats for women. With the same strong focus on sustainability, the brand has just started making other styles, including sneakers.
Aptly named “Sneaker”, recycled plastic sneakers Rothy’s have a spectacular Vans look. Other sustainable footwear features include recycled foam insoles, soles, made from recycled materials, non-carbon rubber and TPU, as well as vegan (from starch) and non-toxic adhesives. To date, Rothy’s has repurposed more than 35 million plastic water bottles. At the moment, the brand produces shoes only for women and children., so, if you are a guy, you will have to try any other brand on this list.
Our Eco Sneakers Womens Kabluchek ™
Eco Sneakers Women's Kabluchek ™ made of materials, which are made with minimal CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and from recycled materials.
