Design
Sustainable materials: our progress report
Where we are, what we have learned, and what still needs work on our path to lower-impact shoes.
Maya Okafor
· 6 min read
Two years ago we set a goal to make every Stridesole upper from at least 50 percent recycled materials by 2027. Here is where we stand.
Where we are
Today, 9 of our 12 models use uppers made from recycled polyester. Our laces and sockliners are fully recycled across the line.
What is harder
Midsoles are the toughest part. Bio-based foams still lose bounce faster than traditional ones. We are testing a sugarcane-based EVA that is getting close.
What is next
Our take-back program has collected over 40,000 pairs. Next year, ground-up outsoles from those shoes will become part of new outsoles.
