Sustainable performance

Last month, Reebok announced the launch of their newest running sneaker the Forever Floatride Grow. With uppers made from eucalyptus, plant-based castor bean midsoles and an algae-based EVA foam sockliner, the shoes were designed to provide the same high-performance as Reebok’s other footwear but without much of the environmental impact. “Forever Floatride Grow is made for runners who care about performance and want to feel good about the products they use daily,” Reebok product director Emily Mullins said. Crucially, the shoes are competitively priced, retailing for $120. Although parent company Adidas reached the milestone of using over 50% recycled polyester in its products this year, the use of plant-based materials to achieve top-notch running shoes shows the potential in the category to forgo synthetic materials altogether.

Swiss running brand On is taking performance and recycling to the next level. In September they announced Cyclon, the world’s first zero waste performance sneaker subscription. For every new pair of shoes sold, an old pair is taken back to recycle into a new pair becoming truly circular. Costing £25 a month, the service will officially launch in Fall 2021.

Launched only a year ago, British athleisure brand TALA is proving that sustainability and high-performance clothing go hand-in-hand, regularly selling out launches in under an hour. The clothing is 92% sustainable, made from recycled plastic bottles and upcycled offcuts from factories. Founded by fitness influencer Grace Beverly, who also owns exercise equipment brand B_ND, sustainability practices are also incorporated into the manufacturing process with fair and safe conditions for all workers.