Many shoe brands are becoming more aware of climate urgency, and Nike is no exception. The Swoosh brand has presented in New York, a special edition shoe collection that promises to redefine the concept of sustainable design. The four models presented in its “Space Hippie” collection are made 100% with factory remnants: the scrap material from factory floors left over from the manufacturer’s other products.
From design to the choice of materials, everything was thought to fit the concept of circular design and sustainability. According to Nike, sneakers have the “smallest environmental footprint” in the company’s history; that is, the manufacturing process has the lowest carbon production.
The sole of the new Space Hippie collection models is made of Crater Foam, a mixture of traditional Nike foams and 15% recycled Nike Grind rubber. Space Hippie uppers are created using ‘Space Waste Yarn,’ which is made from 100% recycled material – including recycled plastic water bottles, T-shirts, and yarn scraps.
“Space Hippie is also an idea. It is about figuring out how to make the most with the least material, the least energy, and the least carbon,” says John Hoke, Nike Chief Design Officer.
Of the four models, 01, 02, 03, and 04, the first three are unisex and will be available in the first half of 2020 on the SNKRS platform and in selected stores. The 04, female model, arrives at the end of the semester. The pricing for the Space Hippie collection has yet to be announced.
The race for clean shoes has only just started. Last year, Adidas launched its Futurecraft loop, a running model made of 100% recycled material, and supposed to be fully and infinitely recyclable. Even Reebok announced the creation of eco-friendly sneakers from sustainably grown plants at the end of last year.
