DEFINITION: design a performance shoe that can be recycled and remade to another shoe.

Sounds simple right? Well, it isn’t as simple as you would imagine.

Challenges:

1. general running shoes are consist of leather, EVA, rubber, TPU, polyester, polyamide and there isn’t really a way to separate all those materials at the end of the shoe’s life, the shoes often end up in a landfill or burned, according to Olivier Mouzin, Manager of Salomon’s Footwear Sustainability Program.

2. running shoes would also need to be shock absorption and return of energy.

3. material also needs to be durable for everyday running.

Inspired by the creation of a Salomon alpine ski boot, a nitrogen-infused, TPU-based foam called INFINIRIDE was born.

Solutions:

1. Bottom: INFINIRIDE foam can be ground into tiny pieces and recycled, then remade later.

2. Upper: recycled polyester that also can be reused later.

3. Glue: A water-based glue is used to connect the bottom unit and the upper in order to minimise material contamination.

The combination of above three made INDEX.01.

INDEX.01 can help runners to propel forward with a comfortable / breathable upper. Every runners also would have clear consciousness of no extra waste being created with every stride they take.

Recycle Processes:

Index.01 owners can simply visit Salomon.com and print a shipping label to send the shoes to the closest collection centre free of charge.

Collected shoes will be separated into upper and bottom. Both parts will be ground down separately into tiny pellets. Bottom tiny pellets (recycled in Europe) will be combined with virgin TPU to make Salomon alpine ski boots in Europe for the 2022 winter range. Upper tiny pellets will be turned into yarn and used to weave a fabric.

Have you read about how Adidas and Nike approach their sustainability? Read Here

Solomon INDEX.01 is available now on Salomon.com.

Images: Salomon