Green Steps Styles

Making your footsteps greener than ever on a pair of recycled plastic sneakers? Sounds sarcastic, but reality hits differently. The idea of recycled shoes is changing the game for footwear brands all around the globe. The perfect solution doesn't exist, they say. We went vegan, and now it is time to go recyclable. So, which brands should you consider, and how can you find a match in this puzzling era?

Veja, IG

In recent years, more and more footwear brands have been exploring new areas of design and production, slowly shifting into vegan and eco-friendly fashion. Vegan footwear is strongly linked to ethical dilemmas and harsh chemicals used during tanning. At the same time, the idea of recycled shoes isn't new or exceptional. Many leading firms worldwide are adding green shoe pieces to their collection. To find new alternatives to already-known animal leather, brands are playing with recycled ocean plastic and bio-based materials, putting them into their mainline collections. We have already heard a tale of thrift-shopping and vintage pieces, but what does the narrative of green footwear sound like?

First, let's discuss what makes recycled sneakers unique and why you should consider getting a pair. By using materials like old rubber and recycled plastic bottles, brands are creating more sustainable, eco-aware options for customers. Some companies even use recycled materials for the whole shoe, changing the traditional green options. Getting recycled sneakers can be seen not just as a pro-environmental gesture. It can add to your healthy consumeristic choices and bring a unique touch to your style. Not only reducing carbon emissions and landfill sites, this alternative is also comfortable and durable, making it a perfect match for your new shopping choice.

Veja, IG

Talking about recycled shoes, it would be hard not to mention Adidas's iconic collaboration with Parley, an environmental organization and global collaboration network. Their collection is another bright sight of a new era of design and fashion. Plastic from well-known beaches such as the Maldives is collected and turned into yarn, becoming the main feature of the upper material of Adidas footwear. Reclaiming the marine plastic waste and putting it to good use? Sounds like a great deal. And it not only sounds good, but the looks are also marvelous. Moreover, their collaboration with British skate brand Palace featured black and white iterations with a multicolored knitted pattern, which inspires and catches one's eye.
Another well-known brand is Nike. They are here to play greener as well. Leading the Move to Zero initiative, the company aims for zero carbon print and zero waste to protect the future of sportswear. Their Space Hippie line is created from at least 50% recycled materials, and similarly to Adidas x Parley, the Space Waste Yarn is used as the primary material throughout the collection. Made from recycled plastic bottles, T-shirts, and yarn scraps, it ensures Nike's mission to hit the score. What is more, this collection has a futuristic vision, which can be admired in a space-inspired design, redefining the aesthetics of Nike's sneakers.

Space Hippie Collection via Nike

Next on the line is Allbirds, which has a passion for ecological decisions and worshipped designs. Gaining a huge following for its transparency and commitment, the brand uses all kinds of eco-friendly materials, such as eucalyptus tree fiber for its Treeline and sugarcane for its SweetFoam soles. Additionally, Allbirds collaborated with Adidas to create a bold and unique piece—FUTURECRAFT.FOOTPRINT, a sneaker with one of the lowest carbon footprints ever achieved.

Allbird, IG

This trend isn't just about individual companies. More and more brands are moving towards a greener landscape, which cannot go unnoticed. Investing money into research and sustainable materials development, one may even stumble upon bio-based leathers made from mushrooms or pineapples. At the end of the day, it is all about being fashionable and conscious simultaneously. In modern days, companies are moving beyond green labels. Brands prioritize sustainability to boost their authenticity and add unique designs inspired by nature.

Looking seemingly positive, eco-friendly fashion optimistically speaks to all its beloved viewers. Who are we to say something against this green revolution? We can only embrace it and keep following the achievements of adored brands.