Sustainable fashion is going from being a trend to becoming the future of one of the most important industries in the world. It is no secret to anyone that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting on the planet, so brands have found it necessary to contribute even a grain of sand to reverse this reality. This movement started with accessories, clothing and has now reached the footwear industry, welcoming the rise of eco-friendly shoes.
Each shoe model uses different types of materials, depending on whether it is for women, men or children; if they are sandals, industrial, dress, sports, etc. The materials used for the manufacture of conventional footwear are divided into those for uppers, soles and finishes. For tennis you need canvas, cloth, PVC, rubber, crepe, cuschon, oiled leather, sewn, injected and vulcanized polyurethane. many of These materials come from petroleum, so every time a couple of them are made and discarded, it threatens the planet, since none of the materials degrade easily.
Due to the levels of waste that this industry produces, footwear made from sustainable sources is starting to gain importance as more and more companies are taking a chance on this market. Brands like Reebok, Adidas and Allbirds They are just some of those who have taken risks and are succeeding.
The Adidas proposal, for example, is about ocean plastic shoes. These use a thread developed by the Parley brand that converts waste into a polymer that can be used to build them. Each of the pairs uses an average of 11 plastic bottles and incorporates recycled plastic in the laces, heel straps, heel lining and sock liner covers. Of the positives, it is said that the secret of how they are made could offer lasting implications for the future of footwear.
Also, Reebook has released a shoe that is almost edible, what? Yes, the shoes are made from cotton and corn that are biodegradable. That is to say, once they fulfill their function and end up in the garbage, these decompose completely, like a banana shell. The sole is made with corn and castor oil, while the upper is made from 100% organic cotton..
Finally, the famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio, spokesman and activist against climate change, decided to invest in the shoe brand Allbirds, this company works with 100% sustainable materials, such as merino sheep wool, eucalyptus fiber and sugar cane, makes footwear that does not harm the planet. The brand has taken a turn by using unconventional materials in the soles of footwear, as a renewable raw material derived from sugar cane. The models they offer are practical, classic, they adapt to any style and their price is not so high, since they only cost 35 dollars.