Sneaker giants all over the world have been taking steps to become more sustainable, and Reebok has joined the gang! Their eco-friendly Cotton + Corn collection took us over by storm, and this time they’re back with ‘The Forever Floatride GROW’, a sustainable and updated version of the popular Forever Floatride Energy sneakers. Created completely from plant-based materials, the Floatride GROW is Reebok’s latest initiative to abandon the usage of petroleum-based plastics.
Castor beans, eucalyptus, BLOOM algae, and natural rubber were the materials of choice. Sustainably grown castor beans were utilized to create an exceedingly cushioned and responsive midsole, in turn, maintaining the high performance and lightweight cushioning standard that all of Reebok’s performance running shoes promise. A eucalyptus midsole has been introduced, it’s biodegradability and sustainable sourcing guaranteed. A BLOOM algae foam sock liner was added to the mix, harvested from invasive growth areas. The algae are naturally odor-resistant, so goodbye smelly sneakers! Petroleum-based rubber was dumped for a natural rubber outsole sustainably sourced from real rubber trees.
“The earth is a runner’s arena, and we have a responsibility to help detox the world for the athletes who run in it,” said Matt O’Toole, Reebok Brand President. “Our Cotton + Corn collection was the first step in making shoes from things that grow. Now, we have taken an award-winning running shoe, the Forever Floatride Energy, and reinvented it using natural materials to create what we feel is the most sustainable performance running shoe on the market.”
As plant-based and sustainable as these new kicks may be, Reebok guarantees that they perform as well as any other running shoe on the market. They promise plant-based performance with no compromise! The sneakers showcase neutral hues of beige and off white, with Reebok’s iconic stripes flashing across them. A white midsole and beige laces top off the shoe! Good looking, sustainable and backed with an assurance of high performance, these shoes are a must-have once they release in the Fall of 2020!
Designer: Reebok
