The world of the sneaker production is undergoing a process of change where the trend is to focus on more sustainable business models. Major brands, such as Adidas or Nike, are including new responsible materials and technologies that are revolutionizing the sector.
And today, in this new article, we are going to present some of these innovations, their reasons, and how they are being implemented in your favorite sneakers. Don't miss it!
What is sought in new materials for urban sneakers?
The near future of sneakers is heading in the following direction:
- This process responds to two situations; on one hand, at a global level, the resources are increasingly limited and companies are increasingly recognizing the need to optimize their production processes, both to save costs and to gain efficiency.
- But not only for that, but also for approaching an increasingly committed to the environment, who seek products that are not aggressive to the environment, neither through their design nor in their components.
- Besides that, the new materials also improve durability and comfort compared to past options, so that they not only fulfill that responsibility, but also keep improving the technical quality of the new models.
That is why major brands have been innovating for quite some time, not only by applying these raw materials but also new ecofriendly technologies with less impact and risk to the natural environment.
Discover the most used materials for sneakers in 2024
But if we focus on what is already being applied in 2024 in the world of sneakers, we find a mix of innovation and environmental responsibility. To give you an idea, we present a selection with their characteristics.
Recycled fabrics
The circular economy It is already a reality, and including recycled fabrics in the sneaker manufacturing processes is gaining a lot of popularity. This technique is based on giving new life to materials that were previously simply discarded.
Brands like Adidas and Nike They have launched product lines that use recycled plastic and other materials recovered from their own sneakers, transforming them into high-quality fabrics. In this way, waste traditionally associated with the textile industries is minimized.
For example, the Nike Air line has been using at least 25% recycled materials since 2008. But, in addition, since 2020 its production only uses renewable wind energy and they reuse 90% of the waste to manufacture soles.
Vegan leather
One of the materials that is gaining strong momentum is vegan leather. A material that is made without animal-derived products and perfectly mimics leather.
It's not just about the appearance, but also about its feel and durability. Something that is working very well to allow sneakerheads who previously rejected this type of product for ethical reasons to now wear them and feel connected to the movement for species protection.
One of the brands that is most committed to vegan leather is New Balance, which already has many models that use it as a substitute for common leather.
Biodegradable materials
Maybe, the materials that are destined to dominate the sector in the coming decades are these. The biodegradable they are designed to decompose naturally when they are no longer useful, so that their subsequent treatment has a minimal environmental impact.
In that group, we can include hemp or organic cotton. For example, Nike uses the so-called Better Cotton, without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Recycled EVA foam
Surely you have heard about this peculiar material on many occasions, as it is commonly used in manual, school, or domestic work. But the reality is that the EVA rubber, in its recycled version, is one of the best shock absorbers of the moment.
The best part is that it retains all its properties, so even though it is a second or third life product, the performance will be the same as if it were not recycled. Nowadays, many sneakers feature EVA foam as part of their structure.
Advanced technical mesh
Technical mesh is increasingly used, mainly because of its lightness and breathability. In addition, its flexibility makes it very versatile for all types of footwear, as it guarantees a comfort that few materials can offer in certain areas of the foot.
Adidas, since the year 2020, has launched a campaign to recover plastic from the oceans and create this type of fabrics. Specifically textiles Primeblue and Primegreen, in this way, they intend to raise awareness among their audience about this major issue.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Finally, the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) It is a material with multiple possibilities and has become a real wildcard for sneaker manufacturers, as it works very well for making soles as well as reinforcements.
Among other things, it is very resistant to abrasion, making it very suitable for shoes that are designed to withstand high wear, mainly sports shoes, but also urban-style ones.
If you are also committed to sustainable development, at Newcop we have a wide variety of models that already use these materials and techniques. Take a look at our website or visit our stores and discover them all. We look forward to seeing you!
