Sustainable Designer Sneakers: These luxury brands lead by example
FERRAGAMO
Ferragamo presents the AW 2022 collection, a sustainable sneaker for men and women.
Inspired by classic running shoes, a mix of responsible and high-tech materials was used to create a lightweight and comfortable model, with a luxurious vintage look, characterized by a slim silhouette, the use of fabric elements, suede and smooth leather, and bright colors. Among the models are also a version with the iconic Ferragamo rainbow and all-over gancini pattern.
The uppers of the shoes are made from ECONYL® fibers, which are 100% derived from fishing nets and other nylon waste. All suede inserts are made from production waste generated from a carbon-reduced manufacturing process, giving them a second life. The footbed and lining are made from chrome-free tanned leather. Sewn the sneaker from a 100% recycled polyester thread.
LOUIS VUITTON
Also a pioneer when it comes to sustainable designer alternatives: LOUIS VUITTON with a new version of the iconic LV TRAINER. Aiming to push the concept of sustainability even further, the shoe model combines creativity, sustainability, and eco-design with an uber-graphic silhouette made from 90% recycled and organically produced materials. Available in three colorways, the LV TRAINER features the Maison's signature Sustainable Development logo.
A newcomer to the LOUIS VUITTON footwear collection, the shoe model originally designed by Virgil Abloh embodies the Maison's innovative spirit and opens a new chapter in eco-design. Made in a highly complex process at the Fiesso d'Artico leather workshop in Italy, the sneakers combine an eco-conscious, ecological design with fine craftsmanship.
The sole, a key component in terms of weight and comfort, is made of 94% recycled polyurethane, with unchanged efficiency in terms of bounce, cushioning, and foot support. The upper is made from a blend of recycled polyester and corn-based plastic. The laces, made from recycled plastic, run over the tongue, which is also made from recycled polyester, while the eyelets are made from 91% renewed polyurethane.
Designed by Virgil Abloh, the Sustainable Development logo serves as a visual identifier for LOUIS VUITTON's upcycling philosophy and has since become a symbol of the Maison's commitment to sustainable development. Starting in August, the sneakers will be available with a white logo and green accents, followed by more models in red and black in September. LOUIS VUITTON further opted to use vegetable-based inks and left the inside of the packaging in its original kraft paper. Last but not least, a felt shoe bag made of Tencel™ - consisting of renewable fibers from sustainably managed forests - serves as a sustainable protective cover for the LV TRAINER.
PRADA
Since the first Prada x Adidas collaboration in 2020, the luxury brand returns with another line of sneakers, bags, as well as coats, and hoodies. What makes it special is that every piece in the collection was made from the Re-Nylon material, which has been a part of the brand for years. Aside from the fact that Prada is particularly known for its use of nylon, in 2019 they introduced Re-Nylon, a repurposing of the material that is made from recycled plastic and textile fiber waste from the ocean and can be recycled infinitely. Prada is now introducing the tradition in its collection with Adidas, launched in early 2022.
A popular classic from the Prada x Adidas collection, the "Originals Forum" shoe is presented here with a detachable pouch in the all-familiar Prada style. The shoe is available in low as well as high top versions and comes in black or white colorway.
MARNI
Another hot collaboration this year is between Italian luxury brand Marni and one of the most famous sustainable footwear brand of today Veja.
The Marni x Veja collaboration consists of 2 models: On the one hand the V-10, a low shoe with pink and red doodles in the typical abstract Marni style. On the other hand, the V-15 sneaker is an ankle-high version patterned in blue, yellow, orange, and black. Both shoes present themselves in a fancy design and are real eye-catchers in everyday life.
What makes Veja's production method so special is that the leather used comes from Uruguayan farms and was processed in Brazil (in a tannery awarded the Gold Certificate by the Leather Working Group). The soles are 31% Amazonian rubber, 22% waste, and 12% recycled rubber.
