Salomon launches improved recyclable running shoe

Sports equipment and shoemaker Salomon Group has launched its second fully recyclable running shoe. The Index.02 shoe follows on from the Index.01 shoe that was launched two years ago.

At 263 grams for a typical man's size, the new shoe is 10 percent lighter than the earlier model. The company said it represents a "massive upgrade" in comfort and performance, because of changes to the foam quality, midsole geometry and upper construction.

The comfort comes from the lightweight Infiniride thermoplastic polyurethane foam, which is fully recyclable, and less dense than the foam used in the earlier shoe. The mesh upper is made from a breathable mesh. A thin line on the shoe highlights where the two different materials will be separated for recycling.

The shoe, like the earlier model, was constructed with future disassembly in mind. One of each pair of shoes has a QR code on the tongue so the purchaser can scan it to register the shoe, and then return it for recycling at end of life. Salomon then uses the recycled materials to make Salomon alpine ski boots.

The company has also analysed the environmental impact of its earlier recyclable model, comparing it with its Sonic 3 running shoe. It found that the way the new shoe is made and recycled represents a 44 percent reduction in CO2 over the traditional shoe, cutting 4.9kg from the carbon footprint over its lifecycle.

"We started researching materials for the Index.01 shoe about five years ago, looking to reduce its impact," said Laurent Coudurier, the company's R&D manager for footwear. "With this new Index.02 model, we’re getting closer to providing the same level of performance as the rest of our road running shoes."

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