Sneaker giant Reebok is releasing its first-ever plant-based performance running shoe. The Forever Floatride GROW will be available for purchase in fall 2020.
The running shoe is the latest example of Reebok’s commitment to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics in footwear by making products with plants. The Forever Floatride GROW follows the success of the brand’s successful Cotton + Corn lifestyle collection of footwear.
“With Forever Floatride GROW, we’re replacing oil-based plastic with plants,” said Bill McInnis, vice president of Reebok Future in a statement. “The biggest challenge in making a shoe like this was developing plant-based materials that could meet the high-performance needs of runners. During the three years we spent developing this product, we heard loud and clear that the idea of a plant-based running shoe resonates strongly with serious runners. But those same runners felt just as emphatically that they would never compromise on performance. The Forever Floatride GROW is the result. Plant-based performance—with no compromise.”
The shoe’s highly cushioned, responsive midsole is built from sustainably grown castor beans, and the eucalyptus tree upper is naturally biodegradable, sustainably sourced, strong, and breathable. The sock liner utilizes BLOOM algae foam. And the flexible, durable, and responsive natural rubber outsole is sustainably sourced from real rubber trees, as opposed to the petroleum-based rubber featured in other performance products.
“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 Reebok Brand President Matt O’Toole. “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.”
“Our consumers have told us they want more sustainable products, and the running community has been the most vocal and passionate on this issue,” said O’Toole. “We want to help runners perform at their best, while also feeling good about the products they wear.”
Consumers can sign up to learn more about the Forever Floatride GROW here. The Reebok NPC UK Cotton + Corn is available now.