Reebok Launches Eco-Friendly ‘Plant-Based’ Running Sneakers

The Forever Floatride Grow is constructed from castor beans, algae, eucalyptus trees and natural rubber.

Reebok

Reebok is pushing sustainable footwear forward with a new plant-based running shoe that the athleticwear giant says will rival the best performance models on the market. 

Reebok

The Forever Floatride Grow is an updated version of the Forever Floatride Energy—an acclaimed jogger that Runner’s World recommends for its fantastic price-to-performance ratio. Its responsive midsole is constructed from sustainably-grown castor beans. Reebok promises that the material meets the lightweight cushioning standard of its predecessor. 

Reebok

Meanwhile, the upper is made from biodegradable eucalyptus tree to be strong and breathable, and the sockliner from naturally odor-resistant algae foam harvested from invasive growth areas. Additionally, fabric for the flexible-but-durable outsole comes straight from real rubber trees as opposed to a petroleum-based counterpart. 

The Forever Floatride Grow arrives as a part of Reebok’s eco-friendly Cotton + Corn collection of footwear. The program’s mission echoes that of Nike’s Converse Renew initiative, which spawned Chuck Taylors crafted entirely from recycled materials. Reebok aims to use only 100-percent recycled polyester fiber in their shoes by 2025. 

Reebok

“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.”  

These stylishly sustainable kicks drop in the fall of 2020. Visit Reebok’s website for more info on the Forever Floatride Grow. 

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