adidas has always been known as one of the leading brands to push the bar to the next level when it comes to technology, both within their lineup of sneakers, and apparel, but also when it comes to partnering with some of the world’s leading technology brands. In April 2015, adidas penned a partnership with Parley, an ocean recycling company, and committed to creating one million pairs of shoes made with Parley Ocean Plastic by end of 2017.
The result of this partnership has yielded early rewards with the release of the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley, which features a Primeknit upper made from a mix of Ocean Plastic, created from plastic waste retrieved by Parley coastal interception and clean-up operations in the Maldives (95%), and recycled polyester (5%); with each pair reusing eleven plastic bottles. The shoe laces, heel cap base material, heel webbing, heel lining and the sock-liner cover are also made with recycled materials. The game-changing move for a more Eco-innovative future sees the first mass-produced footwear using these techniques, and will go on sale in mid-November with 7,000 pairs globally.
More on the technology in use:
UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley is created using new technologies specifically engineered to up-cycle marine plastic debris into technical yarn fibres. The specially-developed Primeknit upper is combined with UltraBOOST’s signature elements to deliver an innovative running shoe that requires no compromise on performance.
A Continental™ natural rubber Stretchweb outsole for all-weather traction works with the innovative full-length BOOST™ midsole for unrivalled energy return. The Torsion® system bar, also from a renewable source, supports the foot’s natural flex with every step.
