Just recycle it properly, OK

Nike is on a mission to reduce its environmental footprint with two new sneaker models that can be taken apart entirely. This innovation is designed to make recycling quicker and easier and cut down on waste.

The Swoosh brand, which has already proposed a few initiatives in this vein, is now innovating with two new shoe models – the Link and the Link Axis – designed to combine performance and sustainability.

Nike’s ISPA (Improvise; Scavenge; Protect; Adapt) research team has been working on a circular design process that involves taking apart a product to recycle its components more easily.

But is dismantling a sneaker really an easy thing to do?

It can be hard to imagine, considering that a sneaker is made up of a lot of materials, all stuck together.

“Designed in partnership with engineering, digital product creation and development, these shoes are completely informed by method of make – it really is a case of form following function,” said Darryl Matthews, vice-president Catalyst Footwear Product Design at Nike.

“Our hope is that these ideas and aesthetics become normalised, accelerating our ability to imagine how shoes will continue to evolve in the future.”

Each model is made of not one, but three parts that fit together without glue or other materials that can be difficult to recycle.

“Once worn, the shoes can be brought back to stores, then taken apart, so each part can be recycled separately according to the material it is made of. Nike ISPA Link will be the first model to launch in June, while the Nike ISPA Link Axis will land early next year.” –