A high-performance running shoe designed to be recycled

When they embarked on this project to create a versatile and environmentally-friendly running shoe, Salomon's designers had one concept in mind: to create a model that, once it has reached the end of its life, can be disassembled and turned over for recycling.

After three years of R&D, they have achieved their goal, thanks in part to the materials of which their new shoe is made. The Index 01 shoe is made from 100% recycled polyester and its sole is made of thermoplastic polyurethane foam (TPU), rather than several materials that are difficult to recycle.

A shoe designed to be recycled and recyclable

When our shoes reach the end of their life, they can be sent to a dedicated collection centre free of charge. Once the shoes have been collected, Salomon will wash and disassemble them. Thanks to their original design, the upper and insole will separate easily from each other and then be recycled separately. The polyester thread seams that connect these two parts will be recycled with the upper made of the same material. The sole block will be shredded, mixed with new TPU and used to make alpine ski boots and other Salomon products. The polyester upper will be used to create new materials, after being ground up and turned into a thread.

When performance rhymes with environment

While the Index 01 seems ready to embark on a second life in the best possible conditions, it remains a high-performance shoe that meets all the requirements of a running shoe: it is lightweight - only 266 grams -, comfortable, offers good support, and has a sole that provides excellent cushioning. In short, it is a recycled and recyclable shoe with qualities similar to those that are not. And who knows, maybe we'll find some of our old trainers in our new pair of ski boots!

The Index 01 is due to be launched in spring 21. The ski boots made from our used running shoes are expected by the end of 2022.

More information:
https://www.salomon.com