Words by Alex Taylor
Always ahead of the curve, Nike are natural innovators, so which of their trainers manage to be both stylish and sustainably made?
Whether you love them, or you hate them, you cannot deny that Nike is the biggest sportswear brand of all time. They are responsible for some of the most iconic drops in the space (think Air Jordan, Air Max, Air Force), legendary collaborations with the likes of Serena Williams, Michael J. Fox, Louis Vuitton, and Jacquemus, award-winning commercials including ‘You Can’t Stop Us‘, and a renowned logo which is recognised by anyone and everyone. Not to mention that as of 2023, Nike has been valued at 31B USD, over double the valuation of its biggest competitor, Adidas.
From this, it’s clear that ever since its beginnings in 1964, Nike has continued to innovate and make bigger and better moves to place itself at the top of the sportswear heavyweights, where it proudly sits today.
Yet, the world as we know it is changing. It is becoming more and more apparent that we cannot continue to use and abuse the earth’s resources at the rate we currently are. Across the world, people are increasing their efforts to help the planet, whether that’s by recycling, walking more, buying second-hand, or opting for products made from more eco-friendly materials. Naturally, this movement has trickled into the fashion industry.
A vast majority of consumers see the planet’s survival as an issue that companies need to address and take action on, due to their money, resources, and influence. As a result, customers see great value in fashion brands that are making clear and honest motions to increase their sustainable practices.
Being a brand as prominent and influential as Nike, it’s reassuring to see that the company has taken some steps to make its impact on the planet a little greener:
- Nike has set out a string of targets to hit by 2025 as part of its ‘Move to Zero’ campaign. This includes increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials to 50% of all its key materials, to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 0.5 imperial tons. Nike is putting considerable focus on switching out their materials for more efficient alternatives, having created some entirely new ones as part of the effort. An example is ‘Nike Forward’, a lightweight substance that is said to reduce carbon footprint by up to 75% compared with their traditional fleece.
- As part of its Re-Creation programme, Nike launched a collaboration with Greater Goods, a London-based design company focused on upcycling old materials into unique fashion pieces. The collection debuted earlier this year and consists of both lifestyle and sportswear, harnessing a variety of styles as inspiration. For Sneaker Day on September 9th, Nike and Greater Goods reunited for an upcycling workshop in London – so keep an eye out for future collabs that may be on the cards.
- Nike provides a whole host of resources in their marketing materials to help their customers care for their purchases in the best possible way. This includes cleaning and care, refurbishing, and recycling.
It will be interesting to see how Nike’s 2025 goals and material redevelopments pan out as we near 2024. But, for today, it’s promising to see that change is happening. Now, it’s time to look at some shoes. Nike has released several sustainable drops in recent years as part of this greener movement. You can even find a section of their website solely dedicated to products made with at least 20% sustainable materials – so, let’s browse some of our favourite sneakers from this list.
Nike Dunk Low
Why it’s on the list:
The Dunk is an undeniable ‘80s classic, so for this iconic shoe to now come with at least 20% recycled materials is a step in the right direction for highlighting that you don’t need to compromise on style to be more conscious with your fashion choices.
Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus
Why it’s on the list:
If we’re sticking with the theme of iconic shoes, then we’ve got to talk about a pair of Air Max. So, here’s a remaster of a signature ‘90s design. We also love an all-black moment as much as the next person, so enjoy.
Nike Air Max Terrascape 90
Why it’s on the list:
Okay, maybe we need to talk about TWO pairs of Air Max. But what’s particularly interesting about this shoe is that the sole is made from recycled waste collected from the manufacturing process.
Nike Metcon 9
Why it’s on the list:
Nike’s eco innovations span more than just lifestyle and streetwear. They also have several running, basketball, and workout sneakers now sporting the 20% recycled stamp of approval. A well-rounded shoe designed for workouts and training at large, the Metcon 9 deserves a spot on the list.
Nike Calm
Why it’s on the list:
Moving away from the traditional sneaker, it’s time to shine a light on something a little different. The Calm is a bit like Marmite. Some see it as ugly, others see it as a beautiful moment where comfort meets style. We love these mules and are firmly on the latter team (socks and sandals, anyone?).