German sportswear giant adidas has teamed up with American sneaker designer and Round Two co-founder Sean Wotherspoon for a collaborative sneaker aimed at lowering the effects of plastic waste on Earth.
With sustainability at the forefront, the SuperEarth Superstar is made from plant-based materials and upcycled fabrics. This eco-friendly version of adidas Originals’ classic low-top basketball sneaker was created to celebrate the Superstar’s 50th anniversary.
The newly reimaged SuperEarth silhouette eliminates its usual cowhide leather uppers and abolishes any animal-derived products and ingredients. Along with using vegan leather, the sneaker’s construction includes a 100% recycled polyester lining, reused Ortholite sock liners, natural rubber composed outsoles, vegan glues, and 100% paper-made laces.
Natural cork is used for the insoles, which provides comfort for the wearer and also helps to lower the SuperEarth’s carbon footprint. In addition, the sneaker was made with a production method that reduces plastic waste and the use of recycled rubber that forms the sole unit.
In terms of design, Wotherspoon, who is a vegan himself, applies his signature aesthetics into the model’s fresh white medial and lateral walls. Showcased are bright and bold floral prints that have been embroidered into the upper in colorful hues of yellow, black, red, green, and blue.
Streams of treads run off to give the sides of the shoe a graffiti-inspired fringe effect. Baby blue and pale pink help to accent the lace stays, while the textured and perforated tongues feature a blue planet Earth graphic designed by Wotherspoon; this also acts as a reminder that we must protect our planet.
Elsewhere “SuperEarth” branding is spotlighted on the tongue tabs, heels, and insoles, along with adidas’ Trefoil insignia on the rear. Final details include the speckled midsole and signature shell toe.
Although the creation of the SuperEarth is aimed at ending plastic waste, the truth is this shoe alone will not save the planet. “However, we challenged our creation process to find more sustainable solutions,” reads a tag tugged inside the collaborative model. “Consider this a commitment for continuous innovation in the field of sustainability.”
Sean Wotherspoon’s long-awaited first collaboration with adidas is part of a larger initiative, which strives to bring an end to material waste during the footwear manufacturing process. This will be achieved through pattern efficiency and the use of recycled materials.
Retailing for $110 USD (approximately $150 CAD), the SuperEarth Superstar will be available at select adidas retailers and online starting August 29.
All images in this article are courtesy of adidas.
