Footwear giant Nike recently announced the launch of a new sneaker style, the Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature.
What is especially remarkable about this new Nike sneaker is that it is the brand’s most sustainable performance shoe to date.
An upgrade on the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, this line of Nike running shoes is extremely popular among long-distance runners, including Olympic marathon running champion Eliud Kipchoge.
The new and improved Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature combines the same performance technology as its predecessor but incorporates sustainable materials. For example, the latest iteration is made from 50% total recycled content (by weight).
The Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature was brought to life using the circular design principles at the heart of Nike’s new Move to Zero initiative. A “use-everything” strategy was employed to utilize as much waste as possible.
Taking inspiration from Nike Basketball’s Cosmic Unity, designers sought to design a running shoe that made both the world and the athlete better. While the Cosmic Unity basketball shoe was a good start at 25% recycled content, Nike wanted to go even further with the Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature.
Though the new long-distance running shoe is made from 50% recycled content overall, as mentioned above, it’s worth examining the individual shoe components, as some have an even higher recycled content. Take the midsole, which was developed using 70% recycled foam (this is the same midsole used in the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run), or the Nike Air Zoom Pods cushioning made with recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or the Flyplate made with at least 50% recycled carbon fibre, as examples.
Further, the shoe’s upper was created using a combination of Nike Flyprint (a 3D-printed textile made up of at least 20% TPU) and Nike Flyknit (featuring at least 45% recycled polyester), and the outsole came to life using a mix of materials, among them recycled Nike Grind rubber. Finally, the sock liner is made from 100% recycled PEBA, and the laces are 100% recycled polyester covered in a film coating made from 50% recycled TPU.
The unveiling of Nike’s Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature is the latest example of the global brand’s commitment to sustainability. It won’t be long until a new sneaker style is once again being lauded as Nike’s “most sustainable to date.”
All images in this article are courtesy of Nike.
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