Footwear and sportswear brand Reebok has just released a plant-based running shoe. Dubbed “Forever Floatride GLOW,” the new shoes are a key step in Reebok’s sustainability strategy.
One thing is for sure, Reebok’s first-ever vegan shoe is nothing like your typical running shoes. This innovative footwear is made out of a slew of unique materials, including algae foam, castor bean oil, and eucalyptus tree bark. More specifically, these running shoes feature a castor bean midsole, a bloom algae-based EVA foam sock liner, an upper made out of eucalyptus tree textile, and a natural rubber outsole.
Though it’s clear the Forever Floatride GLOW is 100% plant-based, you may be wondering how these innovative materials work in tandem. According to Reebok’s website, the eucalyptus bark creates a breathable mesh upper, the natural rubber outsole provides flexible traction on any and all surfaces, and the bloom algae adds cushioning, creating a comfortable footbed.
However, the real star of the show is the castor bean oil, which makes Reebok’s patented Floatride foam, which they have used in several of their other sneakers, a reality. Castor bean oil provides cushioning and comfort, allowing the foam to remain lightweight yet responsive.
Furthermore, the shoes are USDA-certified and contain 59% USDA certified bio-based content.
Aesthetically, the Forever Floatride GLOW is a dream for those who love a neutral colour palette. The shoes are primarily cream or off-white in colour, with beige laces and trim, an orange bottom, and the orange Reebok logo on the tongue of the shoe.
All images in this article are courtesy of Reeboks.
