Asics unveils fully circular running shoe

Asics, the Japanese athletic apparel company, has launched its most innovative circular performance running shoe yet, designed to be recycled at the end of its lifecycle without compromising style or functionality. The Nimbus Mirai running shoe, crafted with sustainability in mind, features a unique returns policy aimed at encouraging users to return their shoes for remanufacturing and reuse.

This technologically advanced shoe boasts a homogenous polyester upper without overlays, facilitating easy separation and recycling when the time comes. Additionally, a special Asics adhesive ensures a strong bond for durability, while also enabling effortless separation for recycling.

Asics ensures that the entire shoe is designed for easy disassembly, with 87.3% of the upper material found to be recoverable through the recycling process, producing new polyester material for future use. The Nimbus Mirai also features an FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, offering cloud-like cushioning and comprising approximately 24% renewable materials, including residues from sugar cane manufacturing.

Upon reaching the end of its lifespan, runners can return their Nimbus Mirai shoes at Asics stores or via shipping in select markets worldwide, including the UK, the Netherlands, and France.