Toyoda Gosei, Asics create shoes from steering wheel remnants

Toyoda Gosei has partnered with leading sporting goods company Asics Corporation to launch the Skyhand OG sports shoe collection, crafted from leather remnants left over from car steering wheel production. The shoes will be available for purchase on the Asics online store starting February 1.

As part of its sustainability efforts, Toyoda Gosei has been repurposing waste materials under its Re-S brand, turning hard-to-recycle items like airbag fabrics and steering wheel leather remnants into practical products like bags and pen cases. Similarly, Asics has been integrating recycled materials into its footwear and sportswear to support sustainable manufacturing.

This collaboration marks Toyoda Gosei’s second partnership with Asics, following the release of sports shoes made from recycled airbag fabrics in January 2023.

Innovative techniques, such as patchworking small leather remnant pieces, have been utilized to minimize material waste in this project. The leather remnants, sourced from Toyoda Gosei’s plant in Vietnam, are being used locally in Vietnam-based Asics production facilities, reducing both material waste and CO2 emissions associated with transportation.