Trend cluster
Category

Organic
Sneaker

Athletic shoes are being produced with sustainable materials.

Kelp-Based Sustainable SneakersCelebratory Cork SneakersCommemorative Cork SneakersWaste-Made SneakersRecycled Waste-Crafted Sneakers

Trend

What is the Organic Sneaker trend?

Organic Sneaker: Big brands in the athletic industry are looking to sustainable materials in order to better align with the needs of the environment, rather than with the demands of the fast fashion industry alone. By producing recyclable, upcycled or biodegradable sneakers, these brands are able to better appeal to consumers – not just in regards to style, but in their commitment to a greater cause – aligning with consumers' purpose-motivated purchase decisions.

Trend themes

Themes within the Organic Sneaker trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Sustainable materials

Athletic brands recognize the importance of sustainable materials and turn to eco-friendly solutions, such as biodegradable and upcycled products.

02

Customization and personalization

Brands like Nike give consumers the power to customize their sneakers, making them feel personally connected to the product.

03

3D printing

Sneaker companies explore the possibility of 3D printing technologies in their manufacturing processes, leading to endless design and customization possibilities.

Industry implications

What the Organic Sneaker trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Athletic footwear

Brands in the athletic footwear industry are making eco-friendly choices by using sustainable materials and adopting innovative manufacturing processes.

For

Fashion

Sneakers made of eco-friendly materials and innovative manufacturing processes reflect the growing concern of consumers for sustainable and ethical fashion.

For

Manufacturing

The adoption of 3D printing and other technologies in the manufacturing processes of the sneaker industry offers various opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

Workshop question

How can your brand insert charitable or eco-related initiatives into its products/services?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Organic Sneaker

Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 54%, freshness 8%.

Popularity65%
Activity54%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Africa

Evidence

Examples of the Organic Sneaker trend

7 featured examples from May 7, 2015 to Jul 16, 2018
Kelp-Based Sustainable Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Kelp-Based Sustainable Sneakers

The 'AlgiKnit' Shoes are Made from Renewing Biopolymers

The fashion industry has the opportunity to adopt sustainable practices and use renewable materials in their designs.

Celebratory Cork Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Celebratory Cork Sneakers

Nike Released These Sneakers to Celebrate Golden State's NBA Finals Win

The sports apparel industry can innovate by offering more customizable options for fans to personalize their merchandise.

Commemorative Cork Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Commemorative Cork Sneakers

The Nike Air Max 90 Cork Model Celebrates 25 Years

The footwear industry can embrace sustainable materials like cork to offer eco-friendly alternatives to consumers.

Waste-Made Sneakers
CategoryEco

Waste-Made Sneakers

Nike Grind is a Material Made Up of the Sportswear Company's Own Trash

Footwear companies can adopt materials similar to Nike Grind to reduce waste and create more sustainable products.

Recycled Waste-Crafted Sneakers
CategoryEco

Recycled Waste-Crafted Sneakers

Ecoalf's Shao Sneakers are Made from Algae and Ocean Plastic

The fashion industry can explore the use of recycled waste materials to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing and accessories.

Plant-Based Sneakers
CategoryEco

Plant-Based Sneakers

Reebok's Cotton + Corn Sneakers Can Be Composted After Use

The footwear industry has the opportunity to explore the use of plant-based materials and circular fashion to meet the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Organically Embellished Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Organically Embellished Sneakers

Reebok's Liquid Speed Models Feature Printed '3D Drawings'

Reebok and AF Group Inc.'s exploration of 3D printing in manufacturing processes presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the footwear industry.