# Organic Sneaker Athletic shoes are being produced with sustainable materials. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Dec 7, 2017 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/organic-sneaker ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 7, 2015 to Jul 16, 2018 - Published: Dec 7, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Organic Sneaker trend ### Sustainable materials Athletic brands recognize the importance of sustainable materials and turn to eco-friendly solutions, such as biodegradable and upcycled products. ### Customization and personalization Brands like Nike give consumers the power to customize their sneakers, making them feel personally connected to the product. ### 3D printing Sneaker companies explore the possibility of 3D printing technologies in their manufacturing processes, leading to endless design and customization possibilities. ## What the Organic Sneaker trend means for industry ### 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 for Organic Sneaker Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Organic Sneaker trend 7 featured examples from May 7, 2015 to Jul 16, 2018. - [Kelp-Based Sustainable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algiknit): The 'AlgiKnit' Shoes are Made from Renewing Biopolymers (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry has the opportunity to adopt sustainable practices and use renewable materials in their designs. - [Celebratory Cork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-states-nba-finals-win): Nike Released These Sneakers to Celebrate Golden State's NBA Finals Win (Category: Fashion) Implication: The sports apparel industry can innovate by offering more customizable options for fans to personalize their merchandise. - [Commemorative Cork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-90-cork): The Nike Air Max 90 Cork Model Celebrates 25 Years (Category: Fashion) Implication: The footwear industry can embrace sustainable materials like cork to offer eco-friendly alternatives to consumers. - [Waste-Made Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-grind): Nike Grind is a Material Made Up of the Sportswear Company's Own Trash (Category: Eco) Implication: Footwear companies can adopt materials similar to Nike Grind to reduce waste and create more sustainable products. - [Recycled Waste-Crafted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shao-sneakers): Ecoalf's Shao Sneakers are Made from Algae and Ocean Plastic (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the use of recycled waste materials to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing and accessories. - [Plant-Based Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cotton-and-corn): Reebok's Cotton + Corn Sneakers Can Be Composted After Use (Category: Eco) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-drawing): Reebok's Liquid Speed Models Feature Printed '3D Drawings' (Category: Fashion) Implication: Reebok and AF Group Inc.'s exploration of 3D printing in manufacturing processes presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the footwear industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)