# High-Performance Cork Sneakers SOLE & United By Blue Created "the World's Most Eco-Friendly Shoe" By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-03-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cork-sneakers References: [prweb](https://www.prweb.com/releases/sole_and_united_by_blue_collaborate_to_launch_groundbreaking_sustainable_footwear_that_takes_less_from_the_planet_and_leaves_less_behind/prweb16126969.htm) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brianlinton/the-worlds-most-eco-friendly-shoe?ref=section-design-tech-projectcollection-staff-picks-category-newest) Merino wool, rice rubber, algae foam, bamboo and bison fiber are the sustainable components of these eco-friendly recycled cork sneakers from SOLE and United By Blue (UBB). This design is currently being introduced on Kickstarter as "the world's most eco-friendly shoe," as the durable, comfortable and long-lasting model delivers high-performance features in a responsible way. The SOLE x UBB Jasper Wool Eco Chukka features the new ReCORK recycled cork midsole from SOLE, which is made from recycled wine corks, as well as UBB’s award-winning BisonShield insulation. With its natural, sustainable components, the sneaker boasts hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, odor-eliminating and antimicrobial features and that promise to outperform their synthetic counterparts. The shoes can even be comfortably worn without socks, as well as compressed when packing for adventures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Sneakers:** The growing demand for eco-friendly footwear opens up opportunities for brands to create high-performance sneakers using sustainable materials. - **Recycled Cork:** The use of recycled cork in shoe manufacturing offers a disruptive innovation that combines sustainability with comfort and durability. - **Natural Fiber Insulation:** The incorporation of natural fiber insulation, such as UBB's award-winning BisonShield, in sneakers presents an opportunity for brands to offer footwear with enhanced performance and eco-friendly features. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** Sustainable sneakers are poised to disrupt the footwear industry by meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly and high-performance footwear. - **Textile:** The use of recycled cork and other sustainable materials in shoe manufacturing presents new opportunities for the textile industry to innovate and create eco-friendly products. - **Outdoor Retail:** The integration of natural fiber insulation and other sustainable components in sneakers allows the outdoor retail industry to offer environmentally-conscious consumers products that align with their values. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compostable Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swave-sport.md) - [Sustainable Running Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supernatural-runner.md) - [Eco Cactus Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercer-rerun-sneaker.md) - [Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix.md) - [Sustainable Single-Piece Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloudboom-strike-ls.md) - [Net Zero Carbon Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-m00nshot-zero.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Sustainable Modular Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-sneaker-1.md) - [Sustainably Minded Straw Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bc-softwear.md)