# Modern Biodegradable Footwear The Kengos Plant-Based Sneakers are Made with 98% Natural Materials By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-09-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-sneakers References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2020/09/11/these-modern-sneakers-are-made-from-98-plant-based-materials/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+yankodesign+%28Yanko+Design+-+Form+Beyond+Function%29) & [kengos](https://kengos.com/) The Kengos plant-based sneakers are an [eco-friendly footwear option](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercer-rerun-sneaker) for consumers who are seeking out a more sustainable yet stylish option for their wardrobe. The [vegan-friendly footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers) is crafted with 98% plant-based materials including.corn, rubber, eucalyptus and cork, which help them to decompose after use instead of hanging around in a landfill for decades. The materials include the Amaize corn-based fabric on the upper, a eucalyptus lining, a cork midsole and the Pure-Flex rubber outsole. The Kengos plant-based sneakers are being beta-tested by the brand, which will see a small number of consumers able to purchase the footwear and provide feedback to the creators. This will be rewarded with a free pair when the brand launches more widely in November to help incentivize consumers to be part of the design process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Footwear:** The rise of eco-friendly footwear presents opportunities for businesses to develop sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to traditional shoes. - **Plant-based Materials:** Businesses can capitalize on the growing demand for plant-based materials by incorporating them into their product design and manufacturing processes. - **Consumer Involvement in Design:** By involving consumers in the design process, brands can create a sense of loyalty and engagement while gaining valuable insights for product improvement. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can explore innovative techniques and materials to create biodegradable and sustainable footwear. - **Sustainable Fashion:** The sustainable fashion industry can embrace the use of plant-based materials in clothing and accessories to offer eco-friendly alternatives to consumers. - **Product Development:** Companies specializing in product development can collaborate with brands to involve consumers in the design process and create customized, sustainable products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compostable Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swave-sport.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Plant-Based Footwear Outsoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-rubber-outsoles.md) - [Sustainable Running Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supernatural-runner.md) - [Algae-Made Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers.md) - [Sustainable Dad-Style Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reformation-1.md) - [Breathable Eco-Friendly Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contour-zero.md) - [Eco Cactus Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercer-rerun-sneaker.md) - [Petroleum Product-Free Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe.md)