# Recycled Waste-Crafted Sneakers Ecoalf's Shao Sneakers are Made from Algae and Ocean Plastic By Amy Duong | Published 2018-07-16 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shao-sneakers References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/07/15/ecoalf-shao-sneakers-algae-ocean-plastic-waste/) & [ecoalf](https://ecoalf.com/) Spanish fashion label Ecoalf introduced its Shao sneakers as a part of its new footwear collection using only [recycled waste gathered from the ocean](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore) and rivers. The sustainable sneaker is made from five plastic bottles from the Mediterranean Sea. The [upcycled plastic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neocurve) goes through a process to become yarn, which is then used to make a knitted black upper that is designed to fit like a sock. The outsoles are constructed from a type of algae that grows in the water as well, with the label transforming the water-based plant into a flexible foam material. Removing the algae from the water allows there to be more clean water, better water circulation and underwater life support. Ecoalf's Shao Sneakers produce [zero waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-m00nshot-zero) and only use two materials for construction. The footwear style is laceless, has no insoles and is finished with a printed branding accent to avoid additional fabric use. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Recycled Waste-crafted Sneakers:** Creating footwear from recycled waste materials presents an opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly product innovation. - **Upcycled Plastic Yarn:** Transforming plastic waste into yarn opens up possibilities for the creation of new products and materials that promote circular economy. - **Algae-based Foam Materials:** Utilizing algae to make flexible foam materials presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for various industries looking to reduce environmental impact and explore alternative materials. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore the use of recycled waste materials to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing and accessories. - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can capitalize on the upcycled plastic yarn trend to develop sneakers and shoes that are both stylish and environmentally conscious. - **Materials Science:** The materials science industry can investigate the use of algae-based foam materials as a sustainable alternative for various applications, including packaging and cushioning materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Algae-Made Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers.md) - [Compostable Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swave-sport.md) - [Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix.md) - [Recycled Rope-Made Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md) - [Sustainable 3D-Printed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4dfwd-1.md) - [Recycled Material Casual Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recovery-mode.md) - [Sustainable Single-Piece Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloudboom-strike-ls.md) - [Recyclable Material Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-xt-pure-advanced.md)