# Biodegradable Waste Material Footwear The 'Sneature' Shoes are Made with a Blend of Materials By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-01-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneature References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/01/11/this-biodegradable-shoe-is-crafted-using-waste-materials-and-3d-knitting/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+yankodesign+%28Yanko+Design+-+Form+Beyond+Function%29) Mainstream footwear is often associated with synthetic materials that won't break down after use, so the 'Sneature' shoes have been designed as an [eco-friendly alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360) that highlights a biodegradable construction. Designed by Emilie Burfeind, the shoe is constructed using waste materials including chiengora (dog hair yarn), a thin layer of bio-rubber and a [sole that's crafted using mushroom mycelium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe). The segmented design of the sneaker is hidden through distinct details that make it look like a uniform fashion product that's ready for everyday wear. Burfeind described the 'Sneature' shoe saying, "The sneaker was segmented into functional and structural areas (membrane, transition, sole) in order to implement the tested materials in a suitable way, taking into account the functional properties of the different areas. Because of the possible integration into an industrial production process, the membrane – the integrative core of the shoe – was created using a [3D-knitting technique](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sean-wotherspoon-x-zellerfeld). In order to approach the problem and conceptualize a solution, a fundamental factor for the ecological properties of every product – the material was examined. The design is based on a series of material experiments with natural raw fibers." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 81% | 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Biodegradable Footwear:** Designing footwear made from biodegradable materials and waste products. - **Circular Economy Fashion:** Encouraging a sustainable fashion industry through circular economy practices. - **Mushroom Materials:** Exploring the use of mushroom mycelium as a replacement for synthetic materials in various industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Industry:** Exploring the possibilities of sustainable, eco-friendly fashion solutions. - **Waste Management Industry:** Incorporating waste materials into new products for a circular economy. - **Manufacturing Industry:** Developing manufacturing processes that can produce eco-friendly products made from biodegradable materials. ## 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) - [Sustainable Modular Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-sneaker-1.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md) - [Mushroom-Based Sneaker Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mr-bailey-x-adidas-originals-ozlucent.md) - [Algae-Made Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers.md) - [Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix.md) - [Sustainable 3D-Printed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4dfwd-1.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md)