# Chic Eco Material Footwear The SOLE x United By Blue Shoes are Comfortable and Stylish By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-03-16 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sole-x-united-by-blue-shoes References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brianlinton/the-worlds-most-eco-friendly-shoe?ref=section-food-craft-projectcollection-staff-picks-category) The SOLE x [United](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/climate-education-program) By [Blue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-economy1) shoes have been created as a lineup of footwear options for consumers that won't come at the expense of the planet by putting a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The shoes are made with a blend of natural materials such as recycled cork, merino wool, bison fiber, algae foam, rice rubber and bamboo. This is positioned as a far cry from the traditional [petroleum-based products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe) that are quite common on the market and helps them to have a more eco-friendly profile for consumers to appreciate. Each pair are reported to be quite comfortable and stylish to satisfy consumer needs in a more sustainable fashion. The SOLE x United By Blue shoes also support the cleanup of our oceans as each pair sold will have United By Blue remove a pound of trash from waterways and oceans around the world. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Eco-material Footwear:** Creating footwear options using recycled and natural materials results in a more sustainable profile that consumers can appreciate. - **Sustainable Fashion:** There is an opportunity for fashion companies to embrace sustainability as a core aspect of their business to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. - **Conscious Consumerism:** Consumer priorities are shifting towards purchasing products that align with their values, creating opportunities for companies to prioritize eco-friendliness and sustainability in their offerings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** There is an opportunity for the footwear industry to shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable production methods to appeal to consumers concerned about the impact of their purchases on the environment. - **Fashion:** Fashion companies can differentiate themselves by prioritizing sustainability throughout their supply chain, from materials sourcing to production methods and recycling programs. - **Environmental Activism:** Companies can appeal to consumers and contribute to the welfare of the planet by partnering with environmental organizations and donating a portion of profits to cleanup efforts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Cork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sole-jasper-chukka.md) - [Compostable Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swave-sport.md) - [Recycled Rope-Made Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore.md) - [Sustainable Running Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supernatural-runner.md) - [Sustainably Minded Straw Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bc-softwear.md) - [Sustainable Single-Piece Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloudboom-strike-ls.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Petroleum Product-Free Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe.md) - [Plant-Based Footwear Outsoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-rubber-outsoles.md)