Salomon launches INDEX.02 an improved recyclable running shoe

Salomon
The midsole foam and geometry of the INDEX.02 running shoe have been upgraded to provide smoother stride transitions for improved comfort and running performance. Lightweight Infiniride foam provides softness and long-lasting comfort. And this TPU foam material is completely recyclable. The weight of INDEX.02 has also been reduced from 288 grams to 263 grams (sample size US
9 men). The upper of the INDEX.02 has also been updated with more colors, softer materials and high-quality finishes, which also aim to improve wearing comfort. Specifically, the upper uses Engineered
Mesh, this structure can change the weave to provide more support and breathability, as well as better softness or durability, depending on the specific needs of the shoe.

Laurent, Salomon Footwear R&D Manager
“The INDEX.02 foam material is less dense, so it feels more cushioned,” Coudurier said. “We also removed some bits and pieces on the upper to make the shoe fit closer to the foot. Our goal was to provide a The same level of performance as a road shoe, and we’re getting there.”

Like its predecessor, the INDEX.02 has a unique structure that can be disassembled at the end of its life so that the shoe’s material can be recycled and used to create new products. There’s even a nifty thin line along the shoe’s body, showing where it will be divided when it’s recycled. Different colors for the upper and bottom components help highlight that the shoe is made of only two materials and can be separated at the end of its life. There is a QR code on the tongue of the shoe that allows shoe owners to easily scan and register it after purchase, making it easy to send back for collection at the end of its useful life. As with the INDEX.01, in Europe, when the INDEX.02 shoes are returned for recycling, the material will be used to make the Salomon alpine ski boots.

Launching to consumers in 2021, the INDEX.01 is the first recycled shoe designed by Salomon, with recycled material used to make Salomon’s MTN
Pure range of ski touring boots.

Laurent
Coudurier said: “About five years ago we started working on materials for the INDEX.01 shoe, hoping to reduce its environmental impact. With this new INDEX.02 model, we are getting closer to offering the same level of performance as our other road running shoes. performance.”

Create INDEX.02 by analyzing the life cycle of INDEX.01

In order to evaluate the environmental impact of the INDEX.01 recyclable running shoe, Salomon’s footwear development team compared the INDEX.01 with the Sonic from the brand’s road running series.
The effects of 3 running shoes were compared. By compiling and assessing the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of shoes throughout their life cycle, the impact of each step can be clearly understood, related to carbon emissions, use of natural resources, eutrophication of water caused by nitrates (caused by machine cooling and staining) and water acidification.

Olivier Mouzin, Footwear Sustainability Manager at Salomon, said: “Life cycle analysis identifies the greatest environmental impact during a product’s life cycle, which facilitates our efforts to reduce it.”

Compared with traditional shoes, INDEX.01 is manufactured in a way and can be recycled, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide by 44%, that is, 4.9 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per pair of shoes. Sonic
3 Life cycle emissions are 11.2 kg CO2e; INDEX.01 emits 6.3 kg CO2e. The eutrophication of water bodies will be reduced by 70%, and the acidification of water bodies will be reduced by 35%.

Olivier
Mouzin explains: “INDEX.01 is a good start for sustainable footwear: we can test this new, simple design and its performance on the road, and test the collection and recycling process. As the life cycle analysis shows , the shoe has a 44% reduction in environmental impact, which validates our work and encourages us to develop more footwear following this circular economy concept. Now, with INDEX.02, we are continuously improving the fully recyclable The quality, comfort and performance of the shoe. It’s very inspiring.”