These 3D-Printed Sneakers Are Made From Trash Found In The Ocean

December 15, 2015

Earlier this year, adidas unveiled a running shoe prototype that the sporting goods company said featured an upper created entirely out of reclaimed ocean waste.

Credit: Adidas / Parley for the Oceans

On December 8, adidas and Parley for the Oceans took it a step further and showcased a 3D-printed ocean plastic shoe midsole made of a combination of plastic found in the ocean, recycled polyester, and fishing nets.

Credit: Adidas

"World leaders forging an agreement is wonderful, but we shouldn't need to be told to do the right thing," Eric Liedtke, adidas Group Executive Board member said in a statement. "The industry can't afford to wait for directions any longer. Together with the network of Parley for the Oceans, we have started taking action and creating new sustainable materials and innovations for athletes. The 3D-printed ocean plastic shoe midsole stands for how we can set new industry standards if we start questioning the reason of what we create. We want to bring everyone from the industry to the table and create sustainable solutions for big global problems."

Credit: Adidas

Parley for the Oceans is an organization that seeks to permanently end ocean plastic pollution. Through education and activism, they hope to use high-profile projects like this to draw attention to the detrimental effects that humanity is having on the world’s marine environments. Adidas is a founding member of the group.

The adidas Group is also phasing out the use of plastic bags in its retail stores. The phase-out process has began and will be completed by the end of Q1 2016.