Proto Collective has revealed its latest sustainably-minded lifestyle sneakers called the Iris. The Proto Collective was founded in 20202 by COO Jillian Ricciardi and CEO Katie Longmyer. The brand aims to set an industry standard for manufacturing footwear and apparel in an ecological manner.
The sneakers are made of 98 percent recycled knit uppers derived from the Shima Seiki’s knitting machines. The sneakers only require a fraction of glues and adhesives for their construction. The footwear contain Blumaka-designed insoles that saved 99 percent of water consumption through its foam-waste program with Vibram soles and woven PET yarn Wincord lacing system. The shoes boast a monochromatic aesthetic with a red hue on the insoles. The sneakers will be available for purchase.
Sustainably-Minded Lifestyle Sneakers
Proto Collective Unveils Its First Earth-Friendly Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Footwear - The rise in demand for sustainable lifestyle footwear presents opportunities for footwear companies to incorporate eco-friendly and innovative materials in their production lines.
2. Recycled Materials - There is an increasing trend in the use of recycled materials in clothing and footwear manufacturing, providing opportunities for companies to create products that prioritize environmental sustainability.
3. Minimalist Design - The popularity of minimalist footwear design presents an opportunity for companies to create products with clean and simple aesthetics that appeal to eco-conscious consumers who value sustainability as well as style and comfort.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Manufacturing - The footwear manufacturing industry can invest in eco-friendly materials and practices to meet the growing demand for sustainable products like the Iris sneakers by Proto Collective.
2. Eco-friendly Clothing - The production of eco-friendly clothing can be aligned with the growing demand for more environmentally sustainable products, opening opportunities for companies to create and market eco-friendly shoes and clothing lines.
3. Textile Manufacturing - The textile manufacturing industry can look into developing new, sustainable materials for use in clothing and footwear manufacturing to cater to the increasing demand for eco-friendly products.