Asics Touts the World’s Lowest Carbon Footprint Sneaker
Asics has remade its beloved Gel-Lyte 3 to boast the lower carbon footprint on the market.
A year after it was first announced, the Japanese footwear brand is now ready to release the Gel-Lyte 3 CM 1.95. As the name suggests, each pair was made with just 1.95 kg of CO2 emissions — a figure even lower than the Adidas x Allbirds Futurecraft.Footprint‘s carbon footprint of 2.94 kg.
To help reach the mark, Asics turned to a carbon-negative foam in the midsole and sockliner. The bio-based polymer is partially derived from sugarcane and was made by Kuraray. Mesh featuring on the upper and sockliner is made from recycled and “solution-dyed” polyester. A new structure-utilizing tape also allowed Asics to reduce the shoe’s material usage. And throughout the manufacturing process, the company used 100 percent renewable energy.
Those already familiar with the Gel-Lyte 3 will notice the upper has been pared down with the straps replacing all of the overlays. The all-white affair is broken up only grey stitching that gives the branding and toe their shapes.
“Asics is committed to reaching the goal of becoming net-zero emissions by 2050,” Go Suzuki, executive officer and senior general manager for Asics, said in a release. “Not only is the Gel-Lyte [3] CM 1.95 sneaker the lightest CO2e emissions sneaker on the market, but we are also confident that it is one of the most aesthetically compelling shoes, on top of being very comfortable for users’ daily activities. To accomplish our bold goal, we will continue to deliver creative solutions as exemplified in the Gel-Lyte [3] CM 1.95.”
Look for the Asics Gel-Lyte 3 CM 1.95 to release Sept. 25 through Asics’ website and select retailers for $150.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.