Asics’ Nimbus Mirai Running Sneaker Is Its Most Circular Shoe to Date
Asics has revealed a running sneaker that’s been designed to be returned and recycled at the end of its lifespan.
The Asics Nimbus Mirai is the brand’s most circular shoe to date and is the result of a number of choices made expressly for the purpose of making its upper easily recyclable. A uniform polyster material forms the upper without a single overlay, which makes it easy to be sorted for recycling. Asics also made a special type of glue that’s durable but also easy to pull apart in order to detach the upper from the sole without any hitches.
In total, Asics says testing has shown that 87.3 percent of the upper’s material will be available to be remade once again.
On the other end of sustainability, the Nimbus Mirai’s FF Blast Plus Eco midsole is made from roughly 24 percent renewable sources such as the leftovers of sugar cane processing. Asics says its also working with its partners to figure out how to recycle the sole in the future as well.
“The announcement of Nimbus Mirai is a proud moment for us and an important milestone in our ambition to be a net-zero carbon emission business by 2050,” Fumitaka Kamifukumoto, project leader of the shoe’s development, said in a release. “We ask runners to take an extra step with this shoe, however, and bring it back to us once they have finished with it. That way, we can continue our mission towards creating a Sound Earth for future generations.”
The “Mirai” in Nimbus Mirai is the Japanese word for “future.” As part of Asics’ mission to make a smaller imprint on the future, the brand also launched a Gel-Lyte 3 sneaker last year made with just 1.95 kg of emissions per pair.
The Asics Nimbus Mirai is out now through its website and stores. Those in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will be able to return the shoes to Asics through shipping or in-store. Pricing is set at $180.
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.