As Asics strives further and further for sustainability in shoemaking, we’ve seen the brand unveil some remarkable products. This includes a pair of trainers with the lightest carbon footprint ever, so it’s making some headway. Now, the brand’s newest collaboration with Toyota Group member Toyoda Gesei puts its eco-cognizant approach in the driver’s seat — literally.
The unique joint effort sees the bizarrely popular Gel-Sonoma 15-50 silhouette fully overhauled using scraps of recycled airbag fabric and steering wheel leather. As a stalwart in airbag fabric production, Toyoda Gesei is often heralded for its safety properties and trusted durability. Although for different reasons, these are elements equally essential in a pair of shoes. As a result, the sustainable new kicks promote enhanced comfort and protection across the board.
The shoe’s red stitching accents and details take after the standard airbag design manufactured by Toyota. To top it all off, its grippy leather sole is made using recycled steering wheel leather, bolstering the automotive industry’s effort to reduce waste. That said, Toyoda Gosei has helped transform these rehashed materials into bags and additional accessories through various other brands. All things considered, there’s little room for error with these stylish shoes, which goes from a comfort standpoint and an environmental one, too.
Toyoda Gosei’s innovative take on the Gel Sonoma 15-50 is available on Asics’ webshop for ¥16,500 (~$123).
