Cole Haan introduces dandelion-based outsole

The new shoe is said to represent the company’s commitment to deliver more environmentally-responsible products.

US-based Cole Haan’s first product with a patent-pending dandelion-based outsole coincides with the introduction of its ‘Change Forward Sustainable Innovation’ initiative. The ‘Generation ZERØGRAND II’ features a sole fabricated from ‘FlowerFoam’, which is reportedly made from a minimum of 25 per cent natural ‘dandelion rubber’. According to the company, this is a lightweight material which helps to absorb impact while delivering all-day responsive cushioning and energy return.

Generation ZERØGRAND II is said to represent the shoemaker’s commitment to deliver more environmentally-responsible products without compromising performance, comfort or craft. In addition to the dandelion-based outsole, Generation ZERØGRAND II includes vegan microfibre suede-like material which is made with 21 per cent recycled content and reconstituted felt fabric produced with 85 per cent recycled plastic bottles (rPET). The laces are made from 100 per cent rPET, and the OrthoLite Hybrid footbed is manufactured with 5 per cent recycled rubber, 15 per cent production waste foam and a fabric topsheet made from 100 per cent rPET. All Cole Haan products labelled ‘sustainable’ will now include a minimum of 25 per cent of naturally derived or recycled content by weight.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 40 of the March 2022 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

Other articles from this issue »

---