Adidas Turns Ocean Trash Into Cool Shoes

In its bid to create awareness about the state of seas and reduce plastic pollution, Adidas unveiled a shoe made from ocean trash.

Adidas showcased the prototype product at United Nations in New York City during a press briefing, after the Parley Talks on June 29. The shoe's upper is made of ocean wastes including deep-sea fishing nets.

Non-profit vessel Sea Shepherd worked with Parley for the Oceans, to remove deep-sea waste like fishing nets after trailing an illegal poaching vessel for 110-days off the coast of West Africa. Adidas is set to release consumer-ready ocean plastic products later this year.

"We are incredibly excited to join Parley for the Oceans as they bring the cause of the oceans to the attention of the United Nations. Adidas has long been a leader in sustainability, but this partnership allows us to tap into new areas and create innovative materials and products for our athletes. We invite everyone to join us on this journey to clean up the oceans," said Adidas's Group Executive Board Member Global Brands, Eric Liedtke in a press release. Adidas is founding member of Parley for the Oceans.

"Our objective is to boost public awareness and to inspire new collaborations that can contribute to protect and preserve the oceans. We are extremely proud that Adidas is joining us in this mission and is putting its creative force behind this partnership to show that it is possible to turn ocean plastic into something cool," said Parley for the Oceans Founder Cyrill Gutsch.