The 2019 ISPO Trade Fair held in Munich unveiled a variety of new, innovative products pertaining to sports around the globe. In fact, the event was so successful, the number of visitors was four times larger than expected with an estimated
80,000 guests in attendance.
Nothing stood out more, however, than the Sympatex "Shoe 4.0" revealed at the event.
Sympatex posited a potential answer to a long-pondered question: can we create an eco-friendly shoe? With the "
closing the loop" prototype which has created the Shoe 4.0, Sympatex has outlined the creation of a water-proof, ecologically sound shoe within a closed loop system. All they need is a plastic shredder, an extruder, and a 3D printer to reduce the levels of plastic waste infringing on sensitive ecosystems.
But just how much plastic waste are we creating day in and day out? Sympatex partnered with Munich sports retailer, Globetrotter, to form a "plogging" event to demonstrate the extent of the problem. Plogging is the act of picking up waste products during a jog. The duo combined forces to establish a plogging event the day before the ISPO Trade Fair, where some of the plastic products collected during the plogging run would be used in Sympatex's demonstration.
The excessive plastic waste created by the shoe industry can be mitigated by such a product. The modular design allows the system to break down the plastics into raw materials which is then fed back into the machine to create waterproof, sustainable apparel.
"Each year, 23 billion pairs of shoes manufactured from new raw materials are thrown into the trash at the end of their life cycle, or in most cases incinerated in open fires, an extreme waste of resources that also pollutes the environment, and an absolutely irresponsible approach when one considers the more sustainable alternatives that could be implemented by the industry," claims Sympatex managing director, Dr. Rudiger Fox.
"With this new lighthouse project, we want to rouse the industry and spur our market partners into a creative dialogue and collaboration."
At the ISPO Trade Fair, the plogging plastics collected were able to create the body of the shoe atop a rubber Vibram sole. Vibram is an Italian company which also focuses on eco-friendly product creation and design to promote a more sustainable future. Their shoe soles incorporate more than 30% recycled materials.
The ISPO Trade Fair recognizes that consumers want eco-friendly options in clothing. The textile industry, as a whole, has found few ways to reduce plastic and textile waste. With the number of fashion consumers expected to
grow to 1.2 billion by next year, it's more essential than ever that consumers have sustainable options to choose from.
The ISPO Trade Fair has become a hallmark for sustainability efforts in the sporting goods world. With Sympatex leading the charge on eco-friendly footwear, we can only hope more companies will rally behind their efforts for a more sustainable future.
As the saying goes, you don't mess with the boss. And by the looks of these
Melissa Shoes X Sebastian Errazuriz The Boss Heels, once you put these babies on, you are not to be messed with. These are an oldie but goodie from Melissa Shoes and Sebastian Errazuriz's 12 Shoes for 12 Lovers Collection. Inspired by a powerful, professional and huge feminist ex-girlfriend, The Boss heels boasts brass knuckles at the bottom of the shoe base, adding lots of personality and edgy style to this classic peep toe. You can get these $400+ heels for the amazing price of $144.99 on
www.shopmelissa.com.
Here's a little detour from actual footwear for a wild night of dancing about getting lost in great music from one of our favorite women's shoe brands. Last August, Melissa Shoes brought the best of Brazil to New York City - the music. Brazilian Funk is like no other. This is not your typical James Brown or Parliament-Funkadelic music, the wild and freeing Baile Funk features tamborzão rhythm Miami bass and freestyle.
The coveted plastic shoes and accessories brand, Melissa delivered an immersive party experience like no other. Since debuting last August, Baile Funk is back and packed with more NYC grit and Brazilian passion than ever. The party featured music from MC Fioti (known for his hit, Bum Bum Tam Tam), DJs Venus X, Asmara and more.
Continuing with Melissa’s tradition of supporting female artists, the brand has collaborated with Art Director, Erin Knutson to custom create posters and panels that featured bold airbrushed designs by NYC’s well-known collective, Art of Your Mind. In keeping with the mission of Galeria Melissa NYC, this party will be a canvas for tastemakers to showcase their work.
The Soho venue at 100 6th Avenue was a feast for all the senses – the airbrushed theme continued using t-shirts as a customized canvas, strung along clotheslines above as a visual reference to the urban collage of a virtual favela in Rio de Janeiro. Melissa Baile Funk #2 was directly inspired by underground Brazilian funk music and culture, stamped with a refined-yet-edgy New York flare.
The event illustrates Melissa’s unyielding support of the youth culture – merging the Melissa universe.
Created in 1979, Melissa Shoes is recognized worldwide as one of the most innovative footwear and accessories brands, for its design but most importantly for its key raw material, a recyclable PVC (100% cruelty-free!), with an irresistible blueberry scent. To see (ad smell) these outstanding shoes first hand, head to the Galeria Melissa NY store, located at 500 Broadway, NYC.
All Photos by
Eli Schmidt
We're trying to keep up with the non-stop footwear releases from Melissa Shoes and their fashion design partners. They seriously have us waiting in extreme anticipation of the spring and summer seasons. Today we're highlighting the latest from the Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu collaboration, part of the Melissa Shoes Mashup Collection. For SS2017, the Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2017 Collection features two brand new minimalist sandals combining Melissa's distinctive design with Wu's signature sleek hardware and feminine silhouettes. As always, each design is 100% plastic, vegan and waterproof, perfect for warmer days and unexpected spring showers.
Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu Diane Flip Flops
This simple and chic flip flop boasts a classic silhouette with a modern X crossover strap, a mini adjustable strap combo for comfortable, and a feminine design with a touch of Jason Wu's minimalist edge.
Available in four colors:
black, green, white, and brown/black, the Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu Diane Flip Flops for $95.00 each.
Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu Wonderful Flat Sandals
This is a favorite style from Jason Wu's collaboration with Melissa Shoes. This romantic yet modern flat sandal features a feminine-detailed strap with an additional strap that crisscrosses the upper ankle. Available in 4 colorways: black, nude, mint and black/rust, you can get the Melissa Shoes X Jason Wu Wonderful Flat Sandals for $110.00.
Nobody knows fun, stylish rubber shoes like Melissa Shoes. For all you lovers of stunning vegan shoes (and you other fashionistas), this 4 3/4" heel with 1 1/2" recycled rubber platform Melissa Peace Wedge are just a taste of the brand's fabulous fashion sense when it comes to creating stylish, sustainable shoes. This peep-toe wedge features a t-strap design with tassel detail at the front, an adjustable ankle strap with silver-tone pin buckle and a bold contrast print chunky wedge with a curved toe.
Be bold with either the yellow, blue or pink or go sleeker with the black, either one you choose, fun will follow.
