Wacky World of Rubber: Running on plants—literally

First it was the "Impossible Whopper" from Burger King, a plant-based version of its iconic Whopper. Now it's the "Forever Floatride Grow" performance running shoe from Reebok that is the shoe maker's latest sustainable footwear. What will be next?

Now, I've gotten good reviews on the new Whopper, though I haven't yet tried one for myself. I did eat the BK Veggie Burger a couple of times and thought it was OK. Not sure if the Impossible Whopper differs greatly or if that is more of a marketing ploy.

But as for the new Reebok shoe, I'm probably not in the target group, which is more for serious runners. I'm definitely more on in the "walking the dog" crowd when it comes to sneakers these days.

I am, however, quite interested in how Reebok is positioning the Forever Floatride Grow as its "first ever plant-based performance shoe." The aim is to make as much of the shoe with plants and less with petroleum-based plastics. Reebok says the new line—an extension of the Forever Floatride Energy—builds on its Cotton + Corn lifestyle collection.

Of course, what I'm most interested in is the variety of raw materials going into the production of the shoe. Reebok touted in the news release about the innovation that each component was researched and tested to not only be the most sustainable natural ingredients, but would allow the shoe to be considered a "best-in-class running shoe."

Given that I am editor for Rubber & Plastics News, the one that popped out at me first was the "natural rubber outsole is sustainably sourced from real rubber trees, rather that the petroleum-based rubber featured in other performance products.

"The other elements, though, are interesting in their own right. You've got sustainably grown castor beans making up the "highly cushioned, responsive midsole"; there is a eucalyptus tree upper that is said to be biodegradable, strong and breathable; and the sockliner includes Bloom algae foam that is harvested from invasive growth areas and apparently naturally odor resistant.

As is the case with most other sustainable products that are popping up with ever-increasing frequency, Reebok knew that making a plant-based shoe was an admirable goal, but it still needed to be a top notch product, or nobody would buy it.

"During the three years we spent developing this product, we heard loud and clear that the idea of a plant-based running shoe resonates strongly with serious runners," said Bill McInnis, vice president, Reebok Future. "But those same runners felt just as emphatically that they would never compromise on performance."

Reebok focuses its sustainability efforts under two pillars: The {Ree]Grow line creates products from natural materials, while the [Ree]Cycled line uses recycled or repurposed materials. The goal is to reduce the use of virgin polyester in its shoes and eliminate it by 2024.

For you running enthusiasts—and those striving to live in a greener world—The Forever Floatride Grow will hit the market in fall 2020. No word on how much the shoe will cost.

Bruce Meyer is editor of Rubber & Plastics News and he sees rubber-related stories nearly everywhere he goes. Follow him on Twitter @bmeyerRPN.