Reebok has given its famous training shoe the Nano X1 a sustainable makeover in time for Earth Month, following its recent release of runners made from recycled materials.

The all-new Nano X1 Vegan is cruelty-free and contains at least 40% bio-based materials, which are materials produced from living or once-living organisms. The stylish Nano X1 Vegan features a cotton and wood spun yarn upper, castor bean oil and EVA foam midsole, and natural rubber outsole, all built for high-performance, comfort, and support.

In a press release, Senior Product Manager of Reebok, Tal Short said that one of their goals at Reebok is to develop creative solutions that will help create a healthier world without compromising production efficiency. He added that not only do they have a duty to develop and build with their customers in mind, but they also have a responsibility to the world. Small but meaningful moves toward our ambitious future sustainability goals as a brand are items like the Nano X1 Vegan.

Although sportswear companies are reacting to consumer demands for more environmentally friendly items, the footwear industry is still struggling with issues such as product longevity and circular design.

The author of Foot Work: What Your Shoes Are Doing to The World, Tanya Hoskins said that most shoes these days are not built to last. But you wouldn't be able to hold them for a long time if you wanted to. They begin to fall apart after four to six months.

Every year, approximately 300 million pairs of sneakers are discarded worldwide. Just one percent of the 25 million pairs of sports shoes imported into Australia are recycled.

Then there's the question of how employees in the supply chain are treated fairly. Reebok and its parent company Adidas were known for their "transparency" and disclosure of supplier practices and evaluations, as well as their suppliers, manufacturing centers, and raw material supplies (the German sports giant Adidas acquired the American sneaker brand in 2005). However, as any ethical fashion advocate may tell you, "transparency" does not always imply "ethical." App for fashion reviews Good luck! “There is no indication that Reebok pays a living wage in much of its supply chain,” you wrote.

Manufacturers must concentrate on maintaining fair labor standards, developing long-lasting designs, and making end-of-life solutions affordable and open to all consumers if the sportswear industry is to see any meaningful changes in its environmental and social missions.