North American-based footwear and apparel manufacturer, Saucony Originals launched their first low environmental impact footwear model on March 10. They will be made using 7 natural and renewable materials and will not contain plastic or petroleum derivatives.

They are described as a “very important milestone” for high-performance apparel and sports shoes. To make its most sustainable shoe ever, the new model ‘Jazz Court RFG’ combines classic shoe-making techniques with modern manufacturing.

The brand said that the Jazz Court RFG is the result of years of research and is a part of their commitment which says “leave a lighter footprint on the planet” by selecting materials and processes to continue to create the best trainers possible with the minimum environmental impact. Saucony Originals said that the result which Saucony wants to achieve was a shoe that is durable, but that won’t last forever.

The brand explained that each step of the process has been adapted to minimize energy and avoid chemical usage. To mark the stitching points a mixture of flour and water was used to replace paint while for marking and aligning the upper and midsole, chalk was used. For the blue dye of the collar lining, gardenia flowers were used, and to print the size information into the insole, beetroot juice was used as an ink.

In the canvas upper and thread in the sidewall stitch, cotton is used to hold the shoe together, for the midsole, rubber is used made from 100% Lactae Hevea, created from the milk of the Hevea tree and to create the shoelaces, wood in the form of Eucalyptus-tree fibers were spun.

The durability of the jute fiber plays an important role in the shoe as this natural fiber is spun into strong threads and for sock liner, sheep’s wool has been used.

Along with the shoes, Saucony Originals have also made sure that the packaging is also designed to have minimum impact on the environment. Paper and cardboard are used in the packaging which can be 100% recycled and soy-based ink has replaced the traditional ink.

The brand said that being committed to a lighter footprint is good for the environment, the creation of the RFG is the first of many steps Saucony has taken towards a more sustainable future in footwear,

The first Jazz Court RFG release will be in raw cotton and will be followed by the release of a dark grey and a green version in April.