adidas Stan Smith Mylo Mushroom Sustainable

Since the mid-2010s, adidas has publicly committed (and dedicated) itself to a greener planet. Partners such as Parley for the Oceans and Sean Wotherspoon have helped it move closer to its goal of minimizing ocean plastic pollution and using 100% recycled polyester in its products by 2024, but a major credit must be given even the German sportswear manufacturer. Although many of the brand’s approaches to durable footwear are certainly still undercover, the new adidas Stan Smith Mylo has revealed yet another way in which Three Stripes intends to end plastic waste: mycelium.

The recently announced UltraBOOST 6.0 ensures that solutions like PRIMEBLUE will not go anywhere soon, but the latest adidas Originals proposal suggests that recycled Parley Ocean plastic with at least 50% plastic will have a long-term, mushroom-based company. In addition to being natural, Mycelium – “an intercalated, renewed and intercalated network that runs through the ground” – allows for versatility that is not yet possible through some of the other ecological approaches that the brand has explored. For its inaugural presentation, the Mylo material (derived from Mycelium) obtained a simple dirty white tone, although it can acquire any color, finish and relief.

Possibly in collaboration with the biotechnology company Bolt Threads, Mylo’s life cycle is as follows: the natural growing conditions of the mycelium are recreated in a laboratory; sawdust and other organic matter are mixed with the vegetative part of the mushroom to extend the growth into a soft, foam-like network, interconnected. Well-formed nets are harvested, while by-products are composted. The last two steps in the sustainable process turn the supple material into paneling that looks, feels and behaves like leather and stitching sheets of the material together to create the upper of the shoes. The natural rubber soles continue to achieve the adidas ecological efforts, without sacrificing the timeless style.

Enjoy images with Stan Smith Mylo below and anticipate a large-scale launch of these (and other shoes) in the near future.

For more durable footwear under the Three Stripes banner, check out Yeezy Foam Runner.

Source: adidas Blog