“Looking for testers wearing size 43”. That’s the message the decathlon is starting to spread. Francinfo, which revealed the information on Wednesday January 17, makes it clear that the brand is looking for sneaker testers to walk, run, live the classic days for several weeks before bringing back the new sneakers. 100% recyclable, called Reborn V.0.
The research began four years ago, with more than 600 sneaker prototypes made from all kinds of materials: silicone, sawdust, cloth, tires, even football blocks. But it didn’t work because the shoe wore out too quickly, was too stiff and not grippy enough. And then one day, victory.
The ideal material would have been found to obtain a sole that is resistant and flexible and most infinitely reusable. The advance was made possible by the plastic of the drink pocket, a transparent blue material that marathon runners wear on their backs: it is TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane. It can be made into sneakers, shoes and knit uppers. Everything is assembled only by heating at high temperature.
Only 2% of plastic is recycled
The idea is to no longer generate waste, so a shoe made from a single material, without glue, to be able to crush everything and remake the sneaker endlessly. It will probably go on sale next year for around 120 euros.
