adidas + Parley for the Ocean Hits the Market
UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley sneakers and just announced soccer jerseys all from ocean plastic
As with most devout sneaker consumers who also care about sustainable materials, we’ve been paying close attention to advancements in the adidas partnership with Parley for the Oceans—the environmental organization upcycling collected ocean plastic into reusable, technical yarn material. In June, adidas presented the debut product‚ the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley sneaker, and offered it up to select individuals who donated to Parley’s Ocean Plastic Program. Now, the rather radical footwear—featuring a Primeknit upper made from 95% intercepted ocean plastic from the Maldives and 5% recycled polyester (as well as an array of other sustainable materials)—will hit shelves this month. Altogether, there are in essence 11 recycled plastic bottles within each pair of the ocean-inspired kicks. Beyond the technological advancement, one will also find everything functional about the UltraBOOST here, with signature comfort and traction elements in tact.
Unexpectedly, there was more to this announcement than a drop date; adidas also launched their first-ever Parley soccer jerseys—made from 100% ocean plastic. The tops were made for the Bayern Munich and Real Madrid teams, with each shirt featuring the club and sponsor logos, three stripes and the authentic team color. There are approximately 28 upcycled plastic bottles in every shirt. Bayern Munich will actually dress in the adidas + Parley soccer jerseys during its match with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on 5 November. Real Madrid will follow suit, wearing the jerseys against Real Sporting de Gijón on 26 November. If the message isn’t clear here, this is more than a material innovation but the creation of truly functional athletic items. Fortunately, the ocean benefits in the process.
The FC Bayern Munich jersey is available now at adidas online for $90. The Real Madrid CF jersey (also $90) hits the market on 24 November and the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley sneaker will be out mid-November, also online and in select stores.
Images and video courtesy of adidas
