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Headline: Reebok Unveils First-Ever Plant-Based Performance Running Shoe

Caption: Reebok has unveiled its first-ever plant-based performance running shoe. Dubbed the Reebok Forever Floatride GROW, the sneaker is part of the brand’s commitment to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics in footwear. Reebok had previously made a collection of lifestyle footwear made using cotton and corn. The Forever Floatride GROW, though, is the first plant-based performance sneaker to come out of Reebok’s New England headquarters. The sneaker is expected to launch in Autumn 2020 and is an updated version of the Forever Floatride Energy. The midsole is built from sustainably-grown castor beans, while the upper is made using eucalyptus trees and algae foam. The rubber outsole is sustainably sourced from real rubber trees, rather than the petroleum-based rubber normally featured in other performance products. Reebok promises that the plant-based running sneaker performs just as well as other, best-in-class shoes, maintaining the lightweight cushioning and durability runners appreciate in their performance footwear. “With Forever Floatride GROW, we’re replacing oil-based plastic with plants, ” said Bill McInnis, Vice President, Reebok Future. “The biggest challenge in making a shoe like this was developing plant-based materials that could meet the high performance needs of runners. During the three years we spent developing this product, we heard loud and clear that the idea of a plant-based running shoe resonates strongly with serious runners. But those same runners felt just as emphatically that they would never compromise on performance. The Forever Floatride GROW is the result. Plant-based performance – with no compromise.” “The earth is a runner’s arena, and we have a responsibility to help detox the world for the athletes who run in it,” said Matt O’Toole, Reebok Brand President. “Our Cotton + Corn collection was the first step in making shoes from things that grow. Now, we have taken an award-winning running shoe, the Forever Floatride Energy, and reinvented it using natural materials to create what we feel is the most sustainable performance running shoe on the market.” “Our consumers have told us they want more sustainable products, and the running community has been the most vocal and passionate on this issue,” said O’Toole. “We want to help runners perform at their best, while also feeling good about the products they wear.” Reebok is focusing sustainability efforts under two pillars: [REE]GROW, which focuses on the creation of products from natural materials; and [REE]CYCLED, which focuses on creating products using recycled or repurposed materials. Reebok is committed to reducing virgin polyester from its material mix and eliminating it altogether by 2024.

Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,shoe,trainer,sneaker,organic,plant,running,fitness,health

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