Volvo has partnered with Canadian shoe brand Casca to create a limited-edition eco-friendly pair of sneakers to mark World Car Free Day celebrated on September 22nd. Each year on this day, cities across the globe celebrate World Car-Free Day, encouraging motorists to give up their cars for a day. The Casca Kör Knit shoes are said to be inspired by Volvo’s electric XC40 Recharge model, featuring “Scandinavian-inspired design” and construction from secondary, recycled materials. 10 percent of the soles have been crafted from recycled car tire speckle, which is a first for Casca and it reinforces the automotive theme of the shoes.
The soles are not the only eco-friendly touch as the uppers are constructed from seven recycled plastic bottles. The bottles have been turned into yarn, which gives the shoes a “breathable, flexible knit.” By 2022, Casca says that all its uppers will be made from recycled or renewable materials. The Volvo x Casca Kör Knit shoes also incorporate a small Swedish flag as well as handcrafted vegan micro-suede paneling. With the triple-thick removable insole, the Casca Kör Knit is ultra-comfortable and supportive.
Part of Volvo’s brand image involves a big sustainability push in the coming years with plans to include 25 percent recycled or “bio-based” material in Volvo cars by 2025, the same year by which it plans to make all its manufacturing processes carbon-neutral. Volvo says that by 2030 it will only produce electric vehicles. With such an eco-friendly image, Casca felt that Volvo was an ideal partner with which to collaborate on a shoe. According to Braden Parker, Casca’s CEO and co-founder, “We know that being advanced isn’t just about great design and technology, it means implementing ethical and sustainable practices.”
For another eco-friendly shoe, check out Nike’s Challenger OG “Mean Green” Sneakers.