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Even the most durable shoes eventually wear out. Daily use of your go-to sneakers leads to inevitable damage, rendering them unusable and destined for landfills where they linger for centuries. Addressing this problem, one innovative company offers footwear designed to decompose and nurture new plant growth.
According to Earth.com, Johnny Footwear creates shoes intended to be buried once they’ve served their purpose. Crafted from sustainable materials such as beeswax-coated water-resistant cotton and cushioned cork insoles, these shoes are both functional and environmentally conscious.
The standout feature of these shoes is their biodegradable midsole. Unlike traditional sneakers that use ethylene vinyl acetate midsoles—which can persist for up to 1000 years—Johnny Footwear’s midsoles decompose completely within three years. While biodegradable isn’t typically a priority for shoe shoppers, the company assures customers that the sneakers won’t fall apart during use. They’re engineered to break down only when planted in the ground, not while being worn.
Johnny FootwearInspired by Johnny Appleseed, the iconic American pioneer known for planting apple trees nationwide, the company incorporates a tribute to its namesake in every shoe. An apple seed is placed in the arch, and as the footwear decomposes, the seed is freed into the soil. Encased in fertilizer, the seed is primed to sprout within a few years. Additionally, for each pair purchased, the company commits to planting an extra tree on behalf of the buyer.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $73,000 last year, Johnny Footwear is set to begin shipping its shoes in August 2022. Customers can pre-order pairs in black or white for $135 through the company's website.
