Asics is launching the Nimbus Mirai, a performance running shoe designed to be remade at the end of its life. “Mirai” is the Japanese word for future, reflecting the brand’s commitment to make a positive impact on future generations of runners.
Designed with recycling in mind, the Nimbus Mirai is launching with a returns program that encourages runners to give back the shoes at the end of their use to support the circular economy. In an Asics first, runners can return the shoe at Asics stores or through shipping in a number of markets around the world, including Asics retail stores in the UK, France and Netherlands, to give their shoes new life and purchase their next pair.
The Nimbus Mirai is made with uniform polyester material. The entire upper has no overlays, meaning that the shoe can be easily sorted and placed under the recycling process when the time comes, explains the company. A special Asics-created glue, which can be easily pulled apart for its next lifecycle, also promotes an easier recycling process. The whole shoe has been designed so that the upper can be easily detached from the sole when the time comes.
Testing confirmed that 87.3 percent of the upper material can be retrieved as a new polyester material ready to be remade to run again, claims Asics. In addition, Asics is working with its partners to ensure that the shoe’s sole, too, has a second life as part of the recycling process.
The launch of the Nimbus Mirai is meant as “an important milestone” in Asics’ ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as a business by 2050. The Nimbus Mirai running shoe, available for men and women from Asics retail and online stores, is launching on April 12 at a price of €200.
