Startup claims “beyond sustainable” model in increasingly crowded eco-friendly sneaker category

In New York, startup Thousand Fell has stepped into the eco-friendly sneaker fray with a 100% recyclable shoe that boasts numerous renewable components, including aloe vera, coconut husks, sugarcane and palm leaf fibers. A biobased resin for corn waste is used as coating, and the foam cushion is made from castor bean oil. Other materials are already recycled or upcycled.

The company, which says its shoe is the first to reach the 100% recyclable benchmark, also accepts old sneakers from its customers in return for a $20 gift card—with the old kicks being donated to Soles4Soles to be refurbished and donated or taken apart and upcycled into new sneakers.

Though Thousand Fell is just two years old, it competes against more established players in the eco-sneaker category, such as Pangaia and Allbirds. Sneaker giants Nike and Adidas have also begun adding renewable and recycled components to its shoes. However, Thousand Fell claims its product is “beyond sustainable.”

“Each pair combines thoughtful design with modern and sustainably sourced materials, making them durable, comfortable, and recyclable. Our products are made to last—and built to recycle,” the company says on its website. The company is also working on a platform where customers can track the materials in its sneakers.