Back in September, we got our first glimpse of the CFCL”GEL-LYTE III CM1.95″ sneaker collaboration with ASICS on the runway during Paris Fashion Week.

With a weight of about 1.95 kg/CO2-e, this minimalist sneaker produces very little greenhouse gas (GHG). In order to produce the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emissions among shoes now on the market, a thorough Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out on all operations, from material procurement to disposal, including both the sneaker and the packing box. With a commitment to transparency, the figures have been shared publicly.

After a discussion between CFCL and the Ministry of the Environment in 2021, the two decided to work together to address the issue of raising consumer and business awareness of the climate catastrophe and the difficulties associated with a decarbonized society. In addition to taking on obstacles, CFCL and ASICS are dedicated to the same objective of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. They will also be thinking about the kind of production that can be accomplished with Japanese technology.

Achieving the lowest GHG emissions worldwide was fulfilled by integrating ASICS’ cutting-edge solutions, which are based on the “GEL-LYTE Ⅲ OG,” one of ASICS’ renowned sneakers that combines the brand’s solutions. As a result, this sneaker’s greenhouse gas emissions were cut by over 80% during the procurement, production, and transportation processes compared to the company’s iconic footwear. By adding fashionable coloring by CFCL, they were able to enhance the design and quality making sneaker turn that is elegant, something which I have never described a sneaker as this past decade, but I’m all for it. However, we tend to have the conversation around textile waste and seeking solutions whether it’s deadstock or upcycling, but with sneakers, the conversation is really around technology in product development.

Looking at the shoe development, carbon-negative foam is used in the midsole, and sock lining is one of the shoe’s main characteristics. This is a newly designed foam material from ASICS that efficiently keeps GHG emissions negative while providing comfortable wear and minimal quality loss through the combination of several bio-based polymers made from sugarcane and other raw materials. With strides to lessen their environmental effect by introducing recycling practices at their plants that are outsourced sees the use of biofuels for transportation, and running their manufacturing operations in Vietnam entirely on renewable energy.

“Simplicity, Modesty, and Responsibility” are core values of CFCL, which stands for “Clothing For Contemporary Life” and this collaboration seems like the perfect fit.

The sneakers are out now in three colorways on: www.cfcl.jp and www.asics.com