ABOUT
2. KUKOSA
3. SOFA N.01
4. MUG
5. S.M.O.S
6. MOROSE
2023
2023
The fashion industry remains one of the most environmentally damaging sectors globally, contributing significantly to water pollution, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Within this context, the footwear industry has an especially high environmental impact, with the vast majority of sneakers ending up in landfills or being incinerated after use.
This project, developed in collaboration with Komrads.world, explores an alternative approach to footwear production—one that embraces circularity and material regeneration rather than linear consumption.
The S.M.O.S. (Slippers Made Out of Sneakers) is conceived as a recycled, circular slipper, created through the transformation of discarded sneakers into a new material base. By shredding used footwear into granulated particles and blending them with a polymer, the material can be injection-molded into new forms. This process demonstrates the potential to recover and repurpose a large portion of existing waste materials within the footwear lifecycle.
To enhance feasibility and reduce production costs, the design separates the sole and upper components: the sole is made from the recycled sneaker compound, while the upper uses Komrads’ standard sustainable materials, such as SEAQUAL® textile and apple leather.
Rather than presenting a final solution, this project aims to open a conversation about circular alternatives within the footwear industry—exploring how design innovation can extend material life, reduce waste, and inspire more regenerative production systems.