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adidas x parley are saving the ocean one pair of sneakers at a time

Turning your discarded drink bottles into state of the art sneakers

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By now it’s been well and truly established that us human beings have really done a number on our oceans – coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate, turtles are choking to death on straws, and the plastic six-pack rings from those beers you had the other night might eventually end up around the neck of some helpless bird. Like many of the issues that threaten the environment, the sheer scale of this problem can make it seem insurmountable. At this point, what tangible difference is not using plastic bags at the supermarket really going to have? The thing is, while the environmentally friendly actions of one individual might not affect much change, when many individuals adopt these practices, they can end up being recognised and eventually adopted by big brands and corporations, adidas being a great example of this trend. Inspired by the fragility of the ocean, the latest adidas sneaker collaboration sees adidas Running teaming up with Parley for the Oceans, an organisation that works to address the multitude of threats currently facing the oceans, particularly due to plastic pollution.

Together they are releasing limited edition UltraBOOST Parley and UltraBOOST X shoes, expertly fusing eco-innovation with performance-focused footwear design. These are designs with function and purpose that highlight both adidas and Parley’s commitment to tackling environmental issues in an inventive, forward-thinking manner, providing consumers with real ways to take action. The sneakers themselves feature a slick chalk pearl colourway, a Primeknit upper that’s made from 95% Parley Ocean Plastic, and an energy return BOOST midsole, with each pair preventing approximately 11 plastic bottles from entering our oceans. Not content with creating a shoe out of your discarded drink bottles, adidas and Parley have been holding joint Run for the Oceans events across the globe, a running movement that harnesses the popularity of the sport to raise awareness about plastic pollution of the ocean. From the 8th of June until July the 8th, adidas has committed to donating USD $1 per km tracked through the free Runtastic app, with all money raised going towards supporting the Parley Ocean School Program. Initiatives like this mean that minimising the damage to our oceans has never been easier, keeping you fit and your feet looking their best at the same time.

The UltraBOOST Parley and UltraBOOST X are available in limited runs online and in stores now, and to keep up with the conversation follow @adidasrunning on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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