Can SOLK Change How Shoes Return to Nature?

Addressing a Widespread Footwear Problem

Each year, billions of shoes are produced, and most end up in landfills where they can take decades to break down. Traditional sneakers often include plastics, glues, and synthetic fibers that are not biodegradable, contributing to long-term waste. SOLK takes a different approach by designing shoes with end-of-life in mind, making disposal part of the process rather than an afterthought.

What Biocircular Sneakers Mean

SOLK’s sneakers are built around the principle of biocircularity. This concept considers the full lifecycle of a product, from the raw materials used to its final decomposition. The brand’s shoes are made for daily use, but when they are worn out, they are designed to decompose safely and naturally.

The goal is to avoid long-lasting synthetic materials by using components that are:

• Safe for composting
• Non-toxic when breaking down
• Selected to support natural decay

This design reduces long-term environmental impact while still meeting daily performance needs.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The sneakers are made from a mix of plant-based and naturally sourced materials. Uppers are made using chrome-free leather. Linings are knitted to shape using bio-based fibers, reducing material waste. Soles use natural rubber and a cushion foam developed to break down under composting conditions.

The company manages its own factory, allowing close control over sourcing materials and assembling shoes. This helps maintain standards for both product quality and environmental performance.

How the Take-Back and Composting System Works

One major challenge for compostable shoes is the lack of systems to properly process them. SOLK addresses this with its own take-back system. When the shoes are worn out, customers can return them. The returned sneakers are shredded and combined with organic waste, then placed in controlled composting conditions.

Instead of lingering in landfills, the materials are turned into compost. While there is no official certification for compostable footwear yet, the company has established internal standards to guide its process.

Potential Impact on the Footwear Industry

SOLK offers an example of how design can change the environmental footprint of consumer goods. By embedding end-of-life planning into the product itself, the brand avoids passing disposal responsibilities to the user or waste systems that are not equipped to handle synthetic materials.

The concept of biocircular design could influence how other companies approach product development. It reflects a growing movement toward closed-loop systems that reduce environmental harm from everyday items.