Allbirds has teamed up with materials company Modern Meadow to launch its new Terralux footwear collection, making it the first brand to use a leather alternative called Innovera in shoes.
The new animal-free material is made from plant-based proteins, biopolymers, and recycled Nylon 6 derived from old tyres.
It contains over 80 per cent renewable carbon content and is processed in traditional leather tanneries, so it can look and age like real leather.
While the material has been used before for items like car interiors and handbags, this is its first appearance in the shoe industry.
The new collection includes three different styles designed for daily wear. The Cruiser Terralux is available for both men and women at US$135, while the Varsity Terralux costs $145, and the Runner NZ Terralux is priced at $135.
The latter two styles are available exclusively for men, and all three models come in three different colourways.
According to Allbirds’ design team, using this material helps them offer a more elevated look while sticking to their usual focus on comfort and sustainability.
“Terralu marks an important evolution for Allbirds,” said Jason Israel, VP of design at Allbirds. “Innovera allowed us to achieve the look and feel of leather in a bio-based material, opening the door to more elevated, versatile footwear – while still delivering on our comfort and sustainability promise.”
“With our shared commitment to create high-performance, beautifully aesthetic products that minimise our impact on the planet, we both continue to meet the growing consumer demand for responsibility and transparency without compromising,” said David Williamson, CEO at Modern Meadow.
