New shoe will launch on World Car Free Day on September 22
New shoe design influenced by Volvo’s Thor hammer headlight design
Part of the sole is made from recycled car tires
Volvo is throwing its hat into footwear, partnering with Vancouver-based Casca shoes to create a limited edition sneaker inspired by the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Both Volvo and Casca have focused their product strategy on sustainability and innovation. Founded two years ago, Casca creates shoes that are not only eco-friendly, but also manufactured by workers with set living wages in factories that meet the company’s ethical standards.
As for Volvo, the Swedish automaker has set lofty environmental goals in the coming years, specifically to have 100% climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025 and full climate neutrality by 2040.
“We’re excited to team up with Casca footwear who share similar values and combine our passions for sustainability, technology, and understated modern design,” said Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Car Canada Ltd. “At Volvo Cars, we are committed to setting the highest standards of sustainability in mobility and that goes beyond electrifying our fleet to transforming all aspects of our business. The shoe we have created with Casca in celebration of World Car Free Day, is one way to recognize the many steps we are taking on our journey to climate neutrality.”
The idea behind the shoe is that walking as opposed to driving can contribute to this carbon and climate neutrality.
The shoe’s sole is composed of 10% recycled car tire which is a first for Casca shoes. Seven recycled plastic bottles are used in the upper part of the shoe while the Swedish flag appears on one of the shoes.
“The Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed to reduce environmental impact, so it was the perfect inspiration for the shoe,” said Kevin Reid Lead Director and Co-Founder, Casca. “Through this collaboration we’re also celebrating many design firsts – our first shared design, our fastest production to market, and new recycled materials we’ve never used before.”
