The launch marks the beginning of the company’s Change Forward sustainability initiative.
This month, Cole Haan has released its first-ever sustainable vegan shoe—the Generation ZERØGRAND II—which features FlowerFoam, a material made from a minimum of 25% natural dandelion rubber which is used in the shoe’s outsole. The 90-year-old heritage brand also recently announced their Change Forward Sustainable Innovation initiative, which coincides with the launch of the sustainable shoes.
“Cole Haan has pioneered a sustainable, performance outsole made from natural dandelion rubber,” Brand President David Maddocks told VegOut. “We have been redefining footwear for nearly a century, and we’ve always sought to bring innovative products to our consumers. Today, and tomorrow, we’re now innovating for their environment through our Change Forward initiative. Our entire company is excited to bring this product to market and transform our product line through this initiative.”
Generation ZERØGRAND II by Cole Haan Is 100% Vegan
The Generation ZERØGRAND II by Cole Haan is 100% vegan and features an upper made with vegan microfiber suede. In addition to the dandelion-based FlowerFoam outsole, the laces are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and the Ortholite Hybrid footbed is made with 5% recycled rubber, 15% production waste foam, and a fabric topsheet made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The shoe is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, offered in a broad range of colors, and retails for $130.
“This is a significant step for the Cole Haan brand after setting the pace for innovation within our space for the past several years,” Scott Patt, Chief Creative Officer of Cole Haan said. “With FlowerFoam technology and our charter to create products with more naturally derived and recycled components, we are expanding our Natural Design philosophy to marry our beautiful, versatile products with the sustainability requirements our consumers have come to expect.”
Cole Haan’s New Change Forward Initiative for Sustainable Innovation
The Generation ZERØGRAND II is the first product in Cole Haan’s new Change Forward initiative for sustainable innovation and natural design. Change Forward represents the company’s goal to do good for both the people and the planet by actively seeking naturally derived or recycled materials for use in their products. This initiative will also introduce recycled materials in Cole Haan’s packaging and shipping cartons, which the company has been working on implementing for several years to reduce waste throughout its supply chain.
To check out the Generation ZERØGRAND II and more sustainable offerings from Cole Haan, visit ColeHaan.com. The shoes can also be found in select US and international stores.
