A new NIKE sneaker released this week (1 January) aims to reduce material waste by using scraps created during the production process.

The Nike Atsuma “rethinks and reimagines how traditional cut-and-sew footwear can be improved by considering how offcuts can act as critical components of the shoe’s construction and beautiful elements of its design,” the company says. 

For example, the lateral side Swoosh is mirrored by a cutout version on the medial, the hangtag is formed by a cutout on the outsole, and a recycled sockliner adds to the considered decisions.

Nike is aiming to have zero waste from contracted footwear manufacturing sent to landfill, and last year unveiled a new Circular Design Workbook to help product creators across the industry reconsider the design process.