Innovation
Ethics meets performance
The SuperNatural Runner, pioneered by Circle Sportswear, represents a revolution in the running industry—an industry which has been predominantly dependent on oil-based products. In an era where environmental impact is an integral metric, the company’s commitment to ethical, responsible manufacturing is ushering in a new era of accountability. The key to this? Adherence to globally recognised standards, such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ensuring every step in the production process is traced and audited for animal welfare and land management practices. This meticulous commitment to sustainability – all the more significant given the grim statistic that 95% of running shoes are currently made from oil – is at the core of Circle Sportswear’s ambitious mission.
This shoe is the first circular, bio-sourced running shoe made in Europe, harmoniously merging science, technology, and environmental responsibility. Uniquely designed to be disassembled into two parts, the upper portion is entirely biodegradable, constructed from a blend of wool and TENCELTM Lyocell by Lenzing. This part uses the Roller RWS yarn, made of 100% RWS certified wool, demonstrating a commitment to product traceability and animal welfare. Meanwhile, the recyclable midsole can be repeatedly repurposed without any loss in its technical properties, embodying an end-of-life solution.
Additionally, the inclusion of TENCELTM Lyocell by Lenzing and the pioneering PLNT-FOAM™, co-developed with Arkema and partially derived from castor beans, extends this ethos of sustainability and transparency. The culmination of these elements results in a product that minimises environmental impact while guaranteeing optimal comfort for runners, stride after stride. With the SuperNatural Runner, Circle Sportswear redefines what it means to create high-performance, eco-conscious sportswear.
- Sustainable manufacturing
- High-performance capability
- Innovation through natural materials
- Reduced environmental impact
- Optimised running comfort
- Traceable raw material through RWS certification
What, why, how.
The development of the SuperNatural Runner by Circle Sportswear marks a significant shift in the running shoe industry, which has historically been dependent on oil-based materials. This innovative shoe exemplifies the commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing without sacrificing performance. The alarming fact that 95% of running shoes are made from oil underscores the urgency of this sustainable mission.
By creating the SuperNatural Runner, the product of three years of intensive research and the analysis of millions of strides, Circle Sportswear is setting new standards in the fusion of science, technology, and environmental consciousness. This innovation is fueled by a blend of natural materials including RWS certified wool, TENCELTM Lyocell by Lenzing, and the distinctive PLNT-FOAM™, which is partially made from castor beans in partnership with Arkema. This unique blend allows for minimal environmental impact while ensuring optimal running comfort at every stride.
The collaboration with biomechanical experts, who analysed over a million strides, resulted in a lightweight, high-performance shoe that at size 43 weighs less than 300 grams. Collaboration is integral to the development of the SuperNatural Runner, encompassing contributions from a dedicated ecosystem of partners and athlete ambassadors. The product of this combined effort is a running shoe that not only performs exceptionally but also boasts aesthetic versatility. By joining Circle Sportswear’s pre-order project, customers have an opportunity to become part of the shoe’s development process and even contribute to finalising the shoe’s details.
The composition of the SuperNatural Runner is a testament to Circle Sportswear’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the principles of a circular economy. Every component of the shoe is carefully selected to facilitate the end-of-life phase without generating post-consumer waste. The upper part of the shoe is a blend of 100% natural, renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials – RWS certified wool and TENCELTM Lyocell by Lenzing. The midsole, partially made from castor beans, ensures optimal flexibility, lightness, and shape retention. The outsole, made of natural vulcanised rubber, is designed for optimal first strides. Weighing less than 300 grams at size 43 with a heel-toe drop of just 6mm, the SuperNatural Runner embodies Circle Sportswear’s mission to make sport more environmentally responsible, enabling users to care for themselves and the planet simultaneously.
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