Kane Footwear, a new name in active recovery footwear, has designed and produced a slip-on recovery shoe that supports both healthy feet and a healthier climate.
Called the Revive Slip-on, it is made from bio-based moulded EVA foam derived from agricultural waste.
The foam is marketed under the name ‘BounceBack’ foam and utilises biopolymers from sustainably harvested Brazilian sugarcane byproduct.
Sugarcane is not only a renewable resource but is considered carbon-negative as well—the plant synthesizes carbon dioxide into energy via sugar, which is then extracted to form the ethylene used in the EVA foam.
The biocontent of the foam used to produce the Revive shoe currently reaches over 56% sugarcane, a ratio that Kane intends to increase in the years to come, the company said.
“It was important to me that sustainability was woven into Kane from the outset of the brand,” commented Kane Footwear CEO, John Gagliardi.
“An obvious place for us to start was to be critical of the materials we used in production. As we learned more about the natural properties of sugarcane it became the clear choice for the Revive.”
Putting its money where its mouth is, the company is further committing to sustainability by seeking B-Corp certification and by becoming a member of 1% for The Planet upon the launch of the Revive.
The shoe itself, however, is claimed to be at least as beneficial to foot health as well. It represents a collaborative design partnership between Kane CEO, John Gagliardi, brand-building expert Bobby Riley of Soldier Unlimited, and Daniel Geller, a renowned Board Certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor to Kane. Geller’s work with the New York City Ballet, as well as top cycling and triathlon teams, informed the Revive’s active recovery design, that, said Geller, successfully addresses aspects such as construction, proper fit, cushioning, and air circulation.
The slip-on is constructed with a firmer upper fused to a sole with 31mm of cushioning to support smaller muscle groups within the foot. The cushioning also softens the impact of each foot plant. To achieve a proper fit, the interior features an anatomical last shape that mimics the natural proportions and contours of the foot. This design helps promote proper fit by capturing the arch, heel and instep of the foot while providing room in the toe box for the forefoot to rest.
The Revive became available during a presale launch on Kickstarter that started 16 February Direct to consumer sales begin in early summer 2021.