For more than four decades, Adidas’ Stan Smith trainer has reigned supreme as the tennis shoe, converted from the courts where it was originally endorsed by the former American No. 1 and now a ubiquitous footwear staple. Marking a new chapter for this timeless design are a trio of releases made from recycled plastic, part of the German brand’s effort to improve the sustainability of their output.

At the centre of these three styles released as part of Stan Smith, Forever is a new high performance material known as PRIMEGREEN, which comprises the shoe’s upper sections. Launched in 2020, this latest innovation is made using recycled polyester and zero virgin plastics. Together with the shoe’s recycled rubber soles, sock-liners and laces, the new design is part of a long-term Adidas target of using only recycled polyester by 2024 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

This commitment is partially driven by the brand’s End Plastic Waste campaign, which has seen a number of partnerships with the likes of Parley for the Oceans and Stella McCartney since 2012. More recently, the brand’s vision has been further distilled by their Three Loop Strategy, which focuses on three categories of sustainable products.

First is the Recycled Loop: products made from recycled materials such as PRIMEGREEN and other performance fabrics. Next is Circular Loop – Made to be Remade, consisting of products whose lifecycles continue after each use. Recent examples include the Futurecraft Loop running shoe, made from a single type of plastic that can be ground into pellets, melted down and made into new trainers. Finally there’s the Bionic Loop – Made with Nature: Adidas’ ambition for a future in which every one of their products can have multiple lives with multiple owners before returning to nature.

In keeping with their Three Loop Strategy, the latest iteration of Stan Smiths are evidence of how Adidas intend to future-proof their products, ensuring continued longevity without compromising on our planet.

The new Stan Smiths, Forever launch today and are available to purchase online.