PUMA introduces First Mile soccer shoes made from recycled plastic

Global sportswear brand PUMA has launched a new collection of sneakers to increase the sustainability of its successful ULTRA 1.3 and FUTURE 1.2 models by using recycled materials through a collaboration with First Mile.

The products in the First Mile collection are made from recycled yarn obtained from plastic bottles. But the First Mile initiative has other merits as well. For example, it strengthens the micro-economy in Honduras, Haiti and Taiwan.

By collecting waste, it prevents the pollution of the world’s oceans, reduces the ecological impact and, last but not least, creates new jobs, resulting in a positive impact on the whole community. It has been working with the PUMA brand since 2019, but the revolutionary thing is the production of the kicks.

“First Mile greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with the PUMA brand to improve the environment and conditions of our pickers in Taiwan,” says Jeff Wang, Inititative Manager of First Mile Taiwan.

“We’re thrilled to be able to turn trash into a high-performance kicker that will be played with at the highest level. We are also pleased that our collectors are proud to be changing the world and football with their work,” Wang said.

The ULTRA 1.3 contains 21% recycled material made from plastic. The lightweight MATRYXEVO technology retains all the performance benefits of the ULTRA 1.3 and also incorporates recycled Chamatex and First Mile yarns.

The SPEEDCAGE upper is designed to grip the foot firmly while maintaining minimal weight, providing both excellent ball control and support for quick launch and escape to opponents.

The ULTRA model features the unique PEBA SpeedUnit outsole for maximum speed. It provides excellent stability, durability and traction. Thanks to PUMA’s impeccable cleat DNA, the ULTRA packs more punch than ever. The First Mile ULTRA 1.3 will be introduced for the first time on the pitch by Manchester United superstar Raphaël Varane, who is a big advocate of sustainable products.

The FUTURE Z 1.2’s upper is made up of 42% recycled materials. The innovative FUTURE FUZIONFIT+ compression material hugs the foot perfectly yet comfortably.

Another new feature is the recycled Dynamic Motion System outsole, specially designed for maximum agility and explosiveness. The FUTURE Z 1.2 First Mile, distinguished as the most sustainable soccer shoe in PUMA’s history, will be worn by Manchester City star Vicky Losada.

“With this collection, we are introducing recycled First Mile yarn into our kicks for the first time,” states Dominique Gathier, Senior Brand Manager at Teamsport Footwear. “This is the first step in our move towards more sustainable footwear products without affecting the high performance of our players. Our priority is to continue to use more recycled and sustainable materials,” he concludes.

The First Mile collection includes recycled editions of the ULTRA 1.3 and FUTURE 1.2 soccer cleats and is available at Sportfotball and 11Teamsports stores and at www.puma.com