Yeezy 700 and Their Environmental Impact: How Does Adidas Respond to Sustainability?
Few sneaker releases have made as big a splash as the Adidas Yeezy 700, a collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West that has transformed the world of streetwear. But as Yeezy 700s fly off shelves, another conversation is growing louder: what impact do these iconic sneakers have on the environment, and how is Adidas addressing the urgent need for sustainability in footwear production? With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of consumer consciousness, the sneaker industry is under increasing scrutiny. Let’s take a closer look at the environmental footprint of the Yeezy 700 and the sustainability initiatives Adidas has launched in response.
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Sneaker Production
The global sneaker industry is massive, producing over 22 billion pairs of shoes annually according to World Footwear Yearbook 2023. Each pair leaves a notable carbon footprint. The manufacturing process involves multiple stages—synthetic material production, assembly, shipping, and packaging—all contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
A 2013 MIT study found that a typical pair of running shoes generates about 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds) of CO₂ emissions during its lifecycle. Factors contributing to this footprint include:
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- Use of petroleum-based synthetics (like EVA midsoles and TPU overlays)
- Energy-intensive manufacturing (often in factories powered by coal-based electricity)
- Waste from offcuts and unsold inventory
- Global shipping and logistics
The Yeezy 700, known for its distinctive chunky silhouette and premium materials, is no exception. Its components—mesh, suede, leather, rubber, and foam—are often derived from non-renewable resources.
Material Choices in Yeezy 700: Environmental Challenges
The original Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” debuted in 2017 and set a new standard for hype sneakers. However, the materials used in this and subsequent Yeezy 700 models pose environmental challenges:
- Uppers often blend mesh, suede, and leather, all requiring significant water, chemicals, and energy to process. - The midsole uses EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, a durable but petroleum-based material that is not biodegradable. - Outsoles are made from rubber, which can be either natural (requiring land and water for rubber trees) or synthetic (derived from fossil fuels).Leather and suede, in particular, have environmental implications. According to the United Nations, the leather industry is responsible for approximately 14% of the world’s deforestation, primarily due to cattle farming. Tanning processes often use toxic chemicals that can pollute water sources.
Adidas sources much of its leather from certified suppliers, but the overall impact of these materials remains significant. Additionally, the use of glues and dyes in sneaker production can introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment.
Adidas’ Sustainability Strategy: Moving Beyond Fast Fashion
Recognizing the environmental toll of footwear, Adidas has taken several steps to make its operations more sustainable. In 2021, Adidas announced that 60% of all its products would be made with sustainable materials by 2025. Their sustainability strategy revolves around three pillars: products, people, and planet.
Key Adidas sustainability initiatives include:
- Introduction of recycled materials: Adidas uses Primegreen (recycled polyester) and Primeblue (made with Parley Ocean Plastic) in many product lines. - Commitment to end plastic waste: Adidas aims to use only recycled polyester in all products by 2024. - Collaborations with environmental groups: The partnership with Parley for the Oceans has led to over 30 million pairs of shoes made with ocean plastic since 2015. - Renewable energy and water conservation: By 2022, more than 50% of Adidas’ own operations were powered by renewable energy.For Yeezy models, however, public information about the use of recycled or eco-friendly materials has been limited compared to other Adidas lines. Still, the Yeezy brand has begun integrating sustainability with select releases, exploring new materials and processes.
Yeezy 700: Steps Toward Greener Sneakers
While early Yeezy 700s focused on design and exclusivity, recent years have seen a shift. Adidas and the Yeezy team have begun experimenting with sustainable materials and production methods:
- Yeezy Foam Runner: Released in 2020, this model uses algae-derived foam, significantly reducing reliance on petroleum-based EVA. Adidas blends harvested algae with traditional materials, aiming to lower the carbon footprint. - Recycled content: Some Yeezy 700 releases have incorporated recycled polyester in lining and mesh uppers, though not on a large scale. - Packaging: Adidas has committed to using more recycled and recyclable cardboard for Yeezy packaging, minimizing single-use plastics.Despite these steps, the Yeezy 700 line is not yet a flagship of sustainability. The complexity of its construction, reliance on premium animal-derived materials, and high demand for new colorways all pose challenges to making the sneaker fully eco-friendly.
Comparing Yeezy 700 Sustainability to Other Adidas Sneakers
How does the Yeezy 700 stack up against other Adidas sustainability efforts? Let’s compare the Yeezy 700 to the Adidas UltraBoost Made to Be Remade and Parley for the Oceans lines.
| Model | Main Materials | Recycled Content (%) | Biodegradable Components | Special Sustainability Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezy 700 | Mesh, suede, leather, EVA foam, rubber | Up to 20% (varies by release) | No | Some use recycled polyester; eco-friendly packaging |
| UltraBoost Made to Be Remade | Mono-material (TPU), no glue | 100% | Yes (designed for full recycling) | Return-to-recycle program |
| Parley Line | Primeblue (ocean plastic), recycled polyester | ~75% | No | Removes plastic waste from oceans |
This comparison highlights that while Yeezy 700s have made incremental improvements, Adidas’ most ambitious sustainability projects are still found in other lines. The UltraBoost Made to Be Remade is fully recyclable, while Parley shoes directly combat ocean pollution. Yeezy 700s primarily offer partial recycled content and eco-packaging.
The Consumer’s Role: Demand for Sustainability in Sneaker Culture
Consumer demand is a powerful force in shaping the sneaker industry. Recent surveys by Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) show that 65% of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers consider sustainability important when choosing sneakers. The resale market for Yeezy 700s, which can see prices soar to over $600 for rare editions, also amplifies their environmental impact, as collectors seek multiple pairs and ship them globally.
Adidas recognizes this shift and has begun marketing select Yeezy releases with sustainability messaging. Limited edition drops with eco-friendly materials are promoted to test consumer interest and gauge willingness to pay a premium for greener shoes.
Yet, challenges remain. High demand for exclusivity and frequent colorway releases can encourage overproduction and waste. Sneakerheads also often focus on design and collectibility over environmental credentials, making education and transparency crucial.
Challenges Ahead and the Future of Sustainable Yeezy 700s
Transitioning a high-profile sneaker like the Yeezy 700 to a truly sustainable product is complex. Key obstacles include:
- Material innovation: Finding replacements for leather, suede, and petroleum-based foams that meet durability and aesthetic standards. - Scalability: Producing sustainable materials at the volume demanded by Yeezy releases without driving up costs or compromising quality. - Consumer acceptance: Convincing fans that eco-friendly materials can coexist with the luxury and performance they expect.Adidas is investing in new technologies like mycelium-based (mushroom) leather and bio-based foams, as seen in concept releases. The Yeezy brand’s influence means that even small changes can ripple through the industry, encouraging competitors to follow suit.
The company’s goal is clear: by 2025, make nine out of ten Adidas products sustainable. Whether the Yeezy 700 will be a leader in this shift remains to be seen, but pressure from consumers, activists, and the market is accelerating progress.
Final Thoughts: Yeezy 700’s Environmental Impact and Adidas’ Path Forward
The Yeezy 700 is more than a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of where sneaker culture intersects with environmental responsibility. While Adidas has made meaningful strides in sustainability, especially with other product lines, the Yeezy 700 series is only starting to address its environmental impact.
With ongoing research, material innovation, and growing consumer awareness, Yeezy 700s could soon join the ranks of truly sustainable sneakers. For now, the journey is ongoing, and each new release offers an opportunity to move closer to a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
