Most people don’t realize the huge impact shoes have on the environment. From deforestation of the Amazon to massive uses of petroleum, something seemingly small contributes to enormous environmental problems. New Balance has just launched a new eco-friendly athletic shoe, the New Balance 70.

As part of the Boston-based company’s corporate-wide sustainability initiative that targets product, manufacturing and facilities, the launch of the New Balance 70 collection this month is aimed at fashionable consumers who consider the environment when making their apparel purchases.

The shoe manufacturer said that seventy-five percent of the upper components are made of “environmentally preferred materials.” The laces, webbing, rand, quarter, tongue and saddle incorporate recycled polyester, while the foxing and the tip of the shoe are constructed of synthetics made with fewer solvents than traditional materials.

New Balance 70

In addition, rice husk filler in the outsole reduces the amount of rubber needed, thus reducing the amount of petroleum used. Water-based adhesives are used to join the upper and the sole unit and no paper stuffing or paper wrapping are used in the packaging of the 70 collection.

The design of the shoes also focuses on the reduction of waste. For example, the upper is constructed with minimal layers to reduce unnecessary material usage, and construction of the shoe is designed to use as much of the original cutting material as possible.

The New Balance 70 is the first shoe in their “eco-preferred collection”, and while they’re not totally green, they’re pretty close. It’s definitely a step towards the creation of a truly sustainable shoe.

The 70 is now available and you can purchase it HERE.