The INDEX.02 is a “Champion”—the brand’s "north stars" when it comes to responsible product innovation and performance
The all-new INDEX.02 is Salomon’s second recyclable running shoe, building on the groundbreaking INDEX.01, which was launched in 2021. The INDEX.02 is 100% recyclable and features vast improvements performance-wise over its predecessor. Its unique construction allows it to be disassembled at the end of its life so that the shoe materials can be recycled and used to make a new product. There is even a subtle line along the shoe showing where it will be split when it is recycled. A QR code on the tongue of one shoe allows you to easily scan it and register it after purchase, making it easy to return it for recycling at the end of its life. Like the INDEX.01, when INDEX.02 shoes are sent back for recycling, the materials will be used in the construction of Salomon alpine ski boots.
We started researching materials for the INDEX.01 about 5 years ago, looking to reduce its impact. With this new model, we are getting closer to providing the same level of performance as the rest of our road running shoes!
Laurent Coudurier
Research & Development Manager for Salomon Footwear
LIGHTER, MORE COMFORTABLE, STILL 100% RECYCLABLE
So, what is new with the INDEX.02? This new version is 10% lighter (263grams) than its predecessor. It also features a massive upgrade in comfort and performance due to improvements in the midsole geometry, foam quality and upper construction.
“We started researching materials for the INDEX.01 about 5 years ago, looking to reduce its impact. With this new model, we are getting closer to providing the same level of performance as the rest of our road running shoes!” explains Laurent Coudurier, who worked on the INDEX.02.
Developed in partnership with BASF, the INDEX.02 uses a lightweight Infiniride foam for plush, long-lasting comfort. This TPU foam is also the only foam that is fully recyclable. The upper now uses Engineered Mesh, a structure that varies the weave to offer more support, breathability, and durability.
The weight of the INDEX.02 has also been reduced from 288 grams down to 263 grams (sample size 8.5 UK). This comes thanks to a lower-density foam and less materials used in the midsole.
There have also been updates to the upper, which now features a bit more color, softer materials and a premium finish for improved step-in comfort. The different colors on the upper and bottom part of the shoe help to highlight that the shoe only uses two materials and that it can (and should) be separated at the end of its life.
“We really wanted to highlight the recyclable story of the INDEX.02, with two colors on the upper and the bottom unit, as well as a thin line that highlights where the shoe will be separated,” Coudurier explains.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE INDEX SHOE?
Let’s talk numbers. What does the INDEX shoe bring to the table? What is the environmental impact of the shoe when you take into consideration the few materials used to make it and the fact that it is recycled, instead of incinerated or put in a landfill? To assess the impact of the shoe, the Salomon Footwear development teams compared the impact of the INDEX.01 with the Sonic 3 road running shoe from our range.
By compiling and evaluating the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a shoe throughout its lifecycle, it is possible to clearly tell the impact of each step in terms of carbon emissions, use of natural resources, water eutrophication from nitrates (caused by the cooling of machines and colorization) and water acidification, among other aspects (17 in total).
The INDEX is a great start for sustainable footwear: we can test out this new, simple design and it’s performance; The impact of the shoe is lessened by 44 percent, which validates our work and encourages us to develop more footwear products following this circular economy concept!
Olivier Mouzin
Manager of Salomon’s Footwear Sustainability Program
The way the INDEX.01 is made and the fact that it can be recycled reduces by 44 percent the amount of CO2 compared to a traditional shoe, which is 4.9kg of CO2 Eq less for every pair. The emissions from the lifecycle of the Sonic 3 are 11,2kg of CO2 Eq; the INDEX.01 emits 6,3kg of CO2 Eq. Water eutrophication is reduced by 70 percent, and water acidification is reduced by 35 percent.
“The INDEX.01 is a great start for sustainable footwear: we can test out this new, simple design and its performance on the road, and test out the collecting and recycling process. As the lifecycle analysis shows, the impact of the shoe is lessened by 44 percent, which validates our work and encourages us to develop more footwear products following this circular economy concept.”, Olivier Mouzin explains.
Mathieu Bocchi is a Salomon ambassador in Norway who tested the INDEX.01 and wore them out to the point of needing new ones.
“I liked the look of the shoes; cushioning was good thanks to the thick outsole. It took a bit to get used to it, especially going from a Quicklace system to regular laces, but I really enjoyed that lightweight feeling.”
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