Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Nothing New Turns Old Plastic Into Stylish, Sustainable Sneakers

nothing new shoes
Nothing New

For a recently launched sneaker brand like Nothing New, the name itself might seem counterintuitive. Yet the difference is in the details, and Nothing New certainly lives up to its name when it comes to quality production. ir sneakers are made with style and sustainability to boot — Nothing New crafts its simple and subtly stylish sneaker line with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

Recommended Videos

That means no virgin plastic anywhere on the sneaker — and if that seems like a heck of an undertaking, well, Nothing New is in capable hands, to say the least. The brand was launched in June by CEO Nolan Walsh of none other than Thursday Boots (makers of some our favorite rugged leather boots, at that).

It wasn’t as easy as turning on a dime to make sneakers, though — Walsh visited well over 100 factories.

nothing new shoes
Nothing New

“While there are other cupsole sneakers and there are other sustainable brands in the market, we felt that if we combined a truly luxury aesthetic with the most sustainable materials possible that we could make something truly special,” Walsh said. “We always believed that if we could make products as good or better looking than legacy products on the market, more people would consider opting for the sustainable option.”

“We felt that if we combined a truly luxury aesthetic with the most sustainable materials possible that we could make something truly special.”

It would seem that’s a bet that consumers are willing to go for, especially given the final product. Every small detail has been carefully considered, including the use of comfortable, sustainable Ortholite EcoStep insoles and material made from recycled fishing nets as part of the upper.

These are sneakers made to be worn as often as you can — and better yet, if you send back your pair to the brand, you’ll get $20 off your next sneaker purchase while ensuring your old kicks stay away from the landfill. Talk about a brand that takes care of the full life cycle of your sneakers, right? That’s an approach that grows more urgent by the day, seeing as an astonishing 91 percent of all plastic ends up in landfills.

Nothing New sneakers are taking the right approach when it comes to blending sustainability and style. What’s more, the perks continue from there, including free shipping and free returns. And major style points? Yes, both sneaker iterations from Nothing New have that in spades.

Nothing New’s high-top sneakers start at just $110 and come in a range of colors, from the rock-inspired black-and-white to minimal green and gray color schemes, each of which would wear nicely with similarly neutral, classic style staples like tan chinos or a blue chambray shirt (no matter the season). And for those who prefer something with a sleeker cut for something, Nothing New low-top sneakers will also set you back just $95.

That’s a downright steal for perhaps the most versatile pair of sneakers you can buy right now (seriously, try the classic white version with everything from chino shorts and a navy polo to a white Oxford shirt and dark blue denim).

There are all things we can do to be more sustainable each day, and with that being said, you’d do well to take a look at your sneaker collection — and promptly reach for a sustainable pair like those from Nothing New.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Topics
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more
The Mirabel GMT is the sleek, functional watch built for modern explorers
The Heron Mirabel GMT: Swiss Precision Meets Affordable Luxury for Travelers
The Mirabel GMT up close

Watch lovers are innately drawn to the value and precision that a Swiss timepiece possesses, and the Heron Watches Mirabel GMT brings exceptional value and prestige at an affordable entry point. Bringing together the finest materials, true GMT function, and sleek design, it is a standout in every way – and for only $690.

Swiss precision and affordable luxury 

Read more
This Salomon collab turns the XA PRO 3D into wearable art for the trails
Salomon releases new collaborative sneaker
salomon rust trail sneaker

When it comes to a trail sneaker, you’ll want to ensure it is both functional and stylish. While a chic sneaker comes in handy for everyday use, a trail-ready sneaker should be able to keep you comfortable on any adventure. While Salomon knows how to fuse both successfully, their latest collaboration with South Korean designer J EONGL I adds another level of style and practicality to it. Inspired by the passage of time, this new collaboration comes in two colorways that perfectly capture the inspiration of eroded cliffs and fossils. Both monochromatic versions feature a sculptural style and footwear technology that’ll catch anyone’s attention on the trails or city streets. 

Salomon and J EONGL I give the XA PRO 3D a bold update

Read more