Trainer and sportswear brand ASICS announces that it has made a trainer with the lowest CO2 emissions of any trainer currently on the market. Its claim is based on: “available industry data for life cycle CO2e emissions, as of 11 September 2023”.

But earlier this year, Allbirds has revealed its M0.0NSHOT shoe, alongside the toolkit to make it, which boasts an even lower carbon footprint of net 0.0kg CO2e and claims to be the world’s first net zero carbon shoe.

Asics new Gel-Lyte III Cm 1.95 creates just 1.95kg of CO2e per pair, while Allbirds M0.0NSHOT shoe comes in at 0.0kg CO2e.

Asics Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95 trainer composition includes a carbon-negative foam made using a bio-based polymer partially derived from sugarcane included in the midsole, a recycled fabric sockliner and the use of solution-dyed polyester.

Alongside the environmental claims, the trainer is also said to offer underfoot comfort and a supportive fit suitable for daily activities. It will be available for sale from 22 September onward from the Asics website and in select stores at a retail price of US$150.

Asics’ executive officer and senior general manager Go Suzuki says: “Asics is committed to reaching the goal of becoming net-zero emissions by 2050. Not only is the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95 sneaker the lightest CO2e emissions sneaker on market, but we are also confident that it is one of the most aesthetically compelling shoes, on top of being very comfortable for users' daily activities. To accomplish our bold goal, we will continue to deliver creative solutions as exemplified in the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95 sneaker."

The innovation comes just a few years after Asics investment arm, Asics Corporation, took a stake in Spanish sustainable start-up company Pyrates Smart Fabrics.

Asics also recently shared its “highest-ever” sales figures for Q1 2023, reporting a 44.6% increase in net sales, boosted by strong sales growth across all its categories.