5 Billion Reasons to Rethink Foam Waste

Journal
5 Billion Reasons to Rethink Foam Waste

Every year, the athletic footwear industry discards enough waste foam to create 5 billion insoles or 2.5 billion midsoles. These aren't scraps that belong in a landfill or as pollution in our atmosphere—it’s high-quality material with the potential to become better shoes. At Blumaka, we’ve developed a process to recycle this foam and give it a second life. The result? Durable, comfortable, and sustainable footwear that changes the way the industry thinks about waste.

Brands Leading the Way

While many companies talk about sustainability, four brands are actively proving what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility:

  • SR Max: A leader in safety and work footwear, SR Max is bringing sustainability into a space where durability and reliability are non-negotiable. By using Blumaka foam, they show that safety shoes can protect both people and the planet.
  • Allbirds: Known worldwide for their commitment to sustainable fashion, Allbirds partnered with Blumaka to elevate their mission. By integrating recycled foam, they validated that high-quality, everyday sneakers can be stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly all at once.
  • rabbit running: This Santa Barbara running company focuses on performance running gear, and their decision to adopt Blumaka foam and NonSlip technology reflects their dedication to athletes and the environment. It’s proof that brands built on community and performance can also lead on sustainability.
  • DAPS: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and DAPS is pioneering innovation with Blumaka’s recycled foam and NonSlip technology in their footwear. They’re building a new generation of shoes that support players while reducing industry waste.

A Cleaner Future Through Collaboration

Each of these partners demonstrates that recycled doesn’t mean compromised. By integrating Blumaka foam, they’ve created products that are:

  • Beautiful – designs customers love to wear
  • Durable – built to last 1,000 miles
  • Comfortable – delivering long-lasting cushioning and support

From work boots to running shoes, from pickleball sneakers to everyday wear, these brands are showing the industry what’s possible when waste is seen as a resource instead of a problem.

Voting With Your Dollars

Consumers have power. Every time you buy from brands like SR Max, Allbirds, rabbit running, or DAPS Pickleball, you’re supporting innovation that keeps foam out of landfills and puts it back where it belongs: under your feet.

At Blumaka, we’re proud to partner with these companies and grateful for their leadership. Together, we’re building a future where billions of pairs of shoes can be made from existing waste—proving that performance, style, and sustainability can walk hand in hand.

The Proof

A professional sports team's biomechanics lab conducted an independent study utilizing 200 athletes comparing Blumaka Nonslip Insoles with standard insoles. Blumaka's Nonslip Insoles delivered a statistically significant performance advantage on every key metric