Save the Planet with adidas Lyocell Socks

Hey there eco-warriors and sock lovers, it’s time to talk about sustainable fashion and how you can save the planet one step at a time with adidas lyocell socks.

Now why adidas, you might ask? And why socks?

With their global supply chains, use of virgin polyester and synthetic materials, their environmental impact is significant.

adidas Sustainability Commitment

However, adidas is committed to sustainability and has taken several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. According to the Environmental Impacts section of the adidas Annual Report 2021^[1], the company is focusing on managing environmental impacts at its own sites and along its entire value chain. This includes reducing emissions, water usage, and waste, as well as using renewable energy sources. Additionally, adidas has partnered up with Spinnova to create textile fibre out of wood or waste, such as leather, textile or food waste, without harmful chemicals^[2].

The company has also pledged to use only recycled plastic by 2024^[3], and is on track to reach its goal of using 100% recycled polyester in its products by 2024^[4]. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the company’s environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

But that’s not the only reason I’m promoting adidas.

As a market leader, the net sales of the adidas Group worldwide amounted to about 21.23 billion euros in 2021^[5]

If we are to promote and encourage a circular fashion society, it is my opinion that we need to work together with fashion industry giants like adidas. We’ve all arguably been part of the problem, and it is only fair (and sensible) that we all become part of the solution. As a global sports brand, adidas have the reach, the technological capabilities, and the marketing to develop new materials and to push sustainable fashion to the masses. It also helps that they sell a lot of awesome kit that I love.

And that is why I am delighted to share the news that I have accepted an invitation to join the adidas blogging community.

Over the next year, I will be reviewing kit (mostly sustainable), sharing updates about their moves to circular fashion and hopefully giving away a few pieces of sustainable sportswear.

Sock it to them with Lyocell

It all starts with that first step and with a variety of sustainable adidas sportswear I thought I would keep in step with my history as an award winning foot health blogger, and kick off with a review of eco-friendly adidas lyocell socks.

Lyocell in not some new brand of battery. It is a synthetic fibre made from wood pulp, which is a more renewable resource (unlike concrete, trees can be grown) and more sustainable than non-renewable sources, such as oil-based synthetics.

Lyocell is also biodegradable, which means that it can be broken down naturally by bacteria and other microorganisms. This contrasts with synthetic fabrics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfill sites.

The production of lyocell requires less water than the production of cotton. The closed-loop process used in lyocell production also allows for the recycling of up to 99% of the water used in the process, while this process also reduces the amount of chemicals used compared to other types of fabrics.

Now that we know that the lyocell socks at adidas are environmentally friendly, let’s answer the other vital question. How do they rate as socks compared to cotton socks? It is all good and well that they are eco-friendly, but should you buy them when next shopping for socks?

Lyocell is a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear, which means that with proper care they can last for a long time. And the longer they last, the less we need to buy. While recycling is a great start, we also need to reduce how much we consume.

Lyocell socks are soft, breathable, and gentle on your feet, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin and helps them pass the durability and comfort tests.

I’ve been wearing a pair of the Run X Ultraboost Shoe Love Socks (and I do love my Ultraboost shoes) for a few weeks. They are light, soft and comfortable with a cushioned footbed and toe area. Made with 55% lyocell, 42% recycled polyester, and 3% elastane they feel cool compared to some of my heavier socks and although it’s too early to judge, they’ve kept their shape and elasticity after a few washes.

Having been gifted these socks by adidas, my next purchase will be the City Escape Crew socks, also made from a blend of lyocell and recycled polyester. In future I will also look more closely at how my sportwear is manufactured. I hope you will too take a step towards a sustainable future and choose adidas lyocell socks.

Not only will you feel good wearing them, but you will also feel good knowing that you doing your part to reduce your environmental impact. Let’s inspire others to follow our lead and make a positive difference in the world, one step at a time. The planet (and your feet) will thank you.

In my next adidas blog, I’ll be reporting on the Made with Nature range from adidas and if you are keen to show your feet more love (they are worth it) do check out my Feet for Life blog posts.

Warning. There ARE pictures of feet.

Sources:

1. https://report.adidas-group.com/2021/en/group-management-report-our-company/sustainability/environmental-impacts.html
2. https://report.adidas-group.com/2021/en/at-a-glance/2021-stories/our-sustainability-initiatives.html
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2019/07/18/adidas-challenges-the-fashion-industry-in-sustainability-pledging-only-recycled–plastic-by-2024/
4. https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/other/adidas-csr/
5. https://www.statista.com/statistics/268416/net-sales-of-the-adidas-group-worldwide-since-2000/