At Shoelutions, we are constantly exploring new materials, technologies and manufacturing solutions that can support the next generation of footwear. That’s why we are excited to present our latest prototype developed in collaboration with Step Zero, a company pioneering innovative solutions to reduce microplastics generated by footwear outsoles.
A New Approach to Footwear Soles
Outsoles are one of the largest sources of microplastic emissions generated throughout a shoe’s lifecycle. Through abrasion during everyday use, conventional synthetic sole materials release microscopic particles into the environment. According to Step Zero, outsole abrasion can generate around 175 grams of microplastics per person, per year.
To address this challenge, Step Zero has developed, a biodegradable outsole material designed to deliver performance comparable to conventional TPU while significantly improving its environmental profile.
From Material Innovation to Real Footwear Prototypes
To demonstrate the potential of this technology in real-world applications, the Shoelutions team developed a footwear prototype integrating Step Zero’s outsole solution.
The objective was simple: prove that innovative and more sustainable materials can already be incorporated into commercial footwear projects without compromising design, functionality or manufacturing feasibility.
The result is a premium footwear concept that combines contemporary design with a new generation of biodegradable outsole technology.
Why Step Zero?
This thermoplastic material produced from bio-polymers and materials derived from the waste stream of wheat production. The material is:
- Biodegradable in nature (certification in progress)
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- EUDR compliant
- Compatible with conventional injection moulding processes
- Reusable within the production process
- Suitable for existing footwear manufacturing infrastructures without requiring costly retooling
This means footwear brands can explore more sustainable outsole solutions while maintaining the efficiency and scalability required for commercial production.
Sustainable Innovation Without Manufacturing Barriers
One of the most interesting aspects of the Step Zero technology is its ease of adoption.
Unlike many emerging materials that require significant changes to production lines, Terracoa™ 101 has been developed to work with existing injection moulding equipment and manufacturing processes. This significantly lowers the barrier for brands looking to introduce more sustainable materials into their collections.
For designers, developers and footwear brands, this creates new opportunities to innovate without completely redesigning their supply chain.
From Idea to Prototype
At Shoelutions, our role goes beyond sourcing innovative materials.
We help brands transform ideas into market-ready products by supporting every stage of the development process, from concept creation and material sourcing to prototyping and production.
The collaboration with Step Zero demonstrates exactly that approach: identifying emerging technologies, validating their application in footwear and helping brands integrate them into future collections.
Looking for More Sustainable Materials for Your Next Footwear Project?
The footwear industry is evolving rapidly, and brands that embrace innovative materials today will be better positioned for tomorrow’s market.
Through our collaboration with Step Zero, Shoelutions can now support brands interested in integrating biodegradable outsole technologies and other next-generation sustainable materials into their projects.
Whether you’re developing a new footwear brand, a capsule collection or an innovative sustainability-focused concept, our team can help bring your vision to life.
Shoelutions × Step Zero
Where Design Meets Sustainable Innovation.