"Think" Trainer: Modular, Recyclable Shoe Concept
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 07.26.07
Shoes are up there on the list of things that, when poorly designed, are becoming more and more disposable. We've seen some better examples, but many shoes out there still source from sweatshops, use toxic adhesives and cements and employ other undesirable practices. If you can't pimp your old shoes, we like the idea behind "Think," a modular trainer concept that uses mechanical locks instead of adhesives. Not only does this cut back on toxics in the shoes, but makes individual pieces replaceable (and then recyclable) as they wear out.
There are only five parts to each shoe, allowing for self-assembly instead of sweatshops, and variations in the colors and styles make for an easily-customizable, quick-changing look. Hit the jump to see how all this works in pictures. ::Ben Chappell via ::Yanko Design
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- 5 Reuses for: Orphan Women's Shoes
- Recycled Plastic Workout Gear is Great for Fitness, Great for Planet
- Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear
- We Love Etsy for Unique, Handmade Gifts
- Reuse Those Plastic Cups As Earrings
- Green Your Bikini Waxing Routine with Soy, Pine Sap and Organic Bikini Wax
Where can I buy these? The link provided doesn't give any additional information.
**Author's comments**
Please note that, as cool as these are, the shoes are just a concept right now. We'll let you know if we find that they're in production.
-CD
hi man im the designer (ben) thanks for the cool comments!!! really appreciate them but unfortunately the think trainer is just a prototype at the moment. I have made a fully working prototype that we have tested. so now we are just trying to find a way of getting these bad boys into production!
Once again, I get taken in by a concept product I can't buy.
Well done!
I hope you can get to market. I'm looking for shoes
right now in fact. So I came to T-H for some advice.
Now don't take this the wrong way, but I can even
see a huge institutional market for these wonderful shoes.
e.g. Hospital, school dress code, and even jails !
HEY, that's a good thing. Best wishes !
PS A mannequin foot would fill the shoes out better
for photos.
will these really hold up to cross-training and running out on the streets?? slip ons usually need an additional supportive fastener to keep the shoes tight on the foot, perhaps add this on the next generation concept?? Also, material choices will be a tough call. gotta keep it breathable bu durable, but still eco-friendly. Thats a tall order. kudos on a great idea though, hope to see them in stores soon.
I was curious if I could sell this in a mall at a kiosk?