John Gagliardi believes hard goods and sports gear are poised for a sustainability overhaul in much the same way organic and wellness have ballooned in the food industry.

A former college lacrosse player, Gagliardi once started a lacrosse equipment company that he eventually sold. Following that first foray into business, the lifelong athlete got involved in several organic snack companies and drew some parallels. “This is going to happen in the sports world – with companies becoming more eco-friendly, using more planet-friendly, recyclable materials,” Gagliardi says. “We’re seeing that now.”

John Gagliardi, founder of Kane Footwear

That revelation spurred Gagliardi to create Kane Footwear, a line of foam shoes meant to help athletes with recovery. The twist? More than 70% of Kane’s recently launched Revive shoe is made of BounceBack foam, created from Brazilian sugarcane. Sugarcane is renewable and helps reduce greenhouse gases by capturing carbon as it grows, according to Kane Footwear’s website. Kane is part of a trend of apparel and accessory companies seeking alternative materials to create their products.

“We think we’ll be able to get to 100% renewable in the next three years,” Gagliardi says of the shoes’ composition. “We’re working on that with our team in Brazil and in New York.”

The company, which donates a percentage of its profits through 1% for the Planet and has a pending B Corporation certification, is also working on an end-of-life program for the shoes, consulting with a few companies to figure out the best solution. “One might be remixing the shoes to make more products that we give away, or the material could be used for playgrounds or tracks,” Gagliardi says. The key, he adds, is keeping the customer engaged with the brand, finding a way to encourage them to ship back their old shoe when they purchase a new pair – to help keep the product out of landfills.

The Revive shoes from Kane Footwear are made primarily of an EVA foam derived from Brazilian sugarcane.

The breathable, slip-on shoes were designed in collaboration with Dr. Dan Geller, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, who advised on the shoe’s heel-to-toe drop and contoured fit to reduce muscle strain. The design has been well-received by athletes, with many pro sports teams buying them for their players to wear for recovery after games or workouts, according to Gagliardi. People are also wearing the shoes for everyday activities, like walking the dog or going to the market. “They’re very comfortable, and they make your feet feel good,” Gagliardi says.

One thing that was important to Gagliardi was not compromising on the functionality. Some eco-friendly materials have limitations with durability or colorways. “With sugarcane,” Gagliardi says, “there’s no compromise.”

Kane Footwear is only a few months old, but Gagliardi says it’s growing quickly. Going forward, he expects to add more colors and customization options to the Revive shoe, and is also working toward a new bio-based shoe model to launch in 2023.

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