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This EV-inspired sustainable sneaker boasts Scandinavian style

Volvo Canada teams with Vancouver footwear company to create limited edition shoe for World Car Free day

Andrew McCredie
Sep 16, 2021  •  September 16, 2021  •  1 minute read  •  Join the conversation
Scandinavian influences of the Volvo XC40 Recharge were purposefully integrated for a collaborative new interpretation of Casca’s trademark clean lines.
Scandinavian influences of the Volvo XC40 Recharge were purposefully integrated for a collaborative new interpretation of Casca’s trademark clean lines. Photo by Casca

Volvo Cars Canada is putting its best foot forward in a collaboration with Casca footwear to promote a carbon-neutral future.

The limited-edition sneaker will go on sale on Wednesday, September 22 — World Car-Free Day — and according to Casca co-founder, the goal was to create a shoe rooted in conscious design and reflecting the Scandinavian influences of the automaker’s first all-electric vehicle. The shoe will be available to Canadians for purchase ($198) here .

“The Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed to reduce environmental impact, so it was the perfect inspiration for the shoe,” said Kevin Reid, adding that the collaboration marked several firsts for the Vancouver company, including its first shared design, the fastest production to market, and used new recycled materials never used before by Casca before.

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  1. Seven recycled plastic bottles are used to make the yarn for each breathable, flexible knit upper.
    Seven recycled plastic bottles are used to make the yarn for each breathable, flexible knit upper. Photo by Casca
  2. The Volvo XC40 Recharge.
    The Volvo XC40 Recharge. Photo by Volvo Cars Canada
  3. Ten per cent of each sole is made from recycled car tire, the first time this material has ever been used in a Casca shoe as part of an intentional repurposing and recycling of materials.
    Ten per cent of each sole is made from recycled car tire, the first time this material has ever been used in a Casca shoe as part of an intentional repurposing and recycling of materials. Photo by Casca
  4. The Thor hammer headlight influence can be seen in the linework and paneling.
    The Thor hammer headlight influence can be seen in the linework and paneling. Photo by Casca

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Here are some of the highlights of the shoe: 10 per cent of each sole is made from recycled car tire; seven recycled plastic bottles are used to make the yarn for each breathable, flexible knit upper; the Swedish flag is represented on one shoe tag, while the Casca yellow can be seen on the other, honouring the collaboration between the two brands as well as minimalist, Scandinavian design; and Volvo’s Thor hammer headlight influence can be seen in the linework and paneling.

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“At Volvo Cars, we are committed to setting the highest standards of sustainability in mobility and that goes beyond electrifying our fleet to transforming all aspects of our business,” said Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Cars Canada. “The shoe we have created with Casca in celebration of World Car-Free Day is one way to recognize the many steps we are taking on our journey to climate neutrality.”

World Car-Free Day was established to bring global awareness to the significance of reducing air pollution and encourage a more active lifestyle. It is celebrated in over 2,000 cities and 35 countries around the world.

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