This summer's heatwave - and the proliferation of sandals and flip-flops on your feet - made us want to highlight shoes (but not only), throughout our sections: project news from the TCBL network, a selection of product innovations – services linked to these projects, inspiration on the mechanics of change and a few meetings. Hoping that these shares spark reflections and conversations on the transition of the textile-clothing sector. Happy back to school and happy reading.

The editorial team

Are you going back to running shoes at the start of the school year?

You can choose between two schoolss: supporters of shoes with wide soles, which promote bounce thanks to the energy stored when the foot is placed on the one hand (eg Hoka, one of the reference brands for marathon runners) and on the other hand, the supporters of ultra-thin soles, which use all the body's energy via the foot placed (almost) directly on the ground (eg Five Fingers, which fits each toe of the foot or Vivobarefoot, with a micro-sole made from algae). Which runner are you? Thick or thin soles?

Future of sports shoes

According to sources, this market represents between 88 billion US dollars (Statista) and 112 billion dollars (Mordor Intelligence), but in both cases, its growth projection is 4 to 5% per year within 5 years. However, the two years of pandemic have increased the time spent at home and accelerated the wearing of comfortable clothing. In terms of shoes, this allows us to ask at least new questions about new uses of shoes: either revisited multifunctionality, eg to be worn both indoors and outdoors; or ultra-specialization depending on the situations… all without forgetting a design – circular, local production and readapted to cultural traditions.

HEREWEAR

We recently visited the LUMA Workshop at the LUMA Arles Electrical Store

to observe the research and development that enabled the creation of this new space using biomaterials. In collaboration with BC Architects & Studies and Assemble, Atelier LUMA used local waste from crops, plants, demolitions, quarries and salt pans to create walls, wall panels, flooring and highly aesthetic and functional seats, stools and lamps. The development of these practice-based projects is supported by the bioregional model that inspires the HEREWEAR project, in which we work together to develop a bio-based, local and circular methodology.