Global sportswear and fitness brand Reebok has launched a “Cotton + Corn” sustainable products initiative, which will bring plant-based footwear to the market later this year.

Developed by the Reebok Future team, the project looks to create shoes “made from things that grow.” The first release will be a shoe that has an upper comprised of organic cotton and a base originating from industrial grown corn – a non-food source.

Reebok has partnered with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance bio-based solutions for the project.

“This is really just the first step for us,” said Bill McInnis, head of Reebok Future. “With Cotton + Corn we’re focused on all three phases of the product lifecycle.

“First, with product development we’re using materials that grow and can be replenished, rather than the petroleum-based materials commonly used today.

“Second, when the product hits the market we know our consumers don’t want to sacrifice on how shoes look and perform.

“Finally, we care about what happens to the shoes when people are done with them. So we’ve focused on plant-based materials such as corn and cotton at the beginning, and compostability in the end.”