CAMPER creates footwear that is detachable, repairable and recyclable
The new modular footwear consists of six recycled and reused components, with innovative knitting technology -one-piece knit- that reduces CO2 emissions and contributes to zero waste goals, while completely eliminating the need for adhesives.
• Sustainable XL Extralight® EVA sole
• Woven upper
• Insole
• 3D knitted sock
• Laces
• Cord
The pieces are offered in white, black, khaki and red, allowing for 64 chromatic combinations. Depending on their preference, the customer can purchase the shoe assembled or in parts for assembly.
The first step is the assembly of the upper with the sole through laces that fit into transversal grooves on the bottom of the outsole. Next, the insole is inserted into the sock, and placed inside the upper, already assembled with the sole. Finally, the laces are threaded through the eyelets of the sock and upper, along with the cord that ties the sole, and it's ready!
The Roku model -which in Japanese means "six"- is mountable and detachable, inspired by trekking, ergonomic with organic and functional shapes, typical of traditional Japanese objects. The comfort insole is made of flexible and lightweight EVA, while the sock located under the upper is knitted in 3D using recycled polyester. The sole, also made of EVA from the EXTRALIGHT® brand, has a special formulation that ensures less weight and greater cushioning. Its surface is rough and it has a robust and important volume, because on its outsole it has the system of transversal grooves, through which the laces and cord are fixed to the rest of the assembly.
Being a modular footwear, it allows the user to customize the product according to their desire.
CAMPER's main designer, Czech Eliska Horciková, explained that "Roku was a complex concept to develop, but it turned out to be a simple shoe to assemble, so customers could do it themselves. One of the key challenges was to assemble each component, especially certain pieces that must be very well joined, without adhesives, but which can then be easily separated."
For Eliska, this footwear "is a call for the customer to be more proactive, and to become aware of avoiding adhesives, so that the shoe can be repaired or recycled piece by piece after use. The modular system helps people create a stronger connection with their shoes, and therefore, keep them for longer. It establishes an emotional connection that promotes greater care for the footwear."
CAMPER's initiative aimed to reduce environmental impact, and in that regard, the components no longer in use can be returned as part of the Ted Back program, which allows the brand to control how the shoes are disposed of. Thus, users who return the footwear receive discounts on new purchases.
Another precedent for detachable shoes is the NIKE brand, which participates in this trend through its ISPA LINK line of sneakers, which uses knitted uppers fitted into soles, without adhesive application.
