Nothing New
Rated: Good
Price: $$
Location: USA
Quick verdict
Nothing New is best for eco-conscious sneaker buyers who want a classic, minimalist aesthetic (think Converse or Vans) without the environmental guilt. The brand stands out for genuinely innovative use of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic uppers, true stitch (no-glue) construction, and a circular take-back program. The main caveat is limited third-party labor transparency, with no published Code of Conduct or evidence of living wages.
Key info
- Headquarters
- New York City, NY
- Founded
- 2019
- Product categories
- Shoes, Sneakers
- Price range
- $$
- Key certifications
- GRS, Leather Working Group Gold, Better Cotton Initiative
Nothing New sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
Industry-leading recycled materials: 100% post-consumer recycled plastic uppers (Better Canvas™), upcycled Italian leather (Beyond Leather™), recycled fishing nets, recycled cork/rubber outsoles, Ortholite EcoStep insoles. GRS certified. Minor deduction: outsoles still use some virgin natural rubber.
Beyond Leather™ line manufactured in Portugal (low-risk); socks/shirts made in USA. However, no published Code of Conduct, no evidence of living wages, and unspecified audit percentages.
Carbon-neutral operations through verified offsets. Each pair repurposes 5.6 plastic bottles and saves 160 gallons of water vs. conventional canvas. True stitch construction eliminates toxic glues and sulfur emissions. 100% recycled packaging.
Detailed materials and construction method info on website. Does not publish a full supplier list, specific per-shoe carbon footprint, or detailed audit results.
At $89–$180, priced competitively against Allbirds ($98–$160) and Veja ($100–$200). True stitch construction adds significant durability. Free shipping and returns in contiguous US.
What they do well
- 100% recycled uppers with no virgin plastic — Better Canvas™ made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles; Beyond Leather™ upcycled from Italian leather waste; both GRS certified.
- True stitch construction (no glue): Eliminates toxic glue and sulfur emissions while producing a more durable, flexible bond. Reviewers note significantly better longevity than comparable Converse Chuck Taylors.
- Circular take-back program (Virtuous Circle): Customers return worn-out sneakers for a $20 credit; shoes are donated or disassembled for material recycling.
- Carbon-neutral operations: All emissions offset through verified projects including forest expansion, wind energy, and biofuel companies.
- Chrome-free suede and conflict-free hardware: Partners with a gold-rated Leather Working Group tannery; eyelets use conflict-free copper-zinc alloy.
Room for improvement
- Labor transparency gaps: No published Code of Conduct, no evidence of living wages, and auditing scope unspecified.
- No B Corp certification or published per-shoe carbon footprint: While claiming carbon neutrality, the brand does not publish specific lifecycle CO₂ data per pair, unlike Allbirds which labels every product.
About Nothing New
Nothing New was founded in 2019 by Nolan Walsh (also CEO of Thursday Boots) and is headquartered in New York City. After 15 months of prototyping, the brand launched with a mission to prove that eco-friendly products don't need to look eco-friendly. The team is small (2–10 employees) and sells direct-to-consumer.
Key materials include Better Canvas™ (100% post-consumer recycled plastic, GRS certified), Beyond Leather™ (upcycled Italian leather waste reducing water and carbon by 80%+ versus traditional leather), recycled fishing nets for heel counters, Ortholite EcoStep insoles (recycled rubber + castor bean oil), and outsoles of recycled rubber, recycled cork, and some virgin natural rubber. The signature true stitch construction eliminates all glue from the shoe—a rarity in the sneaker industry.
Certifications include the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Leather Working Group Gold, and Better Cotton Initiative. Manufacturing takes place in Portugal (leather sneakers) and the USA (socks, shirts). Pricing ranges from ~$89 to ~$180, placing it competitively against Allbirds and Veja. Free shipping and returns in the contiguous US; worldwide shipping available. Payment can be split via Sezzle. Compared to Allbirds' wool-centric comfort play, Nothing New targets the classic canvas sneaker market with stronger recycled-material credentials.
Product highlights
Classic Low Top
Better Canvas™ (100% recycled plastic) uppers, recycled fishing net heel counter, true stitch construction
~$95
Most direct Converse alternative. Thicker 12oz canvas (vs. Converse's 10oz) with significantly better durability
Saga One
Court-style sneaker with eco-leather uppers and plant-based Ultrasuede® embellishments
~$150–160
Versatile silhouette suitable for casual to slightly dressed-up occasions
Verge
Lifestyle running sneaker with recycled mesh uppers and chrome-free suede accents
~$140–150
Entry into running-inspired sneaker category with modern performance materials
Grand
Beyond Leather™ uppers from upcycled Italian leather, GRS certified
~$160–180
Most upscale offering; competes directly with premium sustainable leather sneakers
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