The challenges are numerous, as are the initiatives taken by the sector’s various brands – whether in the world of ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, or sportswear.

Many are turning to low-impact or recycled raw materials, setting up short production circuits, limiting the use of water and energy, while also reducing waste.

The Swoosh brand, which has already proposed a few initiatives in this vein, is now innovating with two new shoe models – the Link and the Link Axis – designed to combine performance and sustainability.

Nike’s ISPA (Improvise; Scavenge; Protect; Adapt) research team has been working on a circular-design process that involves taking apart a product to recycle its components more easily.

But is dismantling a sneaker really an easy thing to do? It can be hard to imagine, considering a sneaker is made up of a lot of materials, all stuck together.

“Designed in partnership with engineering, digital product creation and development, these shoes are completely informed by method of make – it really is a case of form following function,” says a Nike spokesperson.

“Our hope is that these ideas and aesthetics become normalised, accelerating our ability to imagine how shoes will continue to evolve in the future.”

Each model is made of not one, but three parts that fit together without glue or other materials that can be difficult to recycle.

Once worn, the shoes can be brought back to stores, then taken apart, so that each part can be recycled separately according to the material it is made of.

The Nike ISPA Link will be the first model to launch in June, while the Nike ISPA Link Axis will land early next year.