Stella McCartney Partners With Balena to Launch Sustainable Sneakers With Compostable Soles

Fashion house Stella McCartney has partnered with material science company Balena to launch a new version of its sustainable S-Wave Sport sneakers. The soles of the shoes are made with Balena’s BioCir® Flex material, which biodegrades into renewable biomass when composted in industrial facilities and can be recycled for continuous use. Made from sustainable sources like castor beans and natural cinnamon, the sneakers are claimed to be as durable as TPU and as flexible as rubber.

The sneakers feature innovative materials such as Piñayarn® mesh panelling made from pineapple leaf fibres and uppers made from an engineered recycled polyester knit. Details like the tongue and lining are crafted from sustainable hemp and organic cotton, showcasing Stella McCartney's commitment to using sustainable, cruelty-free, and innovative materials in their designs. The collaboration between Stella McCartney and Balena aims to combine innovation and circularity to create truly sustainable and eco-friendly fashion pieces, exemplified by the new sneakers in the Autumn 2025 collection.