Sustainable Steps: Hylo Athletic’s Impact shoe and their Eco-Friendly Footprint

Hylo Athletics was established in 2020 to protect the future of running and sport. Footwear has a footprint problem and our industry’s fossil fuel habit is leaving tomorrow for dead. With science in our soles and renewability in our materials. The future is still ours to write. We are a community of champions of tomorrow. Our innovation is our activism.

Sustainability:

With the ethos of this company in mind, it seems disingenuous to begin the review without leading off with sustainability. The Hylo Impact shoe makes a resounding statement with 40% of its composition being bio-based content, a figure that amplifies when dissecting specific components.

Remarkably, the upper portion boasts a complete 100% of bio-based material, crafted from a castor bean-derived knit. Moving down, the midsole showcases an innovative blend of bio-based and nitrogen-infused EVA, while 60% of the outsole comprises natural rubber. Notably, upon reaching the end of their lifecycle, these shoes are fully recyclable, epitomizing a circular approach to sustainability.

Furthermore, the shoe incorporates an NFC chip, providing a seamless avenue for recycling when the time arises.

Looks:

This shoe really stands out with its sleek design. The Sand colorway features a white fabric upper combined with the creamy beige accents. Even though I was a bit hesitant about wearing them during the rainy Pacific Northwest spring, their undeniable appeal won me over. Plus, they’re surprisingly versatile, pairing effortlessly with jeans or shorts for a casual vibe.

We received the Sand version from their Impact lineup, but there are also other palettes:

• Undyed White
• Black
• Black and White combination

The Hylo lightning logo conjured up an unshakeable look of Harry Potter’s iconic lightning-shaped scar. Perhaps, much like the enchanting world of Harry Potter, running in Hylo shoes will hold a transformative power to propel individuals on their own individual journeys of personal growth and achievement. I’m sure that’s not Hylo’s thinking, but I like it!

Several noteworthy design elements also give it a little additional flair. The slight indentation on the midsole’s inside heel – it adds a unique touch, though I’m not quite sure what it’s for (perhaps to make the base a little wider). Then there’s the outsole which comes adorned with strips that stretch to the toe. While I do appreciate the overall look, I can’t help but notice that when those strips roll up to the toe, it gives off this unintended impression – almost like I’ve stumbled upon some Band-Aids that are now stuck to my toe. It’s a bit of a quirky detail that I’m not entirely sold on. Yet.

Construction:

Upper:

The knitted upper of this shoe is crafted entirely from 100% bio-based nylon sourced from castor beans, featuring a DWR coating for water repellency. Complemented by a corn-derived lining, lace closure, and gusseted tongue, it offers a sustainable and functional design. It may not be as breathable as other options, but it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker.

Nestled within the lace holder at the tongue’s center lies a cool innovation—a Hyoop NFC chip. This clever addition allows for effortless scanning with a smartphone, granting access to invaluable recycling information.

The fabric itself boasts remarkable flexibility, allowing for considerable stretch. It is soft to the touch and the addition of a bumper around the forefoot gives some needed structure to the flexibly fabric portion. While I appreciate its adaptability, I find that it could benefit from a slightly snugger fit.

There appears to be some excess fabric on the upper’s inside – which leads to some folding (see above). This could certainly be refined for an improved experience as its currently not fitting that sleek running shoe profile. That being said, the upper remains comfortable and there were no glaring issues. I will highlight that the lacing system is near top notch and really keeps the lock down solid despite the flexible upper material.

Midsole:

I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these shoes. The midsole is very environmentally technical, though I don’t fully understand all the terminology. The midsole is made from their HyperBolt technology (defined as a nitrogen-injected, super critical foam, bio-based midsole) and I think it’s a really nice daily trainer feel.

It’s got a nice cushion that really feels good on the foot. It didn’t seem as if it was primed for speed, but that’s fine – not every shoe needs to be a PR-reaching option. I think it fits really well in that daily trainer category. Personally, I’ve found them to be an excellent choice for shorter runs, as well as for wearing out and about, as they keep my feet happy.

Outsole:

As seen in the pictures, the coverage on the bottom is relatively minimal. The written words on the bottom strips (an EVA/rubber compound) are a unique and inspiriting addition and base on F1 tires and their ability to displace water. The 2.5mm strips (six on the forefoot, four on the heel) provide the grip while allowing for a reduced weight and increased ground contact. Grip has not been an issue at all, even with wet conditions, but time will tell on their longevity.

The rubber seems to lack a little firmness that would help with some propulsion and aid in being more responsive.

While I hope they can withstand the wear and tear of multiple miles, their durability may depend on various factors. However, for those using these shoes in a more casual running setting or logging fewer miles, they should prove durable enough for a considerable period.

Final Thoughts:

My impressions of these shoes are positive. It’s a comfortable and stylish option that feels good on the foot. Simple as that.

The running shoe industry isn’t known for its environmentally friendly practices, but there’s a gradual shift in the right direction. Often, when a shoe prioritizes eco-friendliness, it comes up short on performance. I that may still be a little in play here. While it may not be the absolute best “running shoe” available, it stands out as one of the leading primarily eco-focused running options I’ve tested.

However, considering that this shoe is a starting point in the running domain, we’re genuinely impressed. If this marks the starting point, we’re optimistic about the potential for even greater strides in both performance and environmental sustainability going forward.