Most footwear combines several materials that are difficult to separate and recycle. TULIP, a concept by industrial designer Zoe Mocklar, explores a different material strategy. The shoe combines renewable, reclaimed and biodegradable materials and aims to decompose at the end of its life.

The concept targets women in professional environments. It combines a classic silhouette with material choices that focus on durability and end-of-life considerations.

Sole Made From Tulip Poplar Offcuts

The designer makes the sole from tulip poplar offcuts, giving wood residues a second use. The sole follows the natural movement of the foot to improve walking comfort, according to the designer.

This approach shows how manufacturers can use timber by-products in footwear. Most shoes rely on synthetic materials for their structural components.

Recycled And Reclaimed Textile Components

The upper consists of recycled wool, while reclaimed cotton forms the lining. Vertical cotton stitching stabilises the wool and joins the outer layer to the lining.

The designer also uses biodegradable adhesives instead of conventional synthetic alternatives. These adhesives support the concept’s goal of allowing the shoe to decompose after use.

Together, the recycled wool, reclaimed cotton and tulip poplar offcuts demonstrate how designers can combine renewable and recovered materials in footwear.

Exploring Circular Material Choices

TULIP is a concept rather than a commercial product. Even so, it demonstrates several material strategies linked to circular design. These include the use of production offcuts, recycled textiles, reclaimed fibres and biodegradable adhesives.

Footwear remains difficult to recycle because manufacturers often combine many different materials. TULIP explores an alternative approach by selecting materials that better align with end-of-life decomposition. Although the concept does not address large-scale production, it contributes to the wider discussion about circular material choices in footwear design.

Source & photos: Zoe Mocklar