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Nike's Journey with Recycled Materials: Here are our Top Picks!

Nike has been on a journey toward sustainability, engineering innovative materials from post-consumer and manufacturing waste for their products.
Nike Move To Zero

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Nike has introduced several initiatives like Nike Grit and Nike Forward, along with reimagining its popular products using recycled materials. By repurposing manufacturing scraps and post-consumer waste, Nike reduces its carbon footprint and prevents excess materials from ending up in landfills. Instead of discarding leftover fabrics from production, Nike trims, recycles and incorporates them into new products—creating a more efficient and responsible use of resources. The brand's sustainability efforts span its whole apparel and footwear catalog. That's why we're highlighting a few top picks from this selection for you today.

Nike Sneakers with Recycled Materials

Nike has been on a journey toward sustainability, engineering innovative materials from post-consumer and manufacturing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The company’s approach focuses on using recycled polyester fibers to create high-quality yarn for sustainable Nike products.

Nike Downshifter 13

Nike Downshifted Running Sneaker

Colorway: Mink Brown/Ironstone/Black/Phantom

The Nike Downshifter 13 is a great option for a comfortable and cushioned running shoe, available in a few colorways; this sneaker has at least 20% recycled material by weight and this recycling process can help the company reduce its carbon footprint by 70%.

Nike V2K Run Women's Shoes

NikeV2K Run Womens shoe

Colorway: Pure Platinum/Wolf Grey/Cool Grey/Metallic Cool Grey

The Nike V2K brings retro style into the future with a fresh spin on the classic Vomero. Inspired by early 2000s running shoes, it blends metallic finishes, nostalgic plastic details, and a vintage-look midsole. Plus, with at least 20% recycled materials, it’s a step toward sustainability—proving style and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Burgundy Crush' Nature Women's Sneaker

Nike Air Force 1 Burgundy Crush

Colorway: Burgundy Crush/Dark Stucco/Sail/Pink Fo

This Nike Air Force 1 combines timeless ’80s style with a commitment to sustainability. It is designed with recycled materials from post-consumer and post-manufactured waste and is part of Nike’s Move to Zero journey toward zero carbon and zero waste. By reusing plastics, yarns, and textiles, Nike reduces emissions while maintaining the durability, performance, and iconic look that make the AF1 a classic.

Nike Sportswear with Recycled Materials

Nike Sportswear is also committed to sustainability, incorporating recycled materials like polyester, nylon, and cotton into their designs. This aligns with Nike’s Move to Zero initiative, which seeks to achieve zero carbon emissions and zero waste, making each product a step toward a more sustainable future.

Zenvy Women's Medium Support Longline Sports Bra

Zenvy Nike Sportsbra

Colorway: Light Army/White

Made with at least 50% recycled nylon fibers, the Nike Zenvy is a timeless padded bra designed for performance and sustainability. It features recycled nylon made from materials like used fish nets and recycled carpets that are turned into flakes and finally recycled nylon yarn.

Nike One Women's Dri-FIT High-Waisted Short

Nike One DriFIT Short

Colorway: Black

These Dri-FIT High Waisted Women's shorts are designed for movement and sustainability, made with recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles. Through the process of cleaning, shredding, and spinning into high-quality yarn, these shorts help reduce waste and carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester.

Strike Men's Dri-FIT Short-Sleeved Football Top

Nike DriFIT Football top Mens

Colorway: Black/Black/Anthracite/White

This men’s football shirt is made entirely from recycled polyester fibers, sourced from plastic bottles. As part of Nike’s commitment to sustainability, it helps divert approximately 1 billion plastic bottles from landfills and waterways each year—giving waste a second life while reducing environmental impact.

Pacer Men's Dri-FIT 1/2 Zip Running Top

NikePacer DriFIT Mens

Colorway: Smoke Grey

This men’s running top is crafted from 100% recycled polyester fibers, offering a lightweight, breathable design without compromising performance. Made with high-quality yarn, it reflects Nike’s commitment to sustainability by turning waste into innovation.

Nike Apparel with Recycled Materials

Nike has also expanded its apparel collection to include both everyday and performance wear, utilizing recycled materials such as nylon, cotton, and polyester. This incorporation of alternative recycled materials highlights Nike’s commitment to sustainability.

ACG Canwell Glacier Full Zip Windproof Fleece

Nike ACG Canwell Glacier zip up

Colorway: Dark Raisin/Black/Summit White

This unique patterned fleece is designed with heat-regulating and windproof technologies. This product is made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibers making it another piece that contributes to Nike's mission in sustainability.

ACG Therma FIT Fleece Pullover

ACG Therma Fit HOODIE

Colorway: Game Royal/Safety Orange/Blue Void/Summit White

This hoodie is designed using water-repellant properties and a fleece inner lining to ensure warmth. This product is made from 75% sustainable materials like recycled polyesters and organic cotton fibers, making it a comfortable and soft hoodie, but also environmentally responsible.

Jordan Sport JAM x Fédération Française de Basketball

Jordan Sport Trousers

Colorway: Old Royal/Celestine Blue/White

These men's warm-up trousers are a collaboration between Nike and the French Basketball Federation this is the perfect option for a comfortable and stylish trouser that is also kind to the environment. The trousers are made from at least 75% recycled fibers from plastic bottles spun into a high-quality yarn used in Nike products.

Jordan Women's Varsity Jacket

Jordan Varsity Jacket

Colorway: Black

With this Jordan satin varsity-style jacket, you can make a stylish and environmentally friendly choice. The Jumpman jacket is made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibers that eliminate waste materials like plastic bottles from our natural environment and also provide a high-quality material for Nike's products.

Nike Accessories with Recycled Materials

Nike’s sustainable accessories combine functionality with eco-conscious design. From backpacks made with recycled polyester to hats from organic and repurposed materials, Nike integrates sustainability into everyday essentials. By reusing waste from manufacturing and post-consumer products, they reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on quality or performance.

Futura Luxe Women's Mini Backpack (10L)

Nike Backpack 10L

Colorway: Black/Dark Smoke Grey

The Nike Futura Mini Backpack is an elegant and comfortable backpack for everyday wear. The bag is lined with satin and comes with a detachable accessory bag that provides the perfect pocket for keys and other personal items. This backpack is crafted from at least 50% recycled polyester and has been known to be a better choice.

Nike Heritage Waistpack

Nike Waistpack

Colorway: Smoke Grey/Summit White

The Nike Heritage Waistpack is a classic crossbody designed to keep your small essentials organized and easy to grab. This bag is created using 65% recycled polyester and a nylon blend that provides a lightweight and durable structure without the environmental impact of traditional polyester.

Nike Apex Swoosh Bucket Hat

Nike swoosh Bucket Hat

Colorway: Black/ White

The Nike Apex bucket hat is made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibers and features an embroidered signature swoosh. The bucket hat gives you 360 degrees of coverage from rain or sunshine, the perfect versatile accessory.

Nike ACG Aysén Day Pack (32L)

ACG Aysen daypack

Colorway: Vintage Green/Light Iron Ore/White

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Nike 32L ACG Aysén daypack offers durability and practicality. Made with Dyneema® material, it features expandable internal storage and multiple small pockets to keep your essentials organized. Crafted from 65% recycled polyester, this backpack is a sustainable choice for both outdoor hikes and daily commutes.

Nike's Journey Toward Sustainability

The Swoosh Brand has expanded its apparel collection to include a wide range of pieces, from everyday essentials to high-performance gear, all designed with sustainability in mind. By incorporating recycled materials such as nylon, cotton, and polyester, Nike reduces waste and lowers its environmental impact without compromising on quality, comfort, or durability. Whether it’s workout gear, streetwear, or sports apparel, each piece reflects Nike’s commitment to innovation and responsible design.

All Images: Nike Website


Does Nike offer sustainable products?

Yes, Nike offers a wide range of products made partly from sustainable materials, including sneakers, streetwear, sportswear, accessories, and more. You can learn more about this in Reflawn's news section.

What are Nike’s sustainability goals?

Nike’s sustainability efforts are part of the Move to Zero initiative, aiming for zero carbon emissions and zero waste. This involves using recycled materials, such as polyester, nylon, and cotton, to reduce the brand’s environmental footprint. 

Are Nike products with recycled materials still high quality?

Yes, Nike ensures that products made with recycled materials maintain the same high-quality standards as those made with virgin materials

What is Nike Move to Zero?

Move to Zero is Nike’s sustainability initiative primarily aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and eliminating waste. It focuses on key areas such as using recycled materials, cutting emissions, and designing products with sustainability in mind.

Profile picture of Grace Loyola
Grace Loyola
Grace is a multimedia designer and storyteller with an interest for fashion, culture, and sustainability.
Written Mar 3, 2025