Seattle, WA – Good Man Brand, the stylish menswear and footwear label founded by Super Bowl Champion and philanthropist Russell Wilson, has introduced its most sustainable sneaker to date: the Halo. Combining innovative design with a strong commitment to sustainability, the Halo sneaker features a groundbreaking biodegradable sole, created in collaboration with Balena, a leading material science company specializing in biodegradable and recyclable biopolymers.
For the first time in the men’s sneaker market, the Halo sneaker integrates Balena’s cutting-edge compostable technology, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible footwear. The Halo will be available in both black and white colorways, exclusively through Good Man Brand’s website.
A modern twist on the classic court sneaker, the Halo offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and sustainability. Handcrafted in Europe, it’s made with a premium vegan alternative to animal leather, maintaining durability while minimizing environmental impact. The real game-changer, however, is the BioCir® Flex sole, made from Balena’s revolutionary material. This compostable, recyclable sole is designed for impact absorption while maintaining the flexibility of rubber and the durability of conventional plastic.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility,” said Therese Hayes, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Good Man Brand. “The Halo sneaker proves that quality fashion-forward design and sustainability can coexist seamlessly.”
Material Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Each component of the Halo sneaker has been carefully crafted with sustainability at the forefront:
- Upper: The black version features GrapeSkin® leather, made from 42% repurposed grape skins, stalks, and seeds, while the white version uses bio-based vegan leather, a plant-based alternative to animal leather.
- Sole: The standout feature is Balena’s BioCir® Flex technology—a high-performance, compostable, and recyclable sole engineered for excellent impact absorption.
- Laces: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified cotton laces, ensuring a chemical-free and responsible choice.
- Construction: Strobel construction, providing a flexible fit for all-day comfort.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Good Man Brand is exploring a take-back program for full circularity of the sneaker’s lifecycle, with more details set to be announced in Spring 2025.
David Roubach, Founder & CEO of Balena, shares his excitement about the partnership: “Seeing Good Man Brand, known for its high standards of men’s style, embrace sustainability in such a meaningful way is truly inspiring. Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about thoughtfulness, quality, and longevity. The incorporation of BioCir® Flex in the Halo Sneaker proves that premium footwear can be both beautifully designed and responsibly made.”
About Good Man Brand
Founded in 2016 by Russell Wilson, Good Man Brand’s mission is to help men Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Good. The brand’s evolved essentials are designed for the modern man, blending timeless style with premium craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. From its best-selling sneaker collection to its apparel, Good Man Brand creates pieces that allow you to focus on what truly matters—living life, working hard, and making a difference. As a Certified B Corporation, the company commits to using business as a force for good, giving 3% of net revenue to the Why Not You Foundation, which supports marginalized youth through education and opportunity.
About Balena
Balena is a material science company developing high-performance biopolymer materials that offer exceptional durability, flexibility, and functionality. Their revolutionary BioCir® range is biobased, biodegradable, and recyclable, empowering brands to meet sustainability goals with true circularity. These materials are ideal for mass production and applications such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing, offering end-of-life options that ensure a product’s full lifecycle is managed from creation to decomposition.
