Good Man Brand, the popular menswear and footwear brand founded by Super Bowl Champion, philanthropist and entrepreneur Russell Wilson, is proud to announce the launch of its most sustainable sneaker yet—the Halo. Designed with a trend-forward mindset whilst keeping sustainability at its core, the Halo features a revolutionary biodegradable sole developed in partnership with Balena – a material science innovator specializing in biodegradable and recyclable biopolymers. This exclusive partnership brings Balena’s cutting-edge compostable technology to the men’s sneaker market for the first time, setting a new benchmark in footwear fashion.
Available in black and white colourways, The Halo Sneaker will be sold exclusively on the Good Man Brand website.
A modern take on the classic court sneaker, the Halo blends style, comfort, and sustainability. Handcrafted in Europe, the sneaker is made with a premium vegan alternative to animal leather that maintains durability while reducing environmental impact. The standout feature is Balena’s BioCir® Flex sole, a fully compostable and recyclable material engineered to absorb impact while maintaining the flexibility of rubber and the longevity of conventional plastic.
“Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a responsibility,” said Therese Hayes, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Good Man Brand and Board Chair of Fashion Revolution Canada. “The Halo sneaker is a game-changer for our brand by proving that quality fashion forward design and sustainable design can go hand in hand.”
MATERIAL INNOVATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Each element of the Halo sneaker is designed with sustainability in mind:
Upper: Plant-based alternative leather alternative to animal leather. For the Black Sneaker, the upper is made from materials like GrapeSkin® leather (42% grapeskin) – an innovative material derived from repurposed grape skins, stalks and seeds. The white sneaker upper is made from bio-based vegan leather – a plant-based alternative to animal leather.
Sole: Balena’s BioCir® Flex technology—a compostable, recyclable, and high-performance sole engineered for maximum impact absorption.
Laces: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified cotton laces, ensuring chemical-free, responsible choice.
Construction: Strobel construction for a flexible, all-day comfort fit.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Good Man Brand is exploring a take-back program to ensure full circularity in the lifespan of the sneaker. More details will be shared in Spring 2025.
“Seeing a brand like Good Man Brand—built on the highest standards of men’s style—embrace innovation in such a meaningful way is truly inspiring. Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about thoughtfulness, quality, and longevity. By incorporating BioCir® Flex into the sole of the Halo Sneaker, they’re proving that premium footwear can be both beautifully designed and responsibly made. It’s exciting to partner with a brand that understands that great design and sustainability should go hand in hand.” shares David Roubach, Founder & CEO, Balena.