Here’s a sneak peek at Timberland’s latest offering, which won’t be unveiled to the general public until early next week: The Earthkeepers 2.0 boot, the first shoe the company has designed to be disassembled and recycled—rather than tossed into the trash—when its pavement-pounding days are over.

Made with patented Green Rubber outsoles, which comprise 42 percent recycled rubber tires, the Earthkeepers 2.0 has been engineered for ease of disassembly, with details like removable hardware that can be reused. In fact, 80 percent of the boot can be recycled or reused and, if returned to Timberland at the end of its life, will be reincarnated into new kicks.

The (alas, still conventionally tanned) leather uppers, for instance, will be sent for refurbishment at the company’s factory in the Dominican Republic. The outsoles will head to a Green Rubber factory in Georgia for recycling, and the polyester lining can be recycled into new polyester products.

Part of the Earthkeepers line that made its debut in 2007, the Earthkeepers 2.0 boot will be available for purchase this fall. 

HIT FROM: TREEHUGGER.COM