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 colorways, 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.
About Good Man Brand
Established in 2016, Good Man Brand was founded by Super Bowl Champion Wilson with a mission to help men Look Good, Feel Good, & Do Good. Designed for the modern man on the move, our mindfully made, evolved essentials blend timeless style, premium craftsmanship, and sustainable innovation. From our bestselling, five-star-rated sneaker collection to our apparel, Good Man Brand creates pieces that let you focus on what truly matters—living life, working hard, and making a difference. As a Certified B Corporation, Good Man Brand is committed to business as a force for good. With every purchase, we give back 3% of net revenue (after product cost) to the Why Not You Foundation, supporting marginalized youth through education and opportunity.
About Balena
Balena is a material science company developing innovative and high-performance biopolymer materials. Our advanced materials match traditional plastics in durability and flexibility, providing true circularity. We help brands meet sustainability goals with multi-end-of-life options, aligned with global standards. Balena’s BioCir® material range is a revolutionary portfolio of high-performance biopolymers that are biobased, biodegradable, and recyclable. Designed for diverse applications, BioCir® compounds offer exceptional durability, flexibility, and functionality, making them ideal for mass production through processes like injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. These materials empower brands to create products with multi-end-of-life solutions, giving them full control over a product’s lifecycle—from creation to its ability to degrade on demand.
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