When the Cosmic Unity first dropped early last year, we were elated to see a performance-wear shoe that established the precedent for a more responsible footwear industry. Now, as a continued effort of Nike’s “Move To Zero” initiative, the Cosmic Unity 2 returns as a new iteration of the innovative sneaker.

With this proposal, the brand aims to eventually produce zero waste and zero carbon through its production processes. Some of its concrete commitments include establishing owned-and-operated facilities with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, and reducing carbon emissions across its global supply chain by 30 percent by 2030 (in line with the Paris Agreement of 2015). You can read more about these points on Nike’s Newsroom, as Cosmic Unity 2 represents this continuous move to tackle climate change.

Delving into the shoe, it seems the design has taken quite a departure from the original. The new silhouette is currently in a “coconut milk” and “atmosphere” colorway that features mint foam and black accents, as well as a “Siren Red” pair made for WNBA star A’ja Wilson. Moreover, the design is slightly more top heavy than the minimal features of the initial Cosmic Unity. This new facet is meant to improve stability and containment. However, the quality remains the same when it comes to everything the shoe has to offer. Enhanced responsiveness and support ensure the footwear has you ready to take on any moves on the court.

Our favorite asset of this shoe continues to be the full-length Air Zoom Strobel with foam in the midsole, efficient for quick energy returns and strengthened comfort. The same can go for the durable outsole, giving the perfect amount of traction to keep constant stability. Thin by design, the outsole allows flexibility meant to adapt to sudden changes in movement. While the on-court capabilities continue to play to our advantage, Cosmic Unity 2 also furthers Nike’s journey towards a zero waste society.

As previously mentioned, the Cosmic Unity 2 is made with at least 20% recycled materials, sourced from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste. Nike’s goal is to reuse as many recycled items as possible, noting that materials account for more than 70% of any product’s footprint. As it continues to figure out the formula for 100% recycled performance wear, the Cosmic Unity 2 exemplifies that materials used in athlete-standard shoes are capable of minimizing effects on the environment. Remarkably, Nike continues to set the standard for brand responsibility in its Move To Zero, protecting both the future of sport and the planet.

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 is now available online.