Sporting goods company Asics has teamed up with Toyoda Gosei –  an automotive component maker under Toyota – to produce Skyhand OG, sneakers made with leather remnants from the manufacture of steering wheels.

The Skyhand OG is Asic’s second project with Toyoda Gosei, following the launch of sneakers that used airbag fabric in 2023. 

According to the collaborative, they aim to use materials with as little waste as possible and incorporate original techniques such as combining small remnant pieces into punchwork. 

The Skyhand OG sneakers are made in Vietnam, using steering wheel punching remnants from Toyoda Gosei’s local plant in the country, in an effort to reduce waste and the ecological footprint of transport.

In addition to producing eco-friendly footwear, Toyoda Gosei also manufactures other products under its ethical brand Re-S, turning difficult-to-recycle airbag fabric and steering wheel leather remnants into bags, pen cases, and other products.