Frenquently Asked Questions about Nike Grind


Q: What is Nike Grind?
A: Nike Grind includes three types of raw materials made from recycled athletic shoes and manufacturing byproducts: rubber from the outsole, foam from the midsole and fabric from the upper. These materials are ground up and used by select companies in sport and playground surfaces, as well as in numerous Nike apparel, footwear and equipment products. Learn more about using Nike Grind.
Q: What parts of the shoe get recycled?
A: Nearly every part of the shoe gets recycled through the Nike Grind process. The outsole becomes Nike Grind Rubber, the midsole becomes Nike Grind foam and the fabric upper becomes Nike Grind Upper. Learn more about how Nike Grind is made.
Q: How is Nike Grind used?
A: Industry-leading sports and playground surfacing companies utilize Nike Grind to manufacture high-performance athletic surfaces such as tennis and basketball courts, running tracks, athletic fields and playgrounds. Additionally, Nike has discovered innovative uses for Nike Grind in various products such as footwear and apparel. See how Nike Grind is used.
Q: Who does Nike partner with to incorporate Nike Grind into new surfaces?
A: Nike works exclusively with premier surfacing partners that share in a commitment to excellence, value and sustainability. Current partners include Atlas Track & Tennis, Ace Surfaces, Everlast, HARO, Playtop and Training Ground.
Q: Does a Nike Grind surface perform the same as any other athletic or playground surface?
A: Yes, Nike Grind materials are identical to “first generation” raw materials used in synthetic sport surface manufacturing, providing the same performance as traditional materials, but with an environmental benefit as well. Nike Grind surfaces may also provide added benefits and value because the low oxidizing attributes of Nike Grind may lead to added durability in surface compositions.
Q: How many shoes does it take to make a Nike Grind surface?
A: The following list shows what part of the shoe and approximately how many pairs of athletic shoes, or the manufacturing equivalent thereof, generally go into making each type of athletic surface:
  • Outdoor basketball court (midsole foam): 2,500 pairs
  • Outdoor tennis court (midsole foam): 2,500 pairs
  • Full field or soccer pitch (outsole rubber): 50,000 - 75,000 pairs
  • Mini soccer field (outsole rubber): 10,000-20,000 pairs
  • Running track (outsole rubber): 75,000 pairs
  • Playground (outsole rubber): 2,500 pairs
  • Indoor wood basketball court (upper fabric): 2,500 pairs
  • Indoor synthetic basketball court (midsole foam): 2,500 pairs