High performance with low impact - Episode 121 - Hylo Athletics

Hey there and welcome to the we move podcast. We have been away for a few weeks again whilst we waited for our next two pods both of which are a bit more gear based, specifically footwear and the ideas behind the two brands. We love brands, and gear, like we love food and farming and we also love the world around us and these two worlds often times are given a bad rep, but brands like food does have a place in the world. Since the farming series and conversations we are regularly having at our sister platform Commonground, where we work with brands and companies to support their communication to making their customers feel seen, safe and heard. We have been connecting some of the dots as to what is being sustainable, is it even a thing or is there something more appropriate and meaningful brands can be pursuing and integrating. And it is in this context that the next two podcasts are based. Perhaps increasingly the way brands are communicating feels like a cover up for the problems that they create as a result of actions they take. The goal of a fully regenerating and circular production cycle is firmly in a brands mind but the current place they and we find ourselves in is a little way off that destination. So it is about doing the best we can where we are and moving forward towards this goal. Having the awareness that every action has a reaction, and every problem solve will create something that might be a future problem enables a person, company or brand to have a mindset shift in how they perceive their place in the world and their journey forward. Step in Hylo Athletics. That is the essence of the Hylo brand, started by former professional footballer Michael Doughty and a couple of shoe industry veterans to create an active footwear brand using materials science to create products that deliver high performance for athletes and low impact for the planet. Hylo is a year in and as Michael will say, it has not always been a straight forward case of following ideals. The initial models whilst up there in sustainability were not so in longevity, creating a conundrum for brands because longevity for the customer is a key part of making a positive impact. Now Hylo shoes are finding their sweet spot and per pair have 50% less impact on the planet than all other brands out there. Some may say 50% too much, but 100% further on than others. Having just secured a further round of investment, they are set to continue making positive impact, and if that combines with supporting people to move then that is never a bad thing in my book. This week is Hylo, next week is RAD Global. A new footwear startup in a different movement space, but doing equally good things to challenge the stagnant status quo. As always thanks for listening, and if you are feeling in the supportive mood, head to wemove.world and click the orange button in the bottom left corner to buy us a ko-fi or click the link in our insta bio @wemoveworld. From Chris and me, peace. Hey there and welcome to the we move podcast. We have been away for a few weeks again whilst we waited for our next two pods both of which are a bit more gear based, specifically footwear and the ideas behind the two brands. We love brands, and gear, like we love food and farming and we also love the world around us and these two worlds often times are given a bad rep, but brands like food does have a place in the world. Since the farming series and conversations we are regularly having at our sister platform Commonground, where we work with brands and companies to support their communication to making their customers feel seen, safe and heard. We have been connecting some of the dots as to what is being sustainable, is it even a thing or is there something more appropriate and meaningful brands can be pursuing and integrating.