New Sports Flooring Features Recycled Nike Grind Materials
Facilities now have access to flooring made from reclaimed footwear and manufacturing scrap.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Running
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Gerflor North America has launched a new line of sports flooring that incorporates Nike Grind recycled materials. These products, offered through the Connor Sports brand, integrate reclaimed footwear and manufacturing scrap into gym and track surfaces.
Why it matters
This partnership marks a transition toward more responsible material sourcing within the sports flooring industry. By repurposing manufacturing waste and old shoes, the initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure used by athletes and students.
The collaboration leverages the Nike Grind program, which was established in 1992, alongside the 150-year manufacturing history of Connor Sports. The specific environmental footprint of these new flooring materials compared to traditional non-recycled options has yet to be publicly detailed.
The players
Gerflor North America
A flooring manufacturer that provides specialized surfaces for athletic facilities.
Connor Sports
A sports flooring brand with 150 years of experience in the design and installation of athletic surfaces.
Nike
A global sportswear company known for the Nike Grind program, which recycles manufacturing waste and used footwear.
The details
Nike Grind materials are derived from both recycled manufacturing scrap and end-of-life footwear that has been processed into usable components. Gerflor North America incorporates these reclaimed materials into the composition of their athletic flooring surfaces. While Connor Sports operates as a brand under the Gerflor umbrella, both entities remain independent of Nike as they develop these specialized sports surfaces.
Timeline
1872: Connor Sports was founded.
1992: The Nike Grind materials program was established.
October 21, 2026: Gerflor announced the availability of the new sports flooring products.
Health Landscape
The integration of Nike Grind recycled materials into flooring reflects a growing movement toward circular material use in athletic infrastructure. This approach follows established industry trends aimed at reducing waste while maintaining the performance standards required for professional and collegiate sports surfaces.
Athletes and gym-goers may encounter these new surfaces at local sports facilities as they roll out across North America. If you are involved in facility management or procurement, it is worth discussing the performance specifications and sustainability certifications of these floors with your building contractors.
The takeaway
The use of recycled materials in sports infrastructure offers a way to modernize gym and track surfaces with a focus on sustainability. When selecting equipment or visiting facilities, you can look for documentation on the materials used in flooring to better understand the environmental impact of your training space.
Further reading
For more on the surfaces that support your daily movement, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Athletic Business Magazine.
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