Dr. Kedena Henriques-Thompson, Postdoctoral Research Scholar-Clothing Biophysics and Textile Testing Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University

Performance footwear is engineered for comfort, energy return, protection, and durability, yet little industry attention has been given to what happens to these material systems after prolonged wear and at end-of-life. This presentation explores the relationship between foam structural degradation, mechanical performance loss, and opportunities for material recovery through a circular engineering lens. Using microscopy, mechanical testing, and comparative material analysis, this work examines how cellular morphology changes across footwear zones (heel, midfoot, forefoot), how those changes influence wearer performance and injury risk, and what they reveal about recyclability potential. The session introduces an end-of-life design intelligence framework that connects material selection, wear-state failure patterns, and circular product strategy to support next-generation sustainable footwear systems.