Trainers made from La Palma volcanic ash set to hit global market
A new footwear brand from La Palma has turned volcanic ash from the 2021 eruption into a unique pair of trainers, combining innovation, design and a powerful link to the island’s recent history.
The trainers, created by local brand VOLKAN, use real ash from the Tajogaite volcano in their soles. The project aims to transform the impact of the eruption into a practical product with both technical and symbolic value.
The idea was developed during the eruption of Cumbre Vieja by tourism guide Enrique Viña and podiatrist Javier Salinero. Rather than focusing on the destruction caused, they chose to create something new using materials from the volcano itself.
The key feature of the trainers is the sole, which blends volcanic ash with rubber in a patented design. This combination is designed to improve durability and flexibility, while maintaining comfort for everyday use.
The shoes follow a minimalist ‘barefoot’ style, designed to mimic walking without shoes. They include a wide toe box, a flat sole with no height difference between heel and toe, and a thin sole of around four millimetres to increase ground feel while still offering protection.
They have been tested on La Palma’s volcanic trails, where the tough terrain demands strong, adaptable footwear. This connection to the island is central to the project, with the trainers designed and developed locally.
The initiative has been welcomed by the island’s tourism and business sectors as an example of innovation rooted in local identity. It reflects a different way of looking at the eruption, turning a destructive event into something positive.
Based in the municipality of El Paso, one of the areas most affected by the volcano, the brand now hopes to expand beyond the Canary Islands. The aim is to bring a product that combines technology, health and storytelling to an international market.
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