November 28, 2025
Joan Medrano shares his experience with Tiresoul: recycled, comfortable and versatile soles that combine performance and sustainability.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been competing?
A: My name is Jon Medrano Ruiz. I'm from Irún, but I've been living in Elizondo, Navarre, for about 20 years. I've been involved in Nordic walking for eight years, working as an instructor and competing since the beginning.
Q: Do you compete at a national or international level, or is it more of a personal passion?
A: I am fortunate enough to compete at a provincial, national and international level, but I also enjoy Nordic walking as a personal passion. It is a sport that offers everything: enjoyment and competition.
Q: What attracted you most to Nordic walking?
A: It is a very complete sport that is applicable to all areas of life.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement or most memorable moment in this discipline?
A: Winning a medal in international competitions, coming third overall in my category at a World Championship.
Q: How did you find out about our soles made from recycled tyres?
A: Thanks to Rosa Fernández, who asked me to have my trainers resoled by you to see the quality of the product. It felt good from the start for walking on the terrain where we practise our sport.
Q: What did you think when they explained that they were made from recycled materials?
A: Nothing special; I waited to see how the product performed, as I haven't been guided by marketing for a long time, but rather by the quality of the product in use. I did think that, as a product made from recycled materials, it was a good thing.
Q: In what contexts have you used them (training, competition, mountains, tarmac)?
A: I've used them on tarmac, trails and mountains without much mud and smooth rocks.
Q: What would you highlight about their technical performance? (Grip, comfort, resistance, traction on different terrains, etc.)
A: Its versatility on terrains that are not very technical. It is an all-terrain material, it works great on asphalt and also works very well on wide, non-technical mountain trails.
Q: Have you noticed any difference compared to other soles you have used?
A: To be honest, when I replaced them, my trainers regained the stability they had lost through use, and I really liked that.
Q: Do you consider yourself to be committed to the environment?
A: Yes, I like people to be aware of how we use our resources in the environment, and to leave it in a better state than we found it.
Q: Do you think athletes have a role to play in driving more sustainable change in the industry?
A: Yes, because the season is long and we use a lot of equipment, so the more sustainable we are, the more we all take care of the planet.
Q: How do you think these kinds of initiatives can influence the future of sport?
A: Positively in terms of athletes' finances, and socially by making us responsible for how we manage our equipment, which will make everything more sustainable in general.
Q: Would you like to continue competing with our soles in the future?
A: I wouldn't mind, to be honest.
Q: What would you say to other athletes who are still hesitant to try recycled or sustainable products?
A: Don't be afraid to try them. Thanks to innovations, there are now good, sustainable products available.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or the product?
A: The shoe already had some mileage on it when I had the sole replaced. I continued to use it and, although the sole is still perfect, the rest of the shoe is worn out.
Do not be afraid to try products that innovate while caring for the planet.
