How can we work on our 5K PR without sending our planet straight to the finish line?
It’s a feat (or feet, rather) and likely one that won’t be solved as fast as you can run around the block.
The footwear industry as a whole has some pretty dirty practices en-tread-ed in it, hence our recent ethical shoe brand kick into eco-friendly sneakers.
Now we’re shifting focus and covering some serious ground on sustainable running shoes.
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Sustainable & Recycled Running Shoes Setting A Planet-Friendly Pace
Carbon Neutral Allbirds also make some of the best ethical running shoes out of mostly biobased materials.
“Climate positive” footwear brand Icebug, takes care of your winter running, slippery conditions included with their running shoes made from recycled plastic.
Get a runner’s high on circular footwear from On. Their Cyclon line of sustainable running shoes are 100% recyclable.
Why Buy Eco-Friendly Running Shoes?
The footwear industry is running laps around our planet—in all the bad ways.
It turns out that lacing up is destroying our home. The sneaker industry would be the 17th largest polluter if it were a country.
Traditional running shoes not been made of sustainable fabrics: virgin leather, virgin synthetic fabrics, and PVC, to name a few.
Because running shoes have so many different components, there’s a lot of room for a LOT of unsustainable materials.
Even if some are natural and/or recyclable, it’s often difficult to separate them to properly dispose or recycle of each.
To really get our laces in a knot, manufacturing accounts for two-thirds of the carbon footprint due to fossil-fuelled powered plants with high energy requirements.
Bottom line: we buy a lot of shoes—90% of which end up in landfill—so we need to start buying better ones.
How We Found The Most Ethical & Sustainable Running Shoes
So, what is the most sustainable running shoe?
There’s a lot to trip over, so we made it easier by breaking down our sustainable fashion criteria for what makes running shoes sustainable.
Materials:
Vegan ethical running shoes typically include TENCEL™ lyocell, recycled plastic, castor bean oil, corn, algae bloom, hemp fabric, organic cotton, rubber, sugarcane, rice waste, and banana oil (byproducts of the food industry).
If you’re not sheepish about animal products, ethical wool may also be found in a pair of sustainable shoes.
Unfortunately, there are no completely biodegradable running shoes yet, as the performance demands at least some form of partially synthetic materials like foam for support during a high impact activity like running.
- Certifications: USDA Biobased, Leather Working Group (LWG), ZQ Merino, Eurofins, Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), bluesign®, OEKO-TEX
Supply chain and labor practices:
What running shoes aren’t made in sweatshops? Or better, what is the most ethical running shoe brand?
Though none of these are eco-friendly running shoes made in the USA, the brands on this list are taking strides towards more ethical manufacturing with their global partners.
Transparency is the first lap (with things like supplier details and a comprehensive code of conduct).
We really start to feel that runner’s high when we run into brands with fair trade or direct trade partnerships and third-party certifications.
- Certifications: International Labour Organization (ILO), B Corporation, Fair Labor Association (FLA), Fair Trade, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Along with designing a durable running shoe, going beyond sourcing recycled plastic bottles is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
Management of waste and carbon emissions are critical.
We liked the snug fit of carbon offsets, careful packaging, efficient manufacturing practices, localization, renewable energy, plans to adopt closed-loop systems, and, most importantly, initiatives to reuse, repair, or resell shoes.
Community & charitable giving:
When it comes to eco-friendly running shoes, ankle support is appreciated—but so is support of a better world through charitable partnerships.
Final Thoughts On Ethical & Sustainable Running Shoes
If you’re out of breath, don’t worry; we are too.
While the world of ethical sustainable running shoes is still in its infancy, things are moving in the right direction. These brands clearly state that sustainability is a journey and one they’re on for the long haul.
Remember that the manufacturing aspect is the biggest charlie horse for our planet, so do what you can to keep your shoes roadworthy for longer.
Then sprint through some second hand stores to see if you can find any unworn or lightly used pairs.
Help the runners in your life—whether 5am ones or once-a-year ones—find the perfect, planet-friendly fit by sharing this article.
