Finding the perfect pair of running shoes is tough. You need shoes that perform well, protect your feet and joints, and are made from eco-friendly materials. And it wouldn’t hurt if they looked good, too, right? I mean, you gotta have some motivation to get out there and exercise. Don’t despair– the perfect fit for your feet is out there, and we’ve compiled this list of 8 great pairs of environmentally-friendly running shoes to help you find it.
What to Watch Out For
Running shoes are often made from synthetic materials, which is great news if you’re trying to buy vegan. Companies may avoid leather while making exercise sneakers, swapping it out for lighter materials. That way, even while you’re struggling to catch your breath after that big hill, your feet will be breathing just fine.
Some shoes do have small leather details, though, or are held together with non-vegan glue.
But of course, even if a shoe is vegan, the company that makes it may not be entirely ethical or use eco-friendly processes. They may miss opportunities to use recycled materials or reduce their carbon footprint. They may underpay their workers.
That’s why it’s important to have all the info you need before making a purchase. And we’re here to help you do just that!
Check out this list for 8 pairs of truly eco-friendly running shoes. It’s time to find your perfect running partner.
Finding Your Eco-Friendly Running Shoes
Motion 8 from Newton Running
Available in both men and women’s sizes, the Motion 8 focuses on comfort and breathability. Newton’s shoes try to cut down on unnecessary heaviness and height, bringing you a simple shoe that helps your body return to a natural running position. That means avoiding undue strain on your joints that can be caused by other types of shoes.
But this particular model focuses on stability, too, making sure that your feet still have the support they need to carry you on those long-distance runs.
Newton Running Shoes are made of 100% synthetic materials. They’re a socially-conscious, eco-friendly company that’s constantly searching for ways to become even more sustainable. They make sure that all of their workers make a living wage and that they never work with factories who use child labor. Plus, they donate to charities and volunteer around their local area in Boulder, Colorado.
Allbirds Wool Runners
Allbirds’ Wool Runners don’t look exactly like your typical running shoes. They’re simple and soft, seriously comfortable, and offer flexibility, too. Because they’re made of wool, they’re moisture-wicking (good news for the sweaty folks among us). And to keep them clean, you can just toss them in the washing machine. They won’t shrink, unlike my favorite wool sweater (rest in peace). They’re available in both women’s and men’s sizes.
Allbirds shoes aren’t vegan– they’re made of Merino wool from sheep in New Zealand. But no animals were harmed in the making of these shoes– sheep need haircuts, just like us humans. And Allbirds works hard to make sure that their wool comes from farms with high standards for animal welfare and land usage.
Actually, their process uses 60% less energy than it takes to produce shoes out of synthetic materials. And we’re all for saving energy.
Plus, Allbirds’ packaging is made from recycled materials only. They also support initiatives like Soles4Souls, which save shoes from ending up in landfills and instead, get them onto the feet of folks who need them, all over the world.
Allbirds claims to offer the world’s most comfortable shoes, and they just might be right.
The Blake Shoe from The People’s Movement
The Blake Shoe is a knit sneaker that’s breathable and supportive. This simple, classic sneaker for men is made of 100% vegan materials.
The People’s Movement is dedicated to reducing the use of single-use plastics. That’s vital work– right now, plastic is clogging up our ocean, killing wildlife, and polluting our beaches. The health of our planet’s water is deeply connected to the health of all plants and animals– including people, of course. (Learn more about this issue here).
The People’s Movement creates beautiful shoes out of plastic bags, collected during cleaning efforts in Bali. They also use natural dyes– avoiding toxic materials– and water-based glues.
Gravity 8 from Newton Running
Another great pick from Colorado’s Newton Running. These shoes (available in men’s and women’s sizes) are built to contour to your feet. The Gravity 8’s are built to be agile and responsive. A couple of reviewers even said that these shoes are so comfortable, they feel like slippers. The Adaptive Fit Engineered Mesh will help your feet feel snug in your shoes, but without getting too hot.
And that’s important when you’re running. Maybe the rest of your body will be on fire, but your feet sure won’t be.
Ice Blue Shoes with Maxi Sole Land from Ecoalf
Ecoalf is committed to protecting the planet. They transform plastic waste from the oceans into all types of clothing. In their 10 years as a company, they’ve removed 330 tons of waste from the ocean. Their products are made from upcycled plastic bottles and plastic fishing nets.
And part of the money that Ecoalf makes goes directly to their foundation, which is dedicated to cleaning up our oceans.
Tree Runners from Allbirds
If you’re looking for a non-animal-product version of Allbirds Wool Runners, look no further. Tree Runners (available for men and women) are made out of eucalyptus tree fiber. That’s a natural, renewable resource that’s much more environmentally friendly than traditional shoe materials.
The responsibly grown and sustainably harvested eucalyptus materials give these shoes a light feel. So even though your feet are protected, you can still get a cool breeze.
The shoelaces are made from recycled materials. One pair of long-lasting, chic shoelaces equals one plastic bottle, saved from a landfill.
Ultraboost ST Parley Shoes from Adidas
I know what you’re thinking– Adidas? Really? Can a company that big really be trusted to have good practices?
You’re right to be skeptical! But in terms of eco-friendliness, Adidas is actually way ahead of a lot of its competitors. They partnered with ocean conservation organization Parley for the Oceans to make this sneaker. Every pair of shoes includes material from eleven plastic bottles— eleven plastic bottles that are no longer in the ocean, poisoning our environment.
Adidas has recently committed to cutting down their water use, using more sustainable materials, using less energy, and generating less waste. Their carbon footprint will continue to shrink over the years as more and more efforts are added.
Adidas still has a way to go when it comes to making sure that everyone in their supply chain receives a living wage, though. And they still use animal products in some of their shoes. Check out their ethics rating at Good on You for more information.
These sneakers, though, are made from recycled ocean plastic. They offer stability and foot support, but they’re also light and breathable. Adidas calls it “the ultimate running experience.”
Merrell Trail Glove 4 Shoes from REI
This vegan option from REI is a great choice for light trail running. The shoe is low to the ground, and it seeks to mimic the feel of barefoot running while still offering support and comfort. It has lightweight pads to protect your feet from any stones or sticks you may encounter.
These shoes are made from a breathable mesh fabric and offer serious grip, too.
You’ve probably heard of REI– they’re a big name when it comes to camping, hiking, or anything outdoors. But you might not know that they’re committed to sustainability and protecting our world’s natural spaces. They invested half a million dollars last year in rewilding projects in five U.S. cities.
They’re working fast to make their brand more sustainable and to shrink their carbon footprint. Check out this video for more information.
So whether you need more foot support, or you want something light and simple, there’s an eco-friendly running shoe option for you. Good for your body and good for the planet.
Now the only thing you have to worry about is getting out there and exercising!
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