The 4 Best Sustainable & Ethically Made Running Shoes

<article class="post-69 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-footwear category-sports tag-ethical tag-sustainable entry" aria-label="4 Most Sustainable & Ethically Made Running Shoes for Eco-Athletes"><header class="entry-header"><p class="entry-meta"><time class="entry-time">March 10, 2020</time> <span class="entry-author">// by <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/author/bonniefisher/" class="entry-author-link" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name">Bonnie Fisher</span></a></span><span class="entry-comments-link">// <a class="scroll-to" href="#comments">5 Comments</a></span> </p></header><div class="entry-content"> <p class="has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph">There are loads of <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/eco-friendly-running-shoes/" target="_blank" aria-label="undefined (opens in a new tab)" rel="noreferrer noopener">running shoes available</a> these days, especially with such a diverse selection of online companies. However, not every sneaker company has ethics and sustainability in mind when they source materials and produce their products.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">So we’ve taken a look for brands that take ethics and sustainability seriously, especially when it comes to sourcing materials, production processes, and how their employees are treated.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inkkas Flexaire Collection</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re in the mood for some seriously fun and exciting running shoes, I have just the ones for you.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Inkkas</em> produces some of my favourite footwear designs, and have some of the most vibrant, <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/inkkas-running-shoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">colourful running shoes you can find</a> for both men and women.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Their awesome designs coupled with the fact they’re <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/inkkas-one-shoe-one-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">committed to respecting the environment</a> and the local artisans involved in making their shoes, makes them possibly my favourite brand on this list.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Check out their <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/inkkas-brisbane-flex-runner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Brisbane Flex Runners</a> or the <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/inkkas-rooster-flexaire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Rooster Flexaire</a> for a couple of great examples.</p><div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-background" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/inkkas-running-shoes/" style="background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(86,196,117) 0%,rgb(49,142,76) 100%)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check Out Their Running Collection Here</a></div> </div><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outdoor Voices HOKA x OV Clifton</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em><a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Outdoor Voices" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/outdoor-voices/" data-shortcode="true">Outdoor Voices</a></em> is an activewear and footwear recreation brand, which aims to be a sustainable resource for recreation. With this in mind, the brand sticks with their three core values, which are people, planet, and product.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Keeping track of its values, <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Outdoor Voices Footwear" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/outdoor-voices-footwear/" data-shortcode="true"><em>Outdoor Voices</em> creates shoes and apparel</a> made from sustainable made-to-sweat-in fabrics, such as recycled polyester. Aside from sustainably sourcing materials, the brand ensures their running shoes and apparel are ethically produced in their partner factories in the US, China, Vietnam, Italy, Portugal, and Cambodia by visiting each factory regularly. They also only select partners, which abide by their code of conduct and comply with worker rights and safety, and produce high-quality products.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the brand’s high-quality and award-winning products is the <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Outdoor Voices Men's HOKA x OV Clifton" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/outdoor-voices-mens-hoka-x-ov-clifton/" data-shortcode="true">HOKA x OV Clifton men’s</a> and <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Outdoor Voices Women's HOKA x OV Clifton" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/outdoor-voices-womens-hoka-x-ov-clifton/" data-shortcode="true">HOKA x OV Clifton women’s</a> running shoes, a collaboration with the brand <a href="https://www.hokaoneone.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Hoka One One</a>. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">This lightweight shoes with marshmallow-like cushioning comes in four colours (silver, white, black, and midnight navy). People who bought a pair raved about how comfy it is, that running even 40 miles in the shoes still feels like running on clouds.</p><div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-background" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/outdoor-voices-footwear/" style="background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(86,196,117) 0%,rgb(49,142,76) 100%)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check Out Their Footwear Collection Here</a></div> </div><hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-light-green-cyan-color is-style-dots"/><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Allbirds Wool Runner</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em><a href="https://www.allbirds.com/pages/our-materials-wool" target="_blank" aria-label="undefined (opens in a new tab)" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allbirds</a></em> is a sustainable shoe company based in New Zealand. It is great in terms of their ethical compliance and stylish running shoes with breathable, recycled knit upper materials. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">They focus on simplicity in design with their sneakers, and use all natural, biodegradable materials—even their packaging is 90 percent recycled cardboard. Its materials also include sustainable merino wool, recycled plastic bottles, and sugar cane as a replacement for petroleum soles! </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">This brand is a B-Corporation that gives back to the community in many ways. One of which is through participating in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwhjFmquyS0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Souls4Soles</a> program. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Allbirds</em> sells ethically made running shoes for men, women, and children in a variety of styles to fit everyone’s taste. Unfortunately, they only ship to customers in the United States, New Zealand, and Australia as of the moment. Although, they are working on growing their distribution market to ship to other areas. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">One very well-regarded running shoe on their website is the <a href="https://www.allbirds.com/products/mens-wool-runners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Men’s Wool Runner</a>, that comes in 13 different colors. Made of breathable and flexible knit construction, this product is priced at $95. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Allbird</em> focuses specifically on shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers a variety of styles, from athletic running to more casual walking shoes. </p><hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-light-green-cyan-color is-style-dots"/><h2 class="wp-block-heading">VivoBarefoot Magna Trail</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last but not least is <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Vivobarefoot US" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/vivobarefoot-us/" data-shortcode="true">Vivobarefoot</a>. Another impressive B-Corporation that has a diverse line of running shoes, made from ethically sourced materials. Their company goal is quite admirable. Posted on their website’s Sustainability page, they aim to utilize 90 percent sustainable materials by the year 2020. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Their philosophy is to make shoes that conform better to the biomechanics of the human foot, while using less materials. Initially, people were skeptical when they see how thin and flexible the brand’s running shoes are. Although eventually, they became loyal customers who love the way their foot feels when running in <em>VivoBarefoot</em> shoes! </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Made from plant-based materials, their fabrics are incredibly breathable and sturdy to last for a long time. One of its huge positive contribution to the environment is how they produce their sneakers; it only takes a fraction of water to produce, compared to other brands. </p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">One top-selling product on their website is the <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Vivobarefoot US Mens Primus Trail II FG" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/vivobarefoot-us-mens-primus-trail-ii-fg/" data-shortcode="true">Men’s Primus Trail II</a> and <a class="thirstylink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Vivobarefoot US Womens Primus Trail II FG" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/vivobarefoot-us-womens-primus-trail-ii-fg/" data-shortcode="true">Womens’s Primus Trail II</a>, listed for a very reasonable $160. Flexible yet sturdy this shoe features recycled high performance materials. Lightweight and breathable but still holds up even when running the toughest routes and trails.</p><div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-background" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/recommends/vivobarefoot-us-trail-running-shoes/" style="background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgb(86,196,117) 0%,rgb(49,142,76) 100%)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check Out Their Trail Running Collection Here</a></div> </div> <div class='yarpp yarpp-related yarpp-related-website yarpp-template-list'>  <h2>Further Reading:</h2><ul> <li><a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/eco-friendly-running-shoes/" rel="bookmark" title="8 Pairs of Eco-Friendly Running Shoes">8 Pairs of Eco-Friendly Running Shoes</a></li> <li><a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/everyday/ethically-made-mens-shoes/" rel="bookmark" title="Ethically-Made Men’s Dress Shoes">Ethically-Made Men’s Dress Shoes</a></li> <li><a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/ethically-made-kids-shoes/" rel="bookmark" title="6 Amazing Ethically Made Kids Shoe Brands">6 Amazing Ethically Made Kids Shoe Brands</a></li> </ul> </div>  </div><footer class="entry-footer"><p class="entry-meta"><span class="entry-terms">Category: <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/category/footwear/" rel="tag">Footwear</a>, <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/category/footwear/sports/" rel="tag">Sports</a></span><span class="entry-terms">Tag: <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/tag/ethical/" rel="tag">Ethical</a>, <a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/tag/sustainable/" rel="tag">Sustainable</a></span></p></footer></article><div class="after-entry widget-area"><section id="optin-monster-api-2" class="widget optin-monster-api"><div class="widget-wrap"><div id="om-l8etozotpeys1imjazgx-holder"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js" data-campaign="l8etozotpeys1imjazgx" data-user="73742"></script></div></section> </div><div class="adjacent-entry-pagination pagination"><div class="pagination-previous"><a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/learn/drapers-sustainable-fashion-conference/" rel="prev"><span class="screen-reader-text">Previous Post: </span><span class="adjacent-post-link"><span class="pagination-icon">«</span><img width="80" height="80" src="https://betterworldapparel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/drapers-sustainable-fashion-conference-1-80x80.jpg" class="attachment-tiny size-tiny" alt="women sitting in a conference" decoding="async" /> Drapers Sustainable Fashion Conference 2020</span></a></div><div class="pagination-next"><a href="https://betterworldapparel.com/clothing/can-old-clothes-be-recycled/" rel="next"><span class="screen-reader-text">Next Post: </span><span class="adjacent-post-link">Can Old Clothes Be Recycled? <img width="80" height="80" src="https://betterworldapparel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/can-old-clothes-be-recycled-80x80.jpg" class="attachment-tiny size-tiny" alt="photo of clothes on a bed" decoding="async" /><span class="pagination-icon">»</span></span></a></div></div><h2 class="screen-reader-text">Reader Interactions</h2><div class="entry-comments has-avatars" id="comments"><h3>Comments</h3><ol class="comment-list"> <li class="comment even thread-even depth-1" id="comment-25"> <article id="article-comment-25"> <header class="comment-header"> <p class="comment-author"> <img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4b8bba18766cae41e4060e2b57e56508e27f52368a7f3004be019c2653738432?s=160&d=mm&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4b8bba18766cae41e4060e2b57e56508e27f52368a7f3004be019c2653738432?s=320&d=mm&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name">Will Bugler</span> </p><p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#comment-25">July 10, 2020 at 9:07 am</a></time></p> </header><div class="comment-content"> <p>Brooks Running is 100% owned by Berkshire Hathaway, who invest in coal mining, have a bad record on conflict minerals, undertake aggressive tax avoidance, and undertake lobbying to influence US elections. Not the sort of company I’d call ethical.</p> </div><div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="#comment-25" data-commentid="25" data-postid="69" data-belowelement="article-comment-25" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Will Bugler" aria-label="Reply to Will Bugler">Reply</a></div> </article> <ul class="children"><li class="comment byuser comment-author-mawaha odd alt depth-2" id="comment-30"> <article id="article-comment-30"> <header class="comment-header"> <p class="comment-author"> <img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1bf5640d04870afd4af2611eebf0d59c48e55cdba75625d3ecadbd9ff4878b9b?s=160&d=mm&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1bf5640d04870afd4af2611eebf0d59c48e55cdba75625d3ecadbd9ff4878b9b?s=320&d=mm&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name">Matthew</span> </p><p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#comment-30">July 15, 2020 at 11:33 pm</a></time></p> </header><div class="comment-content"> <p>Hi Will, appreciate the heads up I’ll take a look into that and update the article accordingly. Thanks!</p> </div><div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="#comment-30" data-commentid="30" data-postid="69" data-belowelement="article-comment-30" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Matthew" aria-label="Reply to Matthew">Reply</a></div> </article> </li> </ul> </li><li class="comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1" id="comment-37"> <article id="article-comment-37"> <header class="comment-header"> <p class="comment-author"> <img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f0fdcd979c77162892e328bbcb8ce47fdbeca28b55756a5d2c23809efdb417e3?s=160&d=mm&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f0fdcd979c77162892e328bbcb8ce47fdbeca28b55756a5d2c23809efdb417e3?s=320&d=mm&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name">Neil Russell-Bates</span> </p><p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#comment-37">July 28, 2020 at 3:36 pm</a></time></p> </header><div class="comment-content"> <p>Yup, according to Ethical Consumer magazine, Brooks scores 0 out of 20 in an assessment of 29 differed brands for “ethical”sportswear. I would suggest a bit more research before publishing……</p> </div><div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="#comment-37" data-commentid="37" data-postid="69" data-belowelement="article-comment-37" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Neil Russell-Bates" aria-label="Reply to Neil Russell-Bates">Reply</a></div> </article> </li><li class="comment odd alt thread-even depth-1" id="comment-238"> <article id="article-comment-238"> <header class="comment-header"> <p class="comment-author"> <img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21e5dc1f0956a2ce665bd91b23c7089735ee764f4a7fb1479c6407cbaa8b0efd?s=160&d=mm&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/21e5dc1f0956a2ce665bd91b23c7089735ee764f4a7fb1479c6407cbaa8b0efd?s=320&d=mm&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name">Jussi</span> </p><p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#comment-238">April 24, 2021 at 3:39 am</a></time></p> </header><div class="comment-content"> <p>There is allso Lunge running shoes they are made in Germany!</p> </div><div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="#comment-238" data-commentid="238" data-postid="69" data-belowelement="article-comment-238" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Jussi" aria-label="Reply to Jussi">Reply</a></div> </article> <ul class="children"><li class="comment byuser comment-author-mawaha even depth-2" id="comment-240"> <article id="article-comment-240"> <header class="comment-header"> <p class="comment-author"> <img alt='' src='https://betterworldapparel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-300x300.jpeg' srcset='https://betterworldapparel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-600x600.jpeg 2x' class='avatar avatar-160 photo avatar-default' height='160' width='160' decoding='async'/><span class="comment-author-name">Bonnie</span> </p><p class="comment-meta"><time class="comment-time"><a class="comment-time-link" href="https://betterworldapparel.com/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#comment-240">April 25, 2021 at 8:31 pm</a></time></p> </header><div class="comment-content"> <p>Thanks Jussi, I’d not heard of them before, let me take a look and maybe we can add them to the list! Always great to hear about new eco-friendly creators</p> </div><div class="comment-reply"><a rel="nofollow" class="comment-reply-link" href="#comment-240" data-commentid="240" data-postid="69" data-belowelement="article-comment-240" data-respondelement="respond" data-replyto="Reply to Bonnie" aria-label="Reply to Bonnie">Reply</a></div> </article> </li> </ul> </li> </ol></div> <div id="respond" class="comment-respond"> <h3 id="reply-title" class="comment-reply-title">Leave a Reply <small><a rel="nofollow" id="cancel-comment-reply-link" href="/footwear/sports/ethically-made-running-shoes/#respond" style="display:none;">Cancel reply</a></small></h3><form action="https://betterworldapparel.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form"><p class="comment-notes"><span id="email-notes">Your email address will not be published.</span> <span class="required-field-message">Required fields are marked <span class="required">*</span></span></p><p class="comment-form-comment"><label for="comment">Comment <span class="required">*</span></label> <textarea id="comment" name="comment" cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="65525" required></textarea></p><p class="comment-form-author"><label for="author">Name <span class="required">*</span></label> <input id="author" name="author" type="text" value="JamesCek" size="30" maxlength="245" autocomplete="name" required /></p> <p class="comment-form-email"><label for="email">Email <span class="required">*</span></label> <input id="email" name="email" type="email" value="[email protected]" size="30" maxlength="100" aria-describedby="email-notes" autocomplete="email" required /></p> <p class="comment-form-url"><label for="url">Website</label> <input id="url" name="url" type="url" value="https://t.me/+sB5xTpVrQFc0YzE8" size="30" maxlength="200" autocomplete="url" /></p> <p class="comment-form-cookies-consent"><input id="wp-comment-cookies-consent" name="wp-comment-cookies-consent" type="checkbox" value="yes" checked /> <label for="wp-comment-cookies-consent">Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.</label></p> <p class="form-submit"><input name="submit" type="submit" id="submit" class="submit" value="Post Comment" /> <input type='hidden' name='comment_post_ID' value='69' id='comment_post_ID' /> <input type='hidden' name='comment_parent' id='comment_parent' value='0' /> </p><p style="display: none;"><input type="hidden" id="akismet_comment_nonce" name="akismet_comment_nonce" value="de79349990" /></p><p style="display: none !important;" class="akismet-fields-container" data-prefix="ak_"><label>Δ<textarea name="ak_hp_textarea" cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="100"></textarea></label><input type="hidden" id="ak_js_1" name="ak_js" value="17"/><script> document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); </script> </p></form> </div>

4 Most Sustainable & Ethically Made Running Shoes for Eco-Athletes

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