8 Eco-Friendly Sneakers To Get Outside and Get Active In
Sometimes, the trade-off to buying something that's more eco-friendly may mean that we lose some of the performance, convenience, or comfort qualities from the conventional item. Some eco-friendly sneakers, for example, are incredible in their use of healthier fiber choices. But because of this particular focus being prioritized over other things like comfort and performance, it ends up begin difficult to find trainers that are both consciously made and comfortable enough to walk or run in!
Good thing eco-minded brands are improving the performance properties and comfort of their products, and conventional brands are also taking steps towards greening their supply chain. So our options are only increasing by the day!
So as you set intentions for your exercise and movement goals — whether that's training at a gym or simply biking more — these sustainable sneakers will support you on your journey.
A point worthwhile to note is that most eco-friendly sneakers still incorporate non-biodegradable, plastic-based materials due to their performance properties. EVA foam, for example, can almost always be found in the soles of running shoes to give them that supportive, light cushion. However, we are excited to see the substitution of more and more virgin synthetic threads with recycled synthetic threads, or the experimentation with using biodegradable, low-impact fibers.
That said, we're all about celebrating progress — so, without further ado, here are 8 brands with eco-conscious running shoes and sneakers you can actually get active in!
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through some of these links. This helps us continue to create these free resources for you! As always, we only feature brands we love (and that we think you'll love too!) and that meet CFC's strict sustainability criteria.
REI
Highlights: Diverse selection of shoes for hiking, running, and casual wear; sustainable options from brands like Merrell (uses leather from a tannery rated gold by the Leather Working Group and many recycled materials), Veja (uses certified Fair Trade, recycled and organic materials), and Arbor (uses recycled materials)
Investment: $$
Suitable for: Training, light training, walking, traveling, hiking, biking, gym sessions, athleisure
MUNJOI
Highlights: Ultra-versatile sustainable footwear that can be worn four different ways as a sandal, mule, slide, or sneaker! In an effort to reduce both CO2 emissions and pollution, these sneakers are made from eco-conscious materials like algae waste, sugarcane-based EVA (as opposed to conventional EVA, which is petroleum based), and a cotton & hemp blend.
Investment: $
Suitable for: Walking, athleisure, biking, traveling
WOMSH
Highlights: chunky sneakers made with consciously-sourced materials; vegan options are made using apple “leather” created out of discarded apple peels; features recycled PET laces and recyclable rubber sole; ships in recycled packaging
Investment: $$$
Suitable for: All-day walking, light gym sessions, traveling, biking, athleisure
SAOLA
Highlights: Incorporates natural eco-friendly materials such as cork, algae foam, banana fiber + beeswax, Havea milk, and organic cotton; also uses recycled materials like rPET; donates 1% of revenue to wildlife conservation programs
Investment: $ - $$
Suitable for: Training, running, hiking, gym sessions, traveling, biking, athleisure
Allbirds
Highlights: casual and running shoes made from renewable natural materials and recycled fibers such as fiber from FSC® Certified eucalyptus trees, SweetFoam™ made from sugarcane, ZQ Merino wool (a certification for animal welfare and sustainability); and post-consumer recycled polyester (for shoelaces); Certified B Corp company that calculates and publishes their CO2 emissions
Investment: $$
Suitable for: All day walking, city strolls, traveling, leisure biking, athleisure, running (Tree Dashers)
Vivo Barefoot
Highlights: Uses rPET (recycled plastic fibers), cork, naturally tanned wild hides, and virgin synthetic materials only when there are no better eco alternatives with equal durability and performance qualities; barefoot shoes that allow your feet to feel the natural textures of outdoor terrains for a closer connection to earth and stronger feet
Investment: $$$
Suitable for: Outdoor activities in all terrains, hiking, running, biking, athleisure
EcoAlf
Highlights: Use of recycled plastic from trashed plastic bottles and recycled nylon from up-cycled fishing nets; commitment to up-cycling waste into valuable products
Investment: $$$
Suitable for: Training, running, hiking, gym sessions, traveling, biking, athleisure
The People's Movement
Highlights: Uses up-cycled fibers, organic cotton fibers, water-based glues, rubber, etc.; supports 5 Gyres Organization
Investment: $$
Suitable for: Training, light running, hiking, gym sessions, traveling, biking, athleisure
