8 BEST SUSTAINABLE RUNNING SHOES FOR EARTH-LOVING RUNNERS

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This blog post is all about the best sustainable running shoes!

Whether you’re a weekend jogger or a seasoned marathoner, you might know that investing in a good pair of athletic shoes is key to having healthy feet. 

Not only that but podiatrists recommend we replace them about every 300 to 500 miles, or even earlier if they show significant signs of wear. 

So if you run regularly, you probably go through quite a lot of them throughout the years, which can create a lot of waste.

One way we can reduce our environmental impact without giving up on running altogether is to choose more eco-friendly running shoes. 

In this article, I’ve rounded up the 8 best sustainable running shoes for men and women (plus a few brands selling models for kids)!

These combine comfort, style, and eco-friendly materials, and I’ve even included barefoot running shoes if you prefer that type of footwear. 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details. 

Are running shoes environmentally friendly? Why should we only buy sustainable running shoes? 

According to a life cycle assessment led by a team from MIT, a typical pair of running shoes generates 30 pounds of CO2 emissions.

This is equivalent to keeping a 100W light bulb on for about a week. 

If we break down that carbon footprint, more than two-thirds come from the manufacturing process. 

The thing is, the production of running shoes is very unsustainable because it usually takes place in factories in China where coal is one of the main sources of electricity. 

The problem with coal is that it massively contributes to air pollution and climate change, and extracting it from the Earth harms our lands, waterways, and wildlife. 

Not only that but producing running shoes in China and other countries where there are no or barely any labor standards raises ethical issues. 

In those countries, people have to work in sweatshops that don’t even pay them living wages and that do not provide safe and healthy working conditions. 

That’s not all! 

Most conventional running shoes are made of some kind of synthetic material, like polyester, polyurethane, and/or synthetic rubber. 

Producing such materials, which are derived from petroleum, also contributes to climate change and pollution.

Running shoes are also not recyclable and likely end up in a landfill at the end of their lives. 

If we all replace them regularly (which we should), it all adds up to a huge amount of waste. 

That’s why we need to buy more ethical and eco-friendly running shoes to minimize that environmental impact! 

Read more: 14 best sustainable shoe brands for an eco-friendly footprint

What makes running shoes sustainable?

The most sustainable running shoes are made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled or natural ones. 

Usually, ethical athletic shoes are made of recycled polyester or other types of recycled plastic.

But you’ll also find great models with uppers made from Tencel lyocell, wool, hemp, or organic cotton.

For the insoles, plant-based foam (for instance, made from sugarcane or castor bean oil) is a great option. 

I also recommend that you get shoes with outsoles made of natural or recycled rubber. 

But don’t just stop at the materials! 

Try to buy from brands that have implemented sustainable practices throughout their supply chain and that prioritize ethical manufacturing.

Some might even offer a recycling or take-back program, which we like! 

Companies carrying certifications like B Corp are also great to support as they meet some of the strictest standards when it comes to ethics and sustainability. 

Lastly, buy shoes of better quality to ensure they’ll last longer.  

8 best sustainable running shoes for Earth-loving runners

1. Vivaia

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Recycled Mesh Yarn, Sugarcane-Based EVA, Rubber, Wool

Sustainable footwear brand Vivaia offers a pair of unisex sneakers that are perfect for walking and working out.

The same model is also available in the kids’ collection. 

These water-repellent shoes are made with 100% recycled mesh yarn or a blend of wool and recycled plastic.

The outsoles are crafted from sugarcane-based EVA with a rubber piece in the front and the back. 

Vivaia’s sneakers are incredibly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.

Not only that but they’re also stylish and super easy to slip on! 

Their arched, non-collapsing reinforced heel helps you step into them effortlessly, and the tongue seamlessly integrates with the upper without shifting. 

These sustainable running shoes also have extra heel and arch support, anti-slip soles, a wide toe box, and optimal toe spring and heel drop. 

To top it all off, they’re machine-washable, and you get to choose from many different colors! 

2. Merrell

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Recycled Mesh, Recycled EVA, Jacquard, TPU, Recycled Rubber

Merrell has a huge selection of sustainable running shoes for each member of the family.

There are many options to choose from, including shoes designed for both road and trail running. 

The trail running shoes available can be worn on rugged trails with lots of obstacles and debris as well as on easier terrains.

There’s something for every type of runner! 

You’ll love that Merrell’s running shoes are made with recycled materials, including breathable recycled mesh lining, recycled laces, and recycled EVA foam footbeds.

Many of these also have Vibram rubber outsoles that provide unparalleled traction and grip on both wet and dry surfaces! 

The brand offers many beautiful colors and styles and even has barefoot running shoes, which are designed to keep your feet in a natural position. 

3. Xero Shoes

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Rubber

Xero Shoes sells minimalist barefoot shoes designed to make us feel like we’re walking or running barefoot. 

The brand’s footwear features wide toe boxes to let our toes spread as needed and a zero-drop non-elevated heel.

It also has flexible soles that allow our feet to flex and bend naturally. 

Xero Shoes’ sustainable running shoes can help strengthen your feet, improve your posture, and reduce stress on your joints.

They’re also incredibly comfortable, light, and grippy! 

I particularly recommend the road-running Zelen model and the Born to Run shoes that will take you from road to trail.

Both of these are made with vegan-friendly, recycled materials. 

All Xero Shoes are built to last and are even sold with a 5,000-mile sole warranty, so you’ll be able to wear them for years! 

4. Brooks

For: Women & Men

Materials: Recycled Plastic

Brooks creates all kinds of eco-friendly walking, hiking, and running shoes as well as workout clothes for both men and women. 

It has great options whether you’re looking for shoes for trail running, road running, or running on a treadmill and working out at the gym. 

Brooks’ sustainable running shoes are made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic bottles diverted from the landfill.

Depending on the style, they provide different cushioning and support levels, and some are even waterproof. 

If you’re looking for even more sustainable running shoes, give the Ghost model a try!

It’s completely carbon-neutral as the brand purchases carbon credits to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions generated to make it. 

Brooks also has implemented different sustainable initiatives!

For instance, its headquarters are certified LEED Platinum and use 79% less energy than a typical building. 

5. Allbirds

For: Women & Men

Materials: Tencel Lyocell, Sugarcane-Based EVA, Natural Rubber, Bio-Based Nylon, Recycled Plastic, Castor Bean Oil-Based Foam, Merino Wool

Allbirds has some of the most sustainable running shoes you can get! 

The brand offers different models made with a Tencel lyocell upper, crafted from FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fiber. 

If you’re looking for a water-repellent model to be able to run in all weather, there’s also a pair made with ZQ-certified merino wool that prevents your shoes from getting soggy. 

Allbirds running shoes are lightweight and breathable and are great for working out, jogging, gym sessions, and long walks.

You can even buy golf shoes and trail runners that come with sturdy, grippy outsoles and tear-resistant ripstop mudguards. 

The brand also makes its shoes using other sustainable materials such as sugarcane-based EVA, natural rubber, and recycled plastic. 

Did I mention its footwear is fully washable in the washing machine? 

6. Veja

For: Women & Men

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Rubber

Veja’s sustainable running shoes combine both style and comfort while supporting a healthier planet.

They’re available in a few different colors and styles, and you’ll find models both for men and women. 

The brand makes them in Brazil with a recycled polyester mesh upper and lining (crafted from recycled plastic bottles).

The rubber soles on some of them also contain rice waste, which is super cool! 

Several styles also feature a removable cushioned insole with arch support and a comfy footbed with targeted contouring and cushioning. 

Veja also has a great water-repellent hiking shoe with multidirectional crampons on the soles, a cushy foam insert, and a rock plate between the outsole and midsole for added protection. 

Plus, the company is B Corp certified, so you know it prioritizes transparency as well as socially responsible and sustainable practices.

7. Softstar

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Softstar offers minimalist barefoot running shoes all made by artisans in the USA (in Oregon).

These will help you feel the earth underneath your feet while letting you move freely and keeping your feet strong. 

These sustainable running shoes are super lightweight and flexible and feature zero-drop soles that will take the unique shape of your feet within a few hours of wear. 

The brand also allows you to choose from different toe box widths and can even deliver the exact dimensions you need as each shoe is made to order!

Softstar shoes are handcrafted with sustainably sourced leather and Vibram rubber soles, and they’re produced using age-old moccasin-style techniques.  

The company also has trail running shoes that come with a protective toe cap made from upcycled bike innertubes! 

Plus, the brand carries the B Corp certification, and its shoes can be worn with and without socks. 

8. Vivobarefoot

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Recycled PU Foam, Rubber

Here’s another sustainable barefoot shoe brand! 

Vivobarefoot sells eco-friendly running shoes designed for moving naturally and building foot strength during your runs or workouts. 

Very comfortable, flexible, and stylish, they’re made with a breathable recycled polyester mesh upper and lining.

They also feature rubber soles and insoles made from recycled PU foam. 

If you’re looking for trail-running and swimrun shoes, the brand has you covered with its Hydra ESC!

This amphibious shoe offers minimal wet weight and is designed to grip on land, glide underwater, and drain and dry quickly. 

I also love that Vivobarefoot is B Corp certified, so it meets some of the highest standards for social and environmental performance!

Final thoughts on the best sustainable running shoes

I hope you’ve found this blog post about the best sustainable running shoes helpful and that you could find ethical athletic shoes you love wearing! 

Choosing eco-friendly footwear is key to making our wardrobes more sustainable.

This is particularly the case for shoes that podiatrists recommend we replace on a regular basis!

If you liked this article, you may also want to read: 

• 13 best non-toxic & organic workout clothes & activewear brands for women and men
• 12 best non-toxic & organic sports bras for a healthier workout
• 10 best eco-friendly, non-toxic yoga mats made with natural materials
• 7 organic cotton leggings you’ll want to live in
• 6 best bamboo socks for eco-conscious women and men
• 10 best organic cotton socks you’ll never want to take off
• 11 organic cotton hoodies & sweatshirts combining comfort & style
• 12 organic cotton sweatpants & joggers that redefine comfort
• 8 sustainable boots for fall & winter adventures
• 6 eco-friendly alternatives to Crocs

Which sustainable running shoes have you ended up choosing?

Please leave a comment!

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find ethical athletic shoes too. 

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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