12 Pairs of Sustainable Sneakers You Can Run, Walk & Be Active In
image by Hylo
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!
The ultimate list for sustainable and eco-friendly sneakers in 2023
A few years ago, I would have had a hard time putting together a list of sustainable sneakers & running shoes, but now, it isn't so difficult! There are so many brands creating a more eco-friendly shoe for all the activities in your life, and it's amazing some of the materials they use.
What to look for when shopping sustainable sneakers
There are a few things you should look for when shopping for a new pair of running shoes or sneakers, but the most important are materials and manufacturing. First, you want to ensure the shoe's composition is made with the planet in mind. You can find lots of recycled rubbers & natural fibers, and even algae-based materials. Next, do they put ethics at the forefront of their business? Are they treating their workers well? You can usually find this information on their website or look for certifications like 'B Corp' or 'Fair Trade.' While a company can't be perfect within sustainability, the brands listed below will be much better than conventional sneaker brands.
&& ethics and eco-friendliness aside, you want a pair of comfortable, quality sneakers that will last you a long time. From walking to hiking… you name it… one of these pairs of shoes will get you there in ethical style!
our favorite sustainable sneakers For Running, Walking & Everyday Wear:
1) Corn Runners
Brand: Hylo Athletics
Price: $135
Materials: 7 Natural Materials, Corn, Algae, Natural Rubber, Vegan
The Corn Runners are the best running shoes I have ever owned. I highly recommend trying these out for yourself!
Then, when you are done using them, you can send them back to be recycled.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off your entire purchase
2) Athleisure Eco-Knit Sneaker
Brand: Nisolo
Price: $130
Materials: Recycled PET, Recycled Cotton, sugar cane based “Green EVA”, Vegan
This sneaker has sock-like comfort and is machine-washable! The insoles and outsoles are made with a sugar cane base called “Green EVA,” a greener alternative to petroleum. Find them in 3 colors - white, linen & grey.
3) Tree Dasher
Brand: Allbirds
Price: $135
Materials: FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell, SweetFoam® sugarcane-based green EVA, FSC-certified natural rubber, recycled plastic bottles
This is Allbird’s new & improved running shoe that is lighter with a more responsive foam & extra grip. They are great for everyday runs, walks, & light workouts.
4) Ultraboost 22 Running Shoe
Brand: Adidas
Price: $95
Materials: 50% recycled (ocean plastic)
While we don’t think Adidas is sustainable, we do like that they offer a more sustainable option with their Ultraboost Sneakers. We understand people love their quality, and we believe it's a great start to future sustainable fashion from them!
5) Energee in Canyon Clay
Brand: Avre
Price: $145
Materials: Recycled Plastic
I own a pair of shoes from this brand, one of the comfiest pairs of walking shoes I have in my closet. Created with their signature knitted and recycled material, the Energee shoe will fit every contour of your foot without the worry of needing time to break them in. I love this color, too!
6) Urban Wooler
Brand: Baabuk
Price: $97
Materials: Upper & inner 100% Portuguese mulesing-free sheep wool, Soft Merino inner lining
I have a pair of Baabuk sneakers, and they are very comfortable! The Urban Woolers are made for warmer weather. The moisture-wicking wool and slip-on, slip-off elastic laces make these sneakers very cool.
7) Street Vegan Shoes
Brand: BeFlamboyant
Price: $142
Materials: Corn Waste, Recycled PET & Rubber
The Street Vegan Shoes are entirely animal-free & registered with ‘the Vegan Society,’ the most demanding vegan certification. The sneakers are also zero-waste, packaged in a 100% recycled cardboard box, a plantable card, and a free jute bag.
8) Catiba Pro High
Brand: Cariuma
Price: $119
Materials: Premium Suede & Organic Cotton Canvas, 100% Slip-Resistant Natural Rubber, Mamona Oil Bio Based Cork Insert
Looking for a skateboarding sneaker? Cariuma has created this style for durability, movement and the best grip possible. Plus, for every pair purchased, they plant two trees!
9) Cascade Trail
Brand: Forsake
Price: $130
Materials: Waterproof Mesh Upper, Algae-Based Footbed, Vegan
The Cascade Trail is a water-resistant hiking sneaker. We love that the footbed is created with 20% BLOOM - an algae-based product, which will return 32 liters of clean water to habitats and clean 20 cubic meters of air.
10) The Lace Up
Brand: Rothy’s
Price: $165
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottle Knit, Plant-Based Footbed, Bio-Based TPU Outsoles
You can actually throw these into the washing machine! This classic style sneaker also comes in so many different colors.
11) Lace Up Sneaker
Brand: Thousand Fell
Price: $120
Material: Natural Rubber, Recycled Plastic, Aloe Vera, Coconut, Sugarcane, and Palm
One of the first circular pairs of sneakers! When you are done with them, send them back so they can recycle them. The Lace Up Sneaker is designed for everyday life and is so comfortable, breathable, & stain/odor resistant! I love mine.
12) Primus Lite III
Brand: Vivo Barefoot
Price: $120
Materials: Vegan, Recycled plastics and bio-based materials
It almost feels like you are walking barefoot. With less shoe & less weight, you feel freer than ever in the best-selling Primus Lite. Because you can naturally move in these, your feet are the ones in control rather than the shoe.
MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
related reading you may also enjoy:
