Shoes and Sustainability
If you’re working to reduce your environmental impact, you may want be aware of your footwear choices. Fortunately, making sustainable choices is becoming easier as the shoe industry innovates to address environental concerns. Let's explore what to look for in ethical footwear and the progress being made.
The footwear industry is responding with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled plastics, and natural rubber. These reduce reliance on virgin resources and lower the impact of production. Water-based adhesives eliminate harmful VOC emissions, and eco-friendly dyeing reduces water pollution.
When it comes to running shoes, the industry is seeing a significant shift towards sustainability. Beyond individual brand efforts, there's a growing understanding that performance gear should not come at the planet's expense.
High-tech, low-impact fabrics are becoming non-negotiable for runners who care about the environment. Brands are increasingly using bio-based materials, recycled ocean plastics, and biodegradable fabrics that are designed to perform without harming the planet. Sustainability is no longer just a trend but a core expectation in the running community.
What Shoe Brands Are Working Toward Sustainability?
Several brands are leading the way in sustainable running shoes. Brooks aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, using more recycled polyester and nylon. Their Green Silence Ghost 15 model features significant recycled materials and a water-saving dyeing process. Brooks also uses recycled materials in midsoles and outsoles and offers a resale platform, Brooks ReStart. They are focusing on creating shoes that last longer, aiming for a lifespan of one million steps per shoe. Brooks is also part of The Footwear Collective, collaborating with other major players in the industry to promote a circular approach to footwear consumption.
ASICS is also deeply invested in sustainability, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions across their value chain, measuring their shoes' carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle. They use recycled polyester and aim for 100% by 2030. ASICS has introduced a carbon footprint label on some models, providing transparency to consumers. They have also partnered with TerraCycle for a recycling program for their NIMBUS MIRAI™ shoes, aiming for a closed-loop system. ASICS has received an 'A' rating for climate change from CDP, recognizing their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Saucony targets 90% organic, recycled, or renewable materials by 2025 and 100% by 2030. Their "Run for Good" (RFG) standard highlights products meeting these goals. The Triumph RFG model features a corn-based midsole, natural rubber outsole, and plant-dyed cotton upper. Saucony is also exploring materials like hemp and pineapple waste. They have introduced the RFG badge to signify products that meet their sustainability standards.
Sustainability also applies to leather shoes. Traditional leather production has environmental drawbacks. Gola sources 95% of their leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries and uses recycled packaging. They also offer vegan sneakers made from animal-free materials. Gola is committed to reducing plastic in their packaging and using recycled materials in their shoe uppers.
Ilse Jacobsen, known for natural rubber rain boots, also incorporates sustainable practices. Their popular Tulip shoes often use recycled microfiber uppers and recycled rubber outsoles. The brand also uses renewable energy in its facilities. Ilse Jacobsen's commitment to responsible materials and production aligns with the growing demand for ethical footwear.
How Can I Make More Sustainable Footwear Choices?
Making more sustainable footwear choices is a growing movement within the running community. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Consider Materials: Look for recycled, organic, or renewable materials.
Seek Transparency: Choose brands that disclose their practices.
Prioritize Durability: Invest in well-made, long-lasting shoes.
Donate Old Shoes: You can bring your old shoes to John’s Run/Walk Shop. We sort them so that gently used shoes go to Lighthouse Ministries or the Hope Center for people in our community who need them. If shoes are too beat up for that, we send them to Sneaker Impact for refurbishing or recycling.
Support Ethical Manufacturing: Choose brands with fair labor practices.
Care for Your Shoes: Extend their lifespan with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Choosing sustainable footwear is a joint effort. By supporting innovative brands and making conscious choices, we can all step towards a greener future.
