8 Sustainable Running Shoes For Some Eco-Friendly Exercise

Karina Hoshikawa

April 7, 2021, 11:50 PM·3 min read

Over the past couple of years, sustainability has woven itself into nearly every aspect of our lives. From making plastic-free swaps in our beauty routines to investing in reusable straws and sandwich bags, creating earth-friendly, sustainable habits no longer seems niche — it’s the new norm.

You may be in the market for upgrading your running shoes if you’re doing intense cardio workout videos from your living room, or you’re lucky enough to have a treadmill at home, so we’ve rounded up the best consciously-made sneakers that don’t sacrifice performance for eco-friendliness.

From innovative designs from dominant activewear brands like Adidas and Nike, to newcomers like Veja and Allbirds that were founded as sustainable alternatives to the traditional options, here are the best sustainable sneakers to shop now.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

<h3>Allbirds Tree Dasher</h3><br>If you can believe it, <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/04/9746658/allbirds-dasher-running-shoe-review" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Allbirds’ Tree Dashers" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Allbirds’ Tree Dashers</a> are made with virtually none of the conventional materials you’d expect in a running shoe: Ethically-sourced <a href="https://www.discoverzq.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:ZQ Merino wool" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">ZQ Merino wool</a> forms the upper, and the laces are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester derived from a single plastic water bottle.<br><br><strong>Allbirds</strong> Allbirds Tree Dashers, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allbirds.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-tree-dashers" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Allbirds" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Allbirds</a> — Allbirds Tree Dasher

If you can believe it, Allbirds’ Tree Dashers are made with virtually none of the conventional materials you’d expect in a running shoe: Ethically-sourced ZQ Merino wool forms the upper, and the laces are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester derived from a single plastic water bottle.

**Allbirds** Allbirds Tree Dashers, $, available at Allbirds

<h2>Asics Gel-Cumulus 23<br></h2><br>Nothing sounds better than walking on clouds, right? Such was the inspiration behind Asics' new running shoe, which features an upper partially sourced from recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.<br><br><strong>ASICS</strong> GEL-CUMULUS 23, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asics.com%2Fus%2Fen-us%2Fgel-cumulus-23%2Fp%2FANA_1012A888-020.html%3Fwidth%3DStandard" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:ASICS" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">ASICS</a> — Asics Gel-Cumulus 23

Nothing sounds better than walking on clouds, right? Such was the inspiration behind Asics' new running shoe, which features an upper partially sourced from recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

**ASICS** GEL-CUMULUS 23, $, available at ASICS

Saucony Jazz Court RFG

This newly-launched, plastic-free sneaker is made from seven renewable eco-friendly materials: Cotton, jute, wool, rubber, wood, gardenia, and beet. It’s the sustainable evolution of the brand’s iconic Jazz silhouette, which was first released in 1981.

Saucony Jazz Court RFG, $, available at Saucony

<h3>HOKA Clifton 7</h3><br>In 2016 HOKA joined the United Nations Global Compact, which is one of the largest corporate sustainability initiatives. They’ve also established their own sustainability goals focusing on waste, water, materials & clean energy.<br><br><strong>HOKA One</strong> Clifton 7, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hokaoneone.com%2Fwomens-road%2Fclifton-7%2F192410930678.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:HOKA One" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">HOKA One</a> — HOKA Clifton 7

In 2016 HOKA joined the United Nations Global Compact, which is one of the largest corporate sustainability initiatives. They’ve also established their own sustainability goals focusing on waste, water, materials & clean energy.

**HOKA One** Clifton 7, $, available at HOKA One

<h3>adidas 4D Run 1.0 Parley Shoes</h3><br>Ocean plastic has been transformed into a sleek running sneaker thanks to Adidas’ collab with <a href="https://www.parley.tv/#fortheoceans" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Parley for the Oceans" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Parley for the Oceans</a>, an environmental collective of creative leaders dedicated to raising awareness of ocean conservation efforts.<br><br><strong>Adidas</strong> 4D RUN 1.0 Parley Shoes, $, available at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=30283X879131&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adidas.com%2Fus%2F4d-run-1.0-parley-shoes%2FFW1229.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Adidas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Adidas</a> — adidas 4D Run 1.0 Parley Shoes

Ocean plastic has been transformed into a sleek running sneaker thanks to Adidas’ collab with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental collective of creative leaders dedicated to raising awareness of ocean conservation efforts.

**Adidas** 4D RUN 1.0 Parley Shoes, $, available at Adidas

Veja Condor Running Sneaker

French sneaker brand Veja has been committed to making sustainable footwear since its inception, and its first-ever running shoe, the Condor, is made from recycled plastic and a consciously-sourced rubber sole.

VEJA Condor Running Sneakers, $, available at Free People

Nike Air Max Bella TR 3

According to the brand, all Nike Air soles designed since 2008 (which, as hard to believe it, is over a decade ago!) are made with a minimum of 50% recycled manufacturing waste, in addition to 100% renewable energy sources.

Nike Air Max Bella TR 3, $, available at Zappos

The Tread Runner

Everlane’s Tread Runner sneaks are comprised of natural and recycled rubber that’s 94.2% free of virgin plastic. Plus, the brand's committed to completely offsetting its carbon footprint via a partnership with NativeEnergy.)

Everlane The Tread Runner, $, available at Everlane

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Allbirds Tree Dasher

Asics Gel-Cumulus 23

Saucony Jazz Court RFG

HOKA Clifton 7

adidas 4D Run 1.0 Parley Shoes

Veja Condor Running Sneaker

Nike Air Max Bella TR 3

The Tread Runner

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