Recycled, upcycled, recyclable and vegan – there are more ways than ever before to ensure that your next pair of trainers tread lightly on the planet, without sacrificing performance or comfort.
Twenty five million pairs of running shoes are imported into Australia every year. And most end up as landfill. Which is a big problem when you consider that the average running shoe is configured of synthetic fibres, rubbers, plastics and even metals – with many taking hundreds, if not thousands, of years to break down naturally.
Globally, 20 billion shoes are manufactured every year, according to Unsustainable magazine. And it’s not just their end-of-life that’s concerning – it’s also how they’re made. Manufacturing processes for trainers can be especially bad for the environment, with shoe production being “responsible for 1.4 per cent of GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions in the world”.
With this in mind, it can be hard for sneaker fans or keen runners to lace up their favourite kicks without a heavy dose of environmental guilt. But big brands are attuned to these concerns, and are incorporating more environmentally sensitive production practices and introducing styles that are composed of more recycled, and recyclable, materials.
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Nike is doing this on a global scale with its Move To Zero ethos. Molly Polak, training specialist at the apparel brand, explains to Body+Soul that “Nike has a responsibility to develop more sustainable innovations that reduce its impact on the planet… Move To Zero helps look towards a zero-carbon, zero-waste future.”
Polak says this means “designing waste out of product from the start, optimising manufacturing processes for maximum material efficiency, and managing scrap material via circular systems to preserve, recover, renew and regenerate.”
But does choosing an eco-friendly shoe mean compromising on support or quality? Polak says no, and that technological innovation and sustainability happily coexist.
How to recycle your running shoes responsibly
There are plenty of local organisations to help ensure your pre-loved shoes don’t end up in landfill.
1. Boots For All
Boots For All redistributes quality shoes to people who lack access to sporting apparel.
2. Shoes For Planet Earth
Putting smiles on people’s feet, Shoes for Planet Earth give second-hand running shoes to those in need.
3. Upparel
Upparel provides a pick-up service from your front door. For $25 you can organise for a box to be collected with up to 10kg of textiles or shoes and they will upcycle (or recycle) the contents.
4. Tread Lightly & Save Our Soles
Both Tread Lightly and SOS have partnered with a number of sports retailers and brands to offer used-shoe drop-off points for consumers.
5. Move To Zero
The latest initiative from Nike, Move To Zero is an in-store recycling scheme. Drop off used apparel and footwear and it will either donate or recycle it.
The best eco-friendly running shoes
On Running Cloudswift, $239.95, theiconic.com.au
Super cushioned with a 100 per cent recycled mesh upper.
Asics Gel-Kayano Lite 3, $270, asics.com/au
At least 70 per cent recycled polyester materials in the upper.
Puma x First Mile Velocity Nitro 2, $220, au.puma.com
Mesh upper made from sustainable yarn.
Adidas Ultra 4DFWD, $400, adidas.com.au
Yarn upper contains 50 per cent recycled ocean waste and 50 per cent recycled polyester.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080V12, $260, newbalance.com.au
At least 50 per cent of the upper is recycled.
Veja Condor Vegan, $168, theiconic.com.au
Upper made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles.
Cole Haan Generation ZerØgrand II, $250, colehaan.com.au
FlowerFoam sole made from natural dandelion rubber.
Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature, $240, nike.com/au
Made from at least 50 per cent recycled content by weight.
Nike Zoom Alphafly Next Nature, $400, nike.com/au
Ultra light, and 50 per cent recycled.
Hoka Bondi 8, $269.99, hoka.com/en/au
Vegan, with recycled content mesh.
Allbirds Tree Flyer, $240, allbirds.com.au
Completely carbon neutral with breathable eucalyptus fibre upper.
