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Shopping for a new pair of running shoes is hard work – you need to ensure they fit your running style, are comfortable, match your gait type, and will hold up for as long as you need them. It’s even harder if you’re narrowing your choice down to include sustainable running shoes.
Despite the rapid growth in sustainable fashion brands, there’s still a lack of eco-friendly running shoes out there.
That’s why we put this guide together featuring the best sustainable running shoes on the market.
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Check out our top pick summary below:
Sustainable Running Shoes Favorites
Best for Short distance 5-10K – Allbirds Tree Dashers
Best for Vegan Running Shoes – On Running
Best for Support – Brooks
Best Barefoot Running Shoes – Vivobarefoot
We’ve collected some of our favorite sustainable running shoes out there to help you find your ideal shoe.
We’re not going to show you any shoes that look like running shoes, but don’t actually provide real support or are designed only with looks in mind. These are all great shoes, made for running in.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the recommendations.
Our Top Pick For the Best Sustainable Running Shoes
1. Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
Highlights: Super comfy, breathable, and lightweight everyday running shoe made from eucalyptus and merino wool. They have the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA.
First, we have the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2. I’ve used these for runs in the length of 5-10k and been impressed!
Allbirds is well-known for their minimalist, high-performance shoes, and the Tree Dasher 2 is the brand’s new evolution of running shoe.
Evolved from the classic and much loved Tree Dasher, the Dasher 2 features a softer and grippier sole (pictured left), with added reflective detailing on the eyelets and laces for safer runs.
In addition to the upgrades on the Tree Dasher 2, the new version of the sustainable running shoe features an improved heel collar that helps lock the ankle in place. I definitely noticed some improved stability thanks to this update.
I did a deep dive review on the Tree Dasher shoe – check it out here.
The uppers are made from eucalyptus tree and merino wool and I’ve found this to be breathable and my feet never got too hot even on warm days. The sole is made of the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA, which includes natural materials such as sugar cane. There’s also good natural rubber traction pads as well, and I’ve never encountered slipping even on running after it’s recently been raining.
The Tree Dasher only emits 9 kg CO2e during the production process, which Allbirds then offset, turning them into a carbon neutral shoe. They’re a great option on your search for a sustainable running shoe.
I’ve found these to be great for running, but I’ve also ended up using them regularly for workouts and as an everyday sneaker. Click here to view them on the Allbirds site.
If you love the look of Allbirds running shoes, but want a running shoe which is more suited to running longer distances, check out the Allbirds Tree Flyer, a shoe with a tighter knit and an external counter heel which cushions your joints and provides a secure fit.
Allbirds Tree Dasher Pros
Allbirds Tree Dasher Cons
2. On Running
Highlights: High-performance running shoes made with high-tech eco-friendly processes
On Running use technology to continuously improve the materials and manufacturing process for their environmentally friendly running shoes.
They’re designed for performance, and have a variety of models to fit different running shoes and shoe preferences.
On’s shoes are lightweight, grippy, and personally, I love the unique looking soles.
These are definitely a great choice and a company to consider in your search for a pair of sustainable running shoes.
They’re also completely vegan running shoes (we reached out to them to confirm this), using no animal glues or materials.
On Running have released a new generation of the popular Cloudflow running shoe styles. The sleek re-engineered uppers give a streamlined look for seamless comfort, and now use 70% recycled polyester.
On Running Pros
On Running Cons
Also available at runnersneed.com, office.co.uk, and selfridges.com.
3. Vivobarefoot
Highlights: Minimal water usage, materials include cork, recycled rubber, natural yarns, and completely vegan.
Vivobarefoot is another sustainable running shoe brand that we definitely recommend.
As you can see on their sustainability page, every part of their brand has sustainability in mind.
In terms of materials, they ensure that everything is sourced in a responsible way. For example, when using leathers they source from wild roaming cattle and sustainably tanned hides. This minimizes water and chemical use in a typically energy-intensive process.
They also use sustainable materials including cork, recycled PET and rubber, and natural yarns.
Their end goal is to make running shoes that create zero waste and have no negative effects on the environment and communities involved in the production process.
Vivobarefoot Pros
Vivobarefoot Cons
4. Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles
Highlights: Water-repellent shoes for wet weather running, made with sustainable materials. Carbon neutral.
The Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles are designed for runners who regularly run in wet and rainy conditions. They’re completely carbon neutral and made with sustainable materials.
The uppers are made with proprietary ZQ merino wool, which as a flourine-free waterproof coating so they never absorb water — perfect if you live in a rainy climate.
The Wool Dasher Mizzles have a grippy sole to ensure you never slip, made with FSC® Certified natural rubber treads, and a comfortable SweetFoam sole.
As rainy weather usually coincides with low visibility, they also have reflective highlights around the show to keep you safe.
If you want even more protection against the elements, Allbirds also make a version with a mid-height sock around the top.
Allbirds Mizzles Pros
Allbirds Mizzles Cons
5. Brooks Running
Highlights: High-performance shoes from one of the world’s leading running brands. They have sustainable initiatives focused on product sustainability, climate action, and responsible sourcing.
Brooks is one of the world’s leading running brands, and for good reason. They produce a range of high-quality running shoes for a variety of running styles. If you visit a local running store, they’ll almost certainly stock several pairs of Brooks shoes.
I’ve personally used a pair of Brooks in the past and only had a good experience with the shoes. As a non-competitive runner, they lasted for around a year of regular runs before noticing any parts of the shoe start to have problems.
Over the last several years, Brooks have been incorporating more and more sustainable practices into their business. For example, wherever they use polyester, it includes at least 20% recycled content. They midsoles in Brooks contain organic, non-toxic compounds that means the EVA biodegrades 50x faster than in traditional running shoes. They also use 44% bluesign approved materials.
The company also has invested in eco-friendly headquarters in Seattle, which has LEED Platinum and ENERGY STAR certifications, using 75% less energy than traditional buildings.
They also have a wide range of other sustainability initiatives. Overall, it’s great to see such a well-known running brand investing in sustainability.
Brooks Pros
Brooks Cons
6. Icebug
Highlights: Trail and cold weather running shoe made from eco friendly materials. Carbon negative production process.
If you’re a winter runner needing shoes that will carry you over variable terrain, including snow and ice, then you need a pair of Icebugs.
You can choose from a variety of outdoor running shoes with studs (or unstudded).
Icebug are a sustainable pioneer. They’re the first climate positive footwear brand, offsetting 200% of the carbon emissions their production processes cuase.
They also donate 1% of their annual profit to charitable cuases.
Icebug uses a variety of eco-friendly materials in its sustainable trail running shoes, including bluesign® 100% recycled PET polyester, algae foam as an alternative to fossil-based EVAs, and they’re currently working towards using non-toxic water repellent.
Icebugs Pros
Icebugs Cons
7. Merrell Moab Flight
Highlights: Trail running shoes made from eco-friendly and recycled materials. Excellent support for tough trails.
This trail running shoe from Merrell, the Moab Flight, is packed with eco-friendly features.
It has a 70% recycled mesh upper, 100% recycled laces, and a 50% recycled EVA foam insole. Plus, they’re cruelty-free with no animal products being used.
They’re designed for trail running, with a Vibram EcoStep sole, made from 30% recycled materials, Grip™ rubber outsole, and a rock plate for protection on hard trails.
Despite the strong support, they’re still relatively light, coming in at 1lbs-1oz (460g), and they offer strong arch support.
To sum it up: these eco-friendly Merrells are an awesome running shoe for trail and cross-country runners. They’re available in men’s and women’s variations.
Merrell Pros
Merrell Cons
8. Adidas x Parley
Highlights: Shoe made from recycled materials and ocean plastics, low energy and low water waste in the production process
We’ve mentioned this collaboration before, but it’s worth talking about again.
Adidas has teamed up with Parley to help clean the oceans.
All of the shoes in the Adidas x Parley range are made from recycled ocean plastic trash. Don’t worry, they look great too. In fact, you wouldn’t be able to distinguish the materials from other shoes, and we’re confident you’ll be impressed at just how good they are!
These sustainable and recycled running shoes are also created using a low energy and low water usage process.
Like other Adidas running shoes, these sustainable trainers are designed for performance, and you can expect to feel great on your next run with these on your feet.
Adidas x Parley Pros
Adidas x Parley Cons
9. Newton Running
Highlights: Reliable running shoes and the company helps communities thrive with its giving back program
Newton Running is our next sustainable running shoe brand recommendation. They’re investing heavily into giving back to communities, as well as creating amazing shoes.
They make ethical running shoes for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out on a Couch to 5k plan, or running your third marathon, Newton Running will have a shoe for you.
They’re big on giving back to communities and charities and use their platform for social good.
For example, they donate to Soles 4 Souls, Trickle Up, and One World Running.
No matter the type of shoe style you like, we’re confident that you’ll find the right pair for you from Newton.
Newton Running Pros
Newton Running Cons
10. Giesswein Wool Cross X
Highlights: Sustainable production methods and facilities, use only certified museling-free wool
Giesswein is a third-generation shoe brand from Austria. They make their running shoes, the Wool Cross X, from museling-free merino wool that are supportive and comfortable.
All wool is handpicked for it’s ethical standards, and Giesswein also have a variety of sustainable production initiatives. For example, they waste 0% of their scraps, use 100% renewables to power production, and 90% of water used is recycled.
The Wool Cross X fits true-to-size and comes in a range of colorways for women and women.
While we haven’t tried these on, we have tested the Wool Runners from Giesswein and found them to be high-quality and comfortable.
Giesswein Pros
Giesswein Cons
11. Hylo Athletics
Highlights: Negative carbon footprint, created using sustainable materials and as part of an ethical supply chain, now completely vegan.
Hylo’s shoes are designed in a circular model – they can be completely reused when you’ve worn them out. The fabrics can be composted, and Hylo will grind up the soles to be used in new pairs of their shoes. This makes them one of the most sustainable running shoe options on the market.
The shoes contain seven different sustainable, natural materials, including: organic cotton, corn fibre, castor bean oil, algae bloom, corn starch, natural rubber, and water-based vegan glue. The brand also offers a carbon breakdown on their website so you can see exactly where the brand is creating emissions and track their progress.
Hylo has released its new running shoe Hylo RUN, which is more durable and performs better than its Light model. The Hylo RUN model is designed for short to mid-distance runners, and while we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re running marathons, the shoe is perfect if you’re just getting started and want an affordable option.
Oh, and they’re completely vegan too.
Hylo Pros
Hylo Cons
12. Lunge Neo Run
Highlights: Sustainable footwear, handmade in Germany
The Lunge Neo Runs are a sustainable running shoe, completely handmade in Germany. They use all vegan and non-toxic materials, so they’re a great option.
The Neo Runs are neutral shoes and have a good balance between comfort and support.
They’re lightweight but offer impressively bouncy souls that preserve energy upon impact and give you an extra boost on the track (something we could all do with!).
Lunge Pros
Giesswein Cons
14. Veja Condor
Highlights: Vegan eco friendly running shoe made from recycled plastic bottles and organic materials
Veja are a well known sustainable sneaker brand.
The Condor is their first foray into running shoes – and you’re going to want to check it out.
The design is modern and stylish, and it comes in a wide variety of colorways for both men and women.
You’d hardly believe the materials in it, either.
The upper is made of 100% recycled plastic bottles, and the mid-sole even contains rice waste. There’s also organic cotton, recycled polyester, sugar cane, and sustainable Amazonian rubber.
Also available to shop from runnersneed.com and thesportsedit.com.
Veja Pros
Veja Cons
15. HOKA
Highlights: OV focuses on using sustainable and recycled materials throughout the production process
HOKA Cliftons are well-known for their comfort thanks to their unique Meta-Rocker system, which has a midsole that essentially rolls from the back to the front, to ensure that every step on your run feels good.
These Cliftons come in three different colors and have a breathable mesh upper that will keep your feet cool and comfortable.
HOKA Pros
HOKA Cons
Sustainable Running Shoes Comparison
| Brand | Allbirds | On Running | Merrell | Vivobarefoot | Allbirds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Shoe | Tree Dasher 2 | Cloudstratus | Moab flight | PRIMUS LITE III | Wool Dasher Mizzles |
| Style |  |  |  |  |  |
| Best for | Neutral running shoe All-rounder running shoe | Increased cushioning | Extra grip on all terrain | Barefoot running shoe style | Water resistant style |
| Running shoe weight | 302.5g (10.67oz) | 248g (8.75oz) | 460g, (1lbs-1oz) | EU 37 350g – EU 42, 460g | 314g (11.08oz) |
| Running Shoe Distance | Everyday mid distance runs, 5K-10K | 5k to a marathon | Trial running, 5-10K+ | 5k+ | Everyday runs, 5K-10K+ |
| Waterproof? | ❌ | ❌ (waterproof styles available) | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ (Water resistant) |
| Eco-friendly materials? | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Certified B Corporation? | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vegan | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Price | $135 | $169.99 | from $81.95 | $170.00 | $138 |
| Where to buy | Allbirds.com | onrunning.com | Merrell.com | Vivobarefoot.com | Allbirds.com |
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco Friendly Running Shoes
The Allbirds Tree Dashers are perfect for everyday runs, between 5-10K.
Other good options include On Running, Hoka, Brooks, and Adidas Parley.
Unfortunately, Nike hasn’t made huge strides with their sustainable initiatives. That said, they have recently released a line of running shoes made with at least 20% recycled materials. It’s a great start, and you can check out the range here.
We recommend you go with Ice Bugs, designed for running in snow and ice. Alternatively, the Mizzle Dashers are made for wet weather city runs.
Veja Condors, Hylo Athletics, and Vivobarefoot are all good vegan running shoe options!
Hoka does not use any animal products in their processes. They’re also a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
Brooks has a wide range of sustainable programs focused on three main pillars: product sustainability, climate action, and responsible sourcing. Shop Brooks here.
Conclusion: Best Sustainable Running Shoes
If you’re in the market for a pair of sustainable running shoes, these are all great options.
Whether you’re looking for completely vegan running shoes, or if you’re into running shoes using recycled materials, these have you covered.
If you’re also on the hunt for sustainable activewear, check out our 20 top picks here. Alternatively, we have curated a specific running clothes guide, check it out here.
Looking for vegan running shoes? We’ve got an article for that too!
Know a brand that deserves to be mentioned in this article?
Let us know in the comments below!
Sustainable Running Socks
Do you need sustainable running socks to pair with your eco-friendly running shoes? Check out Rockay, a European brand creating its high-performance socks from Econyl, a fabric from recycled fishing nets.
Hylo corn and algae shoes look great. Available in Canada ? Saw only UK.
I believe Hylo are a relatively new company so it’s possible that their delivery options are limited. But, if you contact them directly they may be able to help!
Does Vivobarefoot have any stores or just online sales?
Because currently as trainers I am using the Condor Mesh Jaune Fluo by Veja and Corsa Evo Beige by ACBC … but as soon as I saw those by Vivobarefoot I fell in love with them!
They do have stores, you can use their store finder to see the ones near you: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/store-finder
This is great but any idea about wearability? I’m on the heavier side for a runner and tend to burn through shoes relatively quickly. Happy to pay more for an ethical option but not for an ethical option that needs replacing more regularly.
Excellent and helpful article. Many thanks. It drove me to do a bit more research and I found Icebug who’s sustainability credentials look good.
Glad to hear you found the article was useful. Enjoy your Icebugs, looks like they have some great initiatives!
Thats a very good article.
Thank you so much for this article it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for to help with my next running shoe purchase!
How to online purchase Adidas x Parley?
Because Currently I am using the Nike jordan and Puma, but as soon as I saw those by Adidas x Parley I fell in love with them! because of its design look great, and also you mention in your blog it is lightwait and I can feel more comfortable on our next run with these on our feet better than other. Thanks again.
Hi Snehal, You can click to the site via the Shop Adidas x Parley button on our post, or go to the link https://www.adidas.com/us/parley to purchase them online. I hope you enjoy! Bethany @ Ecothes Team
All the running shoes are awesome. But personally, I like the “Vivobarefoot” brand as these shoes look really cool and ticks all the boxes in terms of sustainability and are vegan.
I’ve been running in the Tarkine Goshawks. I love them. Perfect high mileage training shoe made of recycled material and insole is compostable. They have a recycling program too and donate a percentage of profits to protecting Australia’s largest temperate rain forest!
Hey Britteny, thanks for the sustainable running shoe recommendation, we will check out the brand!
Thank you very much for the various information! I usually wear Vivo and I must say that I get on well while I have difficulty finding barefoots shoes for my little ones. For now I have found this site Colline-store and I must say that they fit well and are the only ones that use recycled materials.