by Nadia Sinclair

Fitness enthusiasts understand the importance of changing their athletic shoes every six months or after a certain mileage to ensure optimal performance. Yet, have we contemplated the environmental consequences of regularly disposing of these shoes? With the spike in athletic shoe sales fuelled by the increasing trend of athleisure and the pandemic-driven rise in home workouts, waste from discarded shoes is surmounting.

Most athletic shoes, due to their composite man-made materials, are nearly impossible to recycle, contributing to the swelling landfill crisis. Approximately 300 million pairs of shoes meet their end in dumps in the UK annually—the aftermath being an enormous pile of mostly non-biodegradable sports shoes—with a life expectancy of thousands of years.

Stepping Towards Sustainable Solution

The fashion industry has been implementing eco-friendly practices for years, and the athletic shoe market is slowly following suit. Many manufacturers are attempting to incorporate more sustainability into their products, focusing on factors like cushioning, durability, breathability, and support without resorting to plastic.

Regardless of the great efforts, the actual “sustainability” level varies across different shoe designs. The eco-friendliness of a shoe depends upon the ecological footprint of the materials used, the factory working conditions, and the brand’s overall environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

As Emma Foster-Geering, Sustainability Director at an earth-conscious footwear brand, states, ideally, a shoe can only claim sustainability if it falls within a cycle that generates more benefits than harms.

Avoid the “Greenwash” Trap

Finding genuine eco-friendly shoes among the greenwashing “eco-friendly” claims can be challenging. It’s crucial to see how a company addresses sustainability and whether they have a substantial environmental standing. Is the product designed for longevity? Is it here to make societal changes, or merely to make profits with an eco-friendly tagline? Your purchase is your vote!

A Step-by-step Guide to Choosing Sustainable Trainers

Purpose: Like all workout shoes, the pair you choose should best accommodate your workout regime—be it running, weightlifting, or CrossFit.
Fit: Ensure your shoes fit properly. Research to see if the shoe runs true to size, and opt for brands that have a return or exchange policy if the shoe doesn’t fit.
Need: Avoid buying shoes for the sake of it. Ask yourself, “Do I genuinely need this pair?”

Five Stellar Sustainable Athletic Shoes

The journey to greener workouts begins with shifting to sustainable footwear. Look out for these five pairs, noteworthy for the eco-friendly vision each represents.

1. The Geo Racer II is made from recycled plastic waste and is designed for free movement, improving foot strength by 60% in just six months.
2. The Tree Dashers are Allbirds’ debut performance shoes, crafted from renewable eucalyptus fibers with a sweet-foam midsole.
3. Nano X1 Vegan by Reebok comprises 100% animal-free material, including a soft durable, plant-based Flexweave upper constructed from cotton and wood.
4. The Ghost 14 by Brooks, predominantly made of recycled polyester, aims to reduce carbon emissions for a real carbon-neutral running shoe.
5. The VEJA Marlin, with 62% bio-based or recycled materials, is VEJA’s most sustainable performance shoe to date, not only looking good but also doing good for our planet.

Start recognizing your carbon footprint, ladies, and let’s step into a more eco-conscious exercise routine today!

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