Here’s something to think about: The average pair of runners or sneakers is responsible for 14kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the course of its lifetime.
With 25 billion pairs of being produced annually, it adds up to an estimated 350 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from the global sneakers industry.
Thankfully, there are options out there offering consumers who want to reduce their own carbon footprint and live more sustainably. Here are five great options for sustainable sneakers.
Nike Flyleather Tennis Classic
Leather sneakers are usually the worst offenders, but the uppers of these classic-style sneakers are made from Nike Flyleather.
Flyleather is an innovative new material Nike has invented.
It’s made from salvaged scrap leather and mixed with synthetic materials making it substantially more sustainable by using less water and less energy to produce. It’s also more durable.
Nike Tennis Classic Ultra Flyknit
The Nike Tennis Classic Ultra Flyknit is made from Nike’s own version of the Primeknit material used in the Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged Parley.
Flyknit is made from plastic bottles which have been diverted from landfill.
Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged Parley
This is a collaboration with Parley for the Oceans.
The upper is made from Adidas Primeknit. It’s a recycled thread made from approximately 11 plastic bottles salvaged from the ocean.
Adidas NMD_CS1 Parley Primeknit
Up to 95 per cent of the material in the upper of the Adidas NMD_CS1 Parley Primeknit is made from plastic bags fished from the ocean.
This sneaker is another option from the Adidas and Parley for the Oceans collaboration to raise awareness of ocean preservation.
The city sock design shows the sustainable option doesn’t have to be safe and boring.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
The environmental impact of sneakers is not limited to the manufacturing stage of their life-cycle.
At the end of their life, approximately 85per cent of sneakers are sent to landfill where the break down over time releasing harmful chemicals into the soil.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 has a biodegradable midsole made from non-toxic, natural materials that break down 50 times faster than conventional sneakers.
Danny McLoughlin writes for athletic shoe review site runrepeat.com
