I try and get new running shoes at Christmas time (and yes, I know I should change them more regularly) so this year I thought I would look into finding some environmentally friendly running shoes. It is always surprising to me where I find leather on my shoes (the internal tag!) and where I find non-recycled plastic webbing (the insoles!). My search for great tennis shoes produced three favorites that will slowly be making their way into my closet. Bonus- they’re all under $100.
New Balance’s Running Shoe Line
I was pleased to learn that my favorite shoe brand is also one of the most ecologically friendly ones out there! New Balance has long been featured in vegan catalogues and has many (although not all) of their shoes made without leather. I especially like that they’ve started to use recycled rubber to create their soles and insteps. Plus, these shoes really stand up to long-term wear. For those who are socially conscious as well, almost every shoe in their line is made in America to ensure working conditions and pay are responsible. Check them out at www.newballance.com.
Brook’s Cascadia 2
This high-performance technical shoe was developed by a vegan marathon racer. The Cascadia is known for it’s ability to wick moisture away and for being a great all-purpose long distance shoe. I especially like that it was developed for trail running to disperse the uneven pressure from stray rocks over the whole sole so that you don’t end up with painful spots from a misplaced foot. Get them at www.brooksrunning.com
Not a Running Shoe – Eco-sneaks
Ok, every girl’s got to have some ‘cute’ shoes in her closet. These wouldn’t be very good for running in, but perhaps for after the after-party! These were just too cute to leave off the list, and they’re recycled and vegan as well. Simple Shoes, the company that produces them, is out of Santa Barbara, CA and their line includes shoes as well as hand bags with all sustainable products. Their cotton is organic, their plastic is post-consumer and their rubber is recycled tires. Their fun website is found at www.simpleshoes.com
After you’re done…
Don’t forget that when you’re done with your old shoes you can recycle them! Nike runs a GREAT recycling program. All you need to do is send your used shoes (any brand) to
Nike Recycling Center
c/o Reuse A Shoe
26755 SW 95th Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070
