Photo Credit: Hylo Athletics
Shopping for a new pair of running shoes is always difficult. From comfort to support, there are loads of things to check before purchasing the perfect pair. It gets even more difficult when you are looking for sustainable and vegan running shoes.
Did you know that producing a regular pair of running shoes generates 30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions? That’s equivalent to keeping a 100-watt light bulb on for one week, according to a MIT-led assessment.
The good news is that an increasing number of brands are producing sustainable sneaks. That makes shopping consciously easier but it also means it might be hard to decide which ones to purchase. From Veja to Hylo Athletics, here are five picks that we love.
1. Primus Trail II All Weather FG Womens - Vivobarefoot
Founded by two cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, Vivobarefoot believes that the closer people are to nature, the more they will protect it. By combining ancient wisdom and new technology, the brand hopes that their wide, thin and flexible footwear helps simulate barefoot running.
Photo Credit: Vivobarefoot
Though they are not an all-vegan brand, they recently started two vegan collections that include eight pairs combined. What makes this model extra special? It is made using water-resistant constructions, non-absorbent recycled materials, and reused post-consumer plastic waste. If you have been looking for a good pair of running shoes meant for colder conditions or untouched terrain, this would be perfect for your needs.
2. Neo Run - Lunge
Germany-based Lunge was started by brothers Lars and Ulf after years of frustration dealing with running shoes that failed to meet their personal expectations. Now specialising in neutral runners, their priority is that their shoes have a good balance between comfort and support while continuing to use only vegan and non-toxic materials during production.
Photo Credit: Lunge
The best part? This model is an ideal choice for runners of all levels that need little support and stability, thanks to the extraordinary agility this shoe shines on fast runs as well as during daily wear around the city.
3. Condor 2 Alveomesh Nautico Pierre Black - VEJA
Veja is a French brand designing environmentally-friendly footwear. The brand is also a pioneer in leather-free footwear, specialising in vegan sneakers. After four years of pure research & development, in 2019, VEJA launched its first-ever ecological running shoe, the Condor.
Photo Credit: VEJA
If you are looking for a pair of shoes that are high up on the sustainability list, this one's for you. The Condor is the first ever post-petroleum running shoe, composed of 57% bio-based and recycled materials such as plastic bottles, sugar cane and rice waste, among others. Designed to be lightweight, the Condor 2 is the go-to shoe for long, easy runs on roads and parks. Not to mention, it is fashionable as well.
“One of the most comfortable and fashionable runners I’ve ever tried on! The support is there and cushioning as well. Great alternative to the other big name companies. Custom insoles fit well in them too!” - @amyindigo
4. Women’s Runners - Hylo Athletics
Hylo’s approach to creating a positive impact on the environment is centred around their choice of materials. By choosing materials such as corn fiber, organic cotton and algae bloom, they prevent 300g of plastic from entering global circulation every time they produce a pair of shoes.
Photo Credit: Hylo Athletics
Weighing only 215g, these lightweight shoes should be your go-to for a light run, in the gym and getting out and about daily. What’s unique about this is that when you are done using your pair of shoes, you can send them back to Hylo’s to be recycled, saving more waste from going to the landfills.
5. Women’s Trailhead - Lems Shoes
From packaging to our physical product, the brand believes it is of vital importance to them to promote the wellbeing of nature in everything they do. While not all of their shoes are 100% vegan yet, the brand aspires to use vegan materials as much as possible and plans to gradually increase their number of all-vegan shoes in the future.
Photo Credit: Lems Shoes
