We often talk about sustainability in fashion, but what does it actually mean when it comes to footwear? As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, sustainable footwear is growing in importance. But not all sneakers labelled as "eco-friendly" are made the same way.

Understanding what makes a sneaker sustainable, how to recognise one, and why it's important can help you make more informed and responsible choices as a consumer.

What are sustainable sneakers?

Sustainable sneakers are designed to minimise their environmental impact and promote ethical practices throughout their entire lifecycle. This encompasses how they’re made, the materials they're made from, their durability, and what happens to them after they’re no longer used.

The aim is to reduce harm at every stage of the process—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation, daily use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.

Image source: SneakerJagers

When is a sneaker considered sustainable?

Not every shoe that is marketed as "green" or "eco-friendly" is truly sustainable. Here are some key characteristics to look for when evaluating whether a sneaker truly meets sustainable standards or not.

1. Materials:

Sustainable sneakers will be made up of natural, renewable, or recycled materials such as:

• Organic cotton: This is grown without pesticides.

• Recycled PET plastic: This is often made out of plastic bottles or fishing nets.

• Natural rubber: This is sourced responsibly from rubber trees.

• Alternative materials like cork, algae, or Piñatex (Pineapple fibre).

These materials often have a lower environmental impact than traditional petroleum-based synthetics.

2. Manufacturing:

Sustainable brands are committed to reducing their environmental impact by using renewable energy, reducing water and chemical waste, and actively reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. Equally important are ethical labour practices, which involve providing safe, fair, and respectful working conditions across their supply chains. Transparency plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of brands, meaning that companies that comply with sustainable guidelines and practices will openly share details about their activities and supply chains.

3. Durability and Design:

A well-made sneaker that lasts longer contributes to decreasing landfill waste. Some sustainable designs are also circular, allowing for easy shoe disassembly and recycling, which helps reduce long-term environmental impact. Some brands now offer:

• Take-back or recycling programs

• Refurbished sneaker collections

• Biodegradable or compostable designs

Image source: Nike

Why Sustainability in Sneakers Matters

The global footwear industry produces over 20 billion pairs of shoes each year, many of which are made with plastic and rubber that don't break down or decompose naturally. Additionally, traditional sneaker production contributes significantly to carbon emissions, water pollution, and textile waste.

Therefore, choosing a sustainable sneaker option helps to lower carbon footprints, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, support brands that prioritise ethical labour and fair wages, and extend the lifespan of existing resources through recycling and reuse.

Moving forward

Next time you're looking for a new pair of sneakers, ask yourself:

• What materials are they made of?

• How were these shoes made?

• Is the brand transparent about its practices?

• Are there any options for recycling or returning the shoes after their usage?

Sustainability is about progress, and when more people opt for products that are made responsibly, it leads to real, lasting change.

You might also be interested in:

What Are Second-Hand Sneakers—Anyways?

How Refurbished Sneakers Offer A Sustainable Option

P448's project Sustainability®: Footwear Innovation With A Conscience