Saloni DhruvPublished on Nov 28, 202210 eco-friendly sneakers that leave a green footprint These sneakers make use of waste so that you don't feel guilty when strutting around in them.Our round-up of eco-friendly sneakers will ensure you no longer have to choose between sustainability and style It’s hard not to be a sneaker person, given the constantly growing and evolving culture of streetwear and sportswear. Luxury labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Valentino have cashed in on the zeitgeist with sneaker drops and collaborations. Globally, the sneaker segment raked in $72.72 billion and is projected to grow by 16.7 per cent in 2023, as reported by Statista. Judging by this number, it’s safe to assume that every individual possesses at least one pair of sneakers, if not more.While the demand for sneakers is high, the processes and the materials used to make them need to be more environment-friendly. A 2013 study conducted by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that manufacturing a pair of running shoes produces 13.6 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. Add materials like plastic, leather and cotton in this mix, which require tons of chemicals to make, leading to the emission of greenhouse gases and deforestation. Thankfully, the fashion and footwear industry has realised the environmental effects in the recent past and has strived to be more mindful, sustainable and, in many cases, even innovative when finding alternative solutions that don't cost the slow destruction of our planet. If you're looking to invest in eco-friendly sneakers, here's a round-up of offerings from sustainable brands. adidas Originals Nizza Parley:Continuing their relationship with Parley for the Ocean—a non-profit environmental organisation that focuses on protecting the oceans, the duo introduced an updated and eco-conscious version of the German sportswear giant’s 1975 Nizza silhouette. Available in sun-bleached and salt-stained colours, 50 per cent of Nizza Parley sneakers comprise plastic waste intercepted from remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines. In comparison, the other 50 per cent uses recycled polyester yarn. To ensure transparency, you can scan a QR code to see precisely where the recycled plastic came from and each step of the process that went into getting the pair to your doorstep.Where to buy: Adidas.co.inNike Air Max TW:The Air Max, first introduced in the late 1980s, has only grown in popularity. Nike drew inspiration from the 1990s Tailwinds with a bulky dad-shoe aesthetic for their newest version of Air Max. The best part, though, is that this latest iteration is designed by utilising recycled materials from post-consumer and/or post-manufactured waste as a part of the ‘Move to Zero’ sustainability initiative, which is the sportswear giant’s journey towards zero carbon and zero waste. Available in three colourways of black, red and blue, the Air Max TW provides maximum comfort with its multi-window airbag, making it worth spending your money on while being a conscious consumer.Where to buy:Nike.comGucci x Adidas Gazelle:The year’s most anticipated collaboration saw former Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele give the Adidas Gazelle a 1980s-90s vintage makeover in Gucci’s monogram splattered around the sports brand’s iconic three-stripe emblem. While the sneakers amalgamated streetwear with sportswear for working out or partying, the shoes were created with Demetra—the Italian brand’s animal-free leather—produced primarily from sustainably-sourced wood pulp and bio-based polyurethane. The sneakers are available in multiple colourways, including yellow, beige and the newly dropped gold version.Where to buy: Gucci.comOnitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Cactful:Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger released a new version of their signature Mexico 66 shoe model with more than 20 per cent of the upper made from cactus-derived material, the production of which targets reducing environmental impact. The manufacturing of this footwear reduced carbon emissions by 80 per cent compared to using leather for the sneakers. In addition to the shoe's upper, other parts like the sockliner and shoelaces are also made from recycled materials. Efforts are being made to use leftover cacti from production for food purposes in the food industry. Where to buy:Onitsukatiger.comPrada x Adidas Re-Nylon:In 2019, Prada started focusing on sustainability by introducing their first Re-Nylon collection, which comprised a five-product assortment of bags and belts made from recycled nylon textiles. While previously Prada gave a minimal makeover to Adidas’ Superstar and Luna Rossa 21, this year, the duo brought a monochromatic variation of the sportswear brand’s Forum. Created with recycled plastic waste from oceans and fishing nets, the Prada x Adidas Re-Nylon shoes come in two colours of black and white with a detachable nylon pouch as an ode to Prada’s signature nylon bag.Where to buy:Prada.comChloé Nama:The French label’s Nama sneakers emphasise the brand’s creative director Gabriela Hearst’s vision to reduce environmental impact by committing to sustainability. Set on a contrasting, ridged sole, the unisex sneakers comprise a mix of materials, with 40 per cent of them being made and handstitched using recycled debris and Leather Working Group-certified suede accents. The soles of the footwear, too, are assembled using water-based glue, which uses fewer chemicals than the solvent-based glue used for sneakers. The platform sneakers may look chunky but claim to be lightweight and are available in multiple colours.Where to buy:Chloe.comValentino Garavani:As a part of Valentino’s ‘Open for a Change’ project, which aims to innovate and experiment with new materials and technologies, the brand introduced two new versions of their iconic sneakers, ‘Open’ and ‘Rockstud Untitled’ but this time in a vegan form. The new version uses recycled and bio-based materials, including viscose and polyurethane, of corn-derived polyols as an alternative to leather. Even the laces are made from recycled polyester, while the brand’s trademark studs are in recycled nylon. Where to buy:Valentino.comAllbirds Plant Pacers:Sustainable footwear brand Allbirds dropped a limited edition of their new sneaker for fall, which promised to be 100 per cent plastic- and petroleum-free by using alternative leather crafted from natural rubber, plant oils, and agricultural by-products—like upcycled rice hulls. Plant leather uses 88 per cent less carbon, making it a sustainable and vegan-friendly option. The wavy midsole is made from sugarcane, while the outsole comes from natural rubber. The laces come from 100 per cent recycled polyester.Where to buy:Allbirds.comStella McCartney Fantasia Mickey Loop:If you're looking to tap into nostalgia, Stella McCartney's 'Fantasia' collection is what you should be eyeing. The British designer has been a sustainability champion for using innovative, eco-friendly materials. As a part of the designer's cruelty-free ethos, McCartney's collaboration with Disney earlier this year features the Mickey Loop trainers in non-leather materials like recycled polyester and bamboo. The shoes are available in two colours—a white pair splashed with the Mickey Mouse logo all over, and a pastel pink featuring Mickey's face in vibrant, psychedelic colours. Where to buy:Stellamccartney.comNike Air Force 1 x Billie Eilish: While Billie Eilish has previously teamed up with Nike to give her take on Air Jordan 15 and Air Jordan 1 KO, this year, the British singer is back to remix the classic Air Force 1s in environmentally conscious materials. The hi-top silhouette features five velcro straps across the top, covering the laces. The sneakers use sustainable materials—the midsole is made from a synthetic nubuck material that utilises post-consumer recycled content. Although chunky-looking, the unique mushroom colour could be an add-on to your shoe closet.Where to buy:Nike.com Also Read: Sneakers for all your needs–from hiking to casual dressing Also Read: The most talked-about sneaker collaborations of 2022 that got us hypedAlso Read: How to take care of your sneakersRead Next Read the Next Article
/established/media/agency_attachments/2025/06/25/FfP7EAeCporXBZlXZaRJ.png)