Best Sustainable Sneakers Brands
If you’re committed to making a positive impact on the planet, a great place to start is your closet. Leading brands like On and Allbirds offer sustainable options, but how do you know if a brand or product is truly sustainable? Our Clothing Experts break down what makes these brands sustainable by their commitments to sustainability and what materials they use. You will notice key terms to look for when shopping—whether at your local SCHEELS or online.
On
On is a highly transparent brand regarding sustainability, striving to advance circularity and renewable materials. Their commitments include reducing their carbon footprint by 2030, eliminating coal as a direct energy source, and minimizing water and waste usage. Beyond these environmental efforts, this brand develops shoes that feature innovative technologies to deliver exceptional comfort and support, including plush CloudTec® cushioning, Cyclon™ sustainability, and Speedboard® propulsion for everyday use or running.
Top Sustainable Materials:
-
Recycled polyester
-
Organic cotton
-
Castor beans
-
Merino wool
Allbirds
Allbirds is a well-known sustainability brand that heavily focuses on reversing climate change. Their initiatives include using 100% renewable energy, sourcing 75% of their materials from natural and recycled sources, and reducing the carbon footprint of raw materials by 25% by 2025. Beyond environmental commitment, customers rave about the out-of-box comfortability and the added bonus that most of their sneakers are water-repellent!
Top Sustainable Materials:
-
Merino wool
-
Tree fiber
-
Sugar cane
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell acknowledges their impact on resources like water and energy, so they partner with manufacturers who share the common goal to minimize their usage. This brand takes a holistic approach, ensuring fair practices that support the environment, people, and animals. Customers rave about the lasting quality, designer-level style at a fair price, and the effortless versatility— plus, these shoes are guaranteed to earn compliments!
Top Sustainable Materials:
-
Full grain leather
-
Calfskin leather
-
Organic Cotton
-
Margom rubber
Nisolo
Nisolo is committed to a "take-make-dispose" approach to fashion, focusing on minimizing environmental impact from design to end-of-life cycle. They prioritize using durable, environmentally friendly materials, avoiding oil-based synthetics and plastics unless recycled, all while actively reducing their carbon emissions. They are very transparent with listing their sustainability facts on each of their product descriptions! Customers rave about their versatility, durable laces, and undeniable quality at first glance.
Top Sustainable Materials:
-
Genuine leather
-
Green EVA foam
Taos
Taos partners with EcoCart to offer customers the option to make their orders carbon neutral, offsetting emissions through investments in projects like renewable energy and forest conservation. Beyond sustainability, these sneakers include arch support, effortless versatility, and an ultra-lightweight feel to make them a go-to for all-day comfort and style.
Top Sustainable Materials:
-
Recycled husk rubber
-
Natural cork
-
Wool
By choosing these sneakers made from natural and recycled materials, you're taking a step toward reducing environmental impact and making a positive difference. Sustainability can become part of your everyday choices with any product you select. If you have questions about sustainable footwear brands or products, visit your local SCHEELS and speak with a Footwear Expert!