10 Best Sustainable Running Shoes in 2022
Many studies show that sneakers leave behind a huge environmental footprint. An average running show contains many parts that are mostly non-biodegradable. In fact, a recent scientific study found that a single pair of running shoes produce 30 pounds of carbon dioxide on average.
If you are looking for a new pair of running shoes that would help lessen an impact on the environment, purchasing a sustainable, eco-friendly shoe is a great solution. To help you find the right match for your needs, we rather a fantastic list of sustainable running shoes for your consideration.
We’ve tested 20+ eco-friendly running shoes to see how good they are for the environment, as well as their performance, comfort, and overall value.
Overview of this guide
How we test running shoes
There are not that many eco-friendly running shoes on the market. Daniel McLoughlin, the in-house sneaker expert at RunRepeat said that “only 1 in every 29 pairs of sneakers on the market qualifies as an eco-sneaker.” We’ve handpicked 20+ of them and put them to the test in our lab and on the road.
This is how we approach it to get the list of our best picks in different categories:
- We buy every pair of eco-friendly sneakers out there with our own money. This is to avoid brand loyalty or bias.
- We have testers run 30-50 miles on average in each pair and give us in-depth feedback on its on- or off-road performance, comfort, fit, and other important factors.
- We bring the shoes to our lab for more rigorous testing. We do this by cutting them open and reducing each model to its specific parts. We then measure 30+ shoe parameters that make the shoe environmentally friendly or not.
- We gather more comparable data from expert reviews and regular users.
As a final verdict, each pair is assigned a score from 0 to 100 using our proprietary CoreScore system. The best-rated sustainable running shoes are featured on this list.
Best sustainable running shoes overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Breathable
- Great out of the box
- Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
- Great grip
Cons
- Lacks breathability for hot summer days
- Not the best for long distances
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 18% in road running shoes
- Top 23% in stability running shoes
- Top 17% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Stability that's not bothersome
- Protective cushion
- Rolls smoothly
- Also for neutral runners
- Lighter than other Saucony Guides
- Snug and secure foot wrap
- Roomy toe box
- No lace bites
- Breezy for summer
- Upper made of recycled contents
Cons
- Lacks bounce
- Too much rubber outsole in the heel
Verdict
Best road sustainable running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- Insane lightness
- Glove-like fit
- Heel loop
- Easy lacing system
- Super breathable
- True to size
- Comfotable as an everyday slipper
- Extremely flexible
Cons
- Short runs only
- Lack of proper outsole
- Insole not removable
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 4% in road running shoes
- Top 14% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 19% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Balanced cushioning
- Lightweight for stability shoes
- Good lockdown
- Stable platform
- Fun to run in
- Very comfortable
- Improved lacing
Cons
- Grip is not reliable
- Durability problems
Verdict
Best trail sustainable running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in trail running shoes
- Top 3% in New Balance running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Super plush
- Protective underfoot
- Amazing lockdown
- Easy to put on (heel loop!)
- True to size
- Heel rudder
- Looks amazing
- Value at $135
Cons
- Heavy
- Runs warm
- Could be grippier
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% in trail running shoes
- Top 22% in neutral running shoes
Pros
- Grippy on wet, dry, and loose trails
- Lighter than the Akasha I
- No slips on uneven terrains
- Lively ride
- Mutes out impact
- Excellent heel hold
- Tongue stays in place
- Roomy toe box
- Protective toe bumper
- Sustainable upper
- Also for hiking
Cons
- Not for fast runs
- Lacks breathability
Verdict
Best value sustainable running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Adidas running shoes
- Top 20% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Soft landing for heel strikers
- Durable
- Grippy outsole
- Reflective elements
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Heavy
- Adaptation needed (10-20 miles)
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- All-day comfort
- Supportive
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not for wide feet
- Poor durability
Verdict
Most popular sustainable running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 14% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Smooth heel to toe transitions
- Lighter weight
- Comfy ride for long miles
- Perfect for any pace
- Opens up to wide feet
- Not tippy when cornering
- Stable on gravel
- Can double for casual wear
- Sustainable outsole
- Great-value
Cons
- Not as energetic as expected
- Pricier than before
- Not for narrow feet
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% in Saucony Kinvara running shoes
- Top 22% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Soft and responsive cushion
- Insanely light
- Wide toe box
- Stable during fast turns
- Tongue stays in place
- No lace bites
- Airy upper for warm weather
- For low-light runs
- Environmentally friendly upper
Cons
- Lacks cushion for long runs
- Too roomy for narrow feet
Verdict
What are the most popular sustainable running shoes in 2022?
What are the cheapest sustainable running shoes in 2022?
- Adidas EQ21 - from $25
- Adidas Supernova - from $38
- Adidas Questar - from $42
- Adidas Duramo 10 - from $46
- Nike Free Run 5.0 - from $77
- Adidas Terrex Two Ultra Parley - from $78
- Nike Flex Run 2021 - from $80
- Adidas Adizero Boston 10 - from $82
- Adidas Adistar - from $85
- Asics Fuji Lite 2 - from $86
- Adidas Solarglide 5 - from $94
- Saucony Guide 15 - from $100
- Brooks Launch 9 - from $110
- Brooks Launch GTS 9 - from $110
- Reebok Floatride Energy 4 - from $110
