6 Best Sustainable Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on
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Get your ideal fit of the best eco-friendly, sustainable sneakers that won't cost the earth. Thanks to growing numbers of companies that are becoming more environmentally conscious, we don’t need to skimp on style when buying a pair of eco-friendly kicks from Nike, Adidas, or Puma.

If you’re also taking a stance (like we all do at RunRepeat) against wasteful practices in the fashion industry, then start with this amazing collection of sustainable sneakers available in the market. If you’re fan of the Three Stripes label, they comprise the majority of models on this list. Taking the second spot are the climate-friendly pieces from Nike.

We’ve considered 100+ of the best sustainable sneakers out there. Each pair in the selection are tested and proven to put sustainability in your every step. Take a closer look at our top picks.

How we test sneakers

With over a hundred of pairs in the database, we put in the hours of research and testing to identify the finest models for this guide. Our team of lab specialists measures, weighs, and scrutinizes every feature of the shoes from various brands. We take the footwear to long walks around the city streets or the local park.

Here are the specifics involve:

  • Invest our own funds to test all the pairs of sustainable kicks in the catalog. This is to keep the reviews 100% honest and objective.
  • Lace up the shoes and test their real-life performance by engaging in a variety of activities and the usual grind at the office.
  • After days of wear and tear exposure, we assess the fit, weight, cushioning, toe box, arch support, breathability, traction, waterproof feature, durability, and many others.
  • Gather more data from forums, best-selling lists, and hundreds of other customer reviews.

To end this guide, we finalize the best-rated rankings and assign each pair of sustainable sneakers its overall score. See the respective ratings of the models highlighted on the CoreScore.

Best sustainable sneakers overall

Adidas Stan Smith
Adidas Stan Smith

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 409,822 users

Pros

  • Classic silhouette
  • Numerous colorways and collaborations
  • Easy to style
  • Durable
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Runs large
  • Lack of support
  • Takes some time to wear in

What makes it the best overall?

The Adidas Stan Smith is a legendary sneaker with a claim to fame as the original white tennis shoe for the masses. Culture has respected that for the last 50 years the Stan Smith is still as relevant today as it was when the man was winning trophies. It's fair to say that with its robust design and sleek looks, it's probably going to last another 50.
Read our full review of Adidas Stan Smith here
Adidas Stan Smith Tennis Jump
Adidas Stan Smith Heel Details
Adidas Stan Smith On Feet Tennis

Best Nike sustainable sneakers

Nike Air Max Pre-Day LX
Nike Air Max Pre-Day LX

Corescore

92
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 189 users

Pros

  • Plush cushioning
  • Vintage-modern vibe
  • Clean style
  • Dope colorways
  • Goes with everything
  • Sustainable design

Cons

  • So-so arch support
  • Snug-fitting toe box
  • Slightly expensive

What makes it the best Nike?

A shoe that pays respect to Nike's classics (think Pre-Air Max days), the Nike Air Max Pre-Day LX flaunts an upper with a heritage style. However, unlike other retro runners, this one shows off a futuristic midsole with an exposed Air unit taking its looks to new heights. And just like most Air Maxes, this shoe also gives a "walking-on-air-like" feeling all day long. To top it all off, it's eco-friendly.
Read our full review of Nike Air Max Pre-Day LX here

Best Adidas sustainable sneakers

Adidas Adi2000
Adidas Adi2000

Corescore

97
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 1,594 users

Pros

  • Retro aesthetics
  • Great for skateboarding
  • Vibrant colorways
  • Perfect everyday sneaker
  • Jewel for mix and match
  • Spongy comfort all day long
  • Light even if chunky
  • Repeat buyer magnet

Cons

  • Not for narrow feet
  • Easily gets dirty
  • Non-removable insoles

What makes it the best Adidas?

Although the Adidas Adi2000 is perfect for skateboarding, casual wearers also admire these retro low-top sneakers as their everyday go-to pair. Sneakerheads find it hard not to try this jewel because of its eye-catching beauty, well-cushioned comfort, chunkiness without being heavy, and functionality. It's a welcome addition to the streetwear scene.
Read our full review of Adidas Adi2000 here

Best retro sustainable sneakers

Adidas Forum 84 Low
Adidas Forum 84 Low

Corescore

96
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 2,685 users

Pros

  • Looks and feels premium
  • Undeniable retro charm
  • Progressive comfiness
  • Crisp detailing
  • Street-centric versatility
  • Crazy affordable
  • 50% are recycled materials
  • Basketball-inspired
  • Very soft leather

Cons

  • Roomy fit for some
  • Break-in needed
  • Color might bleed

What makes it the best retro?

The low-top Adidas Forum 84 is a treasure to those who want to score a real throwback Three-Stripe shoe without the crazy price tag. It’s a pick-me-upper too that’s suitable for various occasions. It takes a bit more time comfort-wise, but past its break-in period, the shoe becomes a dreamy piece you can wear all day. There's also no denying its top-to-bottom construction that screams "premium!"
Read our full review of Adidas Forum 84 Low here

Best value

Adidas Stan Smith Vegan
Adidas Stan Smith Vegan

Corescore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 11,229 users

Pros

  • Timeless look
  • All-day comfort
  • Can fit lots of styles and activities
  • Easy-to-clean
  • Can take a beating
  • Lightweight
  • Uses recycled materials
  • Great price

Cons

  • Decreased quality from original
  • Need for break-in

What makes it the best value?

The Stan Smith Vegan from Adidas is its attempt at moving the classic and timeless silhouette forward. At its core is its eco-friendly design, having more than 50% of its construction made from recycled materials. The result is a big win, using responsibly-sourced materials well, and retaining a lot of what people love about Stan Smiths.
Read our full review of Adidas Stan Smith Vegan here
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.