7 Best Sustainable Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

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.
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
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super bouncy
- Cushy feel for miles
- Breathable
- Light AF
- Ready for cornering
- Locks you in
- Tongue stays in place
- Grippy outsole
- Mad durable
- Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe
Cons
- A tad too long
- More expensive by $10
Verdict
Best trail sustainable running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 3% in Reebok running shoes
Pros
- Good traction on not-so-good terrains
- Lugs don’t compromise on-road performance
- Protective rubber toe wrap
- Enjoyable ride on- and off-road
- Durable
- Better-than-expected breathability
- Supportive upper
- Fantastic lockdown
- Gusseted tongue
- Comfortable as a long walk or hike shoe
- Partly made with recycled materials
Cons
- Out of its element on more technical trails
- Excessively long laces
- Midsole feels like its bottoming out on longer runs
Verdict
Best neutral sustainable running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 5% in On running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All-day comfort
- Bouncy cushion
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Protective for long runs
- Stable when cornering
- Weighs less than it looks
- Grippy on wet roads
- Can work on light trails
- Perfect lockdown
- Built to last
- Sustainable upper
Cons
- Firm for recovery days
- Not for wide feet
- Expensive
Verdict
Best stability sustainable running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 14% in road running shoes
- Top 23% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% 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 sustainable wide toebox running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 5% in road running shoes
- Top 10% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super fun and energetic ride
- Velvety smooth strides
- Runs and feels light
- Comfy for easy days
- Cushioned for long runs
- Absorbs impact
- Awesome fit
- Welcomes wide feet
- Reflective
- Worth the money
Cons
- Slips on wet pavement
- Gets easily dirty
Verdict
Best value sustainable running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in Adidas running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Unique midsole construction
- Supportive fit
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Good grip on roads
- Extremely durable
- Plenty flexible
- Stunning design
- Environmental-friendly
Cons
- Not for the budget-minded
- Very heavy
- Not for wide feet
- Some breaking-in required
Verdict
Most popular sustainable running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 3% in road running shoes
- Top 8% 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