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

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
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.

Best overall
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 From Zappos
Best trail
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
$120 $76 From Amazon
Best neutral
On Cloudmonster On Cloudmonster
$170 From Zappos
Best stability
Hoka Arahi 6 Hoka Arahi 6
$140 $133 From Amazon
Best wide
Hoka Mach 5 Hoka Mach 5
$140 From Zappos
Best value
Adidas 4DFWD 2 Adidas 4DFWD 2
$200 $110 From Amazon
Most popular
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
$140 $95 From Amazon
See all 101 sustainable running shoes
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest stabilityBest wideBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

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

ASICS Novablast 3
ASICS Novablast 3
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 2,336 users
91 / 100 from 15 experts

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

It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.
ASICS Novablast 3 full review

Best trail sustainable running shoes

Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
$76
See deal  
$120
See deal  
$120
See deal  
$120
See deal  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 211 users
87 / 100 from 5 experts

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

“Average-priced hybrid”—a combination of words that wouldn't scream confidence in a performance shoe 90% of the time. Yet, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure holds its own against road-to-trail bigwigs. To be clear, no one’s wearing these to a Hardrock 100 any time soon. But casual runners looking for some variety in terrain can rest (and run) easily knowing that these shoes are good enough to tackle a little bit of everything.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure full review

Best neutral sustainable running shoes

On Cloudmonster
On Cloudmonster
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 542 users
90 / 100 from 30 experts

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

The On Cloudmonster is the brand's max-cushioned running shoe that "changed everyone's mind." From firm to forgiving, it's a new take that's perfect for daily training and long runs. True to its name, it has a "monstrous" amount of foam that will keep your feet protected and comfy all day. So much so that you can take it out on your walks as well.
On Cloudmonster full review

Best stability sustainable running shoes

Hoka Arahi 6
Hoka Arahi 6
$133
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 17,893 users
88 / 100 from 13 experts

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

Hoka’s lightweight stability shoe is almost identical to its predecessor, the Arahi 5, with a nice, even amount of cushioning and consistent yet subtle stability. This shoe’s ready to take you through long miles and help you with recovery runs. What’s more, it’s lightweight, especially compared to its chunky aesthetic.
Hoka Arahi 6 full review

Best sustainable wide toebox running shoes

Hoka Mach 5
Hoka Mach 5
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 3,613 users
90 / 100 from 22 experts

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

The Mach 5 from Hoka is a performance trainer that can do a bit of everything. If you want to train with speed, it can be your trusty tempo running shoe. And if you want an easy-day or long-distance trainer, the Mach 5's cushy yet stable ride will serve you just right. Even better, it'll give you all the snappiness and energy return you need.
Hoka Mach 5 full review

Best value sustainable running shoes

Adidas 4DFWD 2
Adidas 4DFWD 2
$110
See deal  
$160
See deal  
$200
See deal  
$200
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 1,999 users
86 / 100 from 9 experts

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

Bridging the gap between running shoes and sneakers, the Adidas 4DFWD 2 boosts an exceptional, innovative 3D-printed midsole. This new version has an updated upper, a better fit, and traction, making it more convincing for running, yet still grabbing all the eyes when worn casually. Designed with 50% of recycled materials and exceptionally long-lasting, it’s definitely a cool choice, not only for Adidas fans.
Adidas 4DFWD 2 full review

Most popular sustainable running shoes

Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
$95
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$100
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 153,228 users
91 / 100 from 26 experts

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

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!
Brooks Ghost 14 full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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