7 Best Sustainable Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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
CoreScore
- Top 10% in sneakers
- Top 21% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Classic silhouette
- Numerous colorways and collaborations
- Easy to style
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Runs large
- Lack of support
- Takes some time to wear in
Verdict
Best Nike sustainable sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 4% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Nike sneakers
- Top 19% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Incredibly comfy
- Soft interior
- Partly sustainable
- Stylish
- Affordable
- Enough wiggle room
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Squeaky sole
- Requires some break-in
- Lacks arch support
Verdict
Best Adidas sustainable sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 2% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 10% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
Best retro sustainable sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 2% in sneakers
- Top 4% in Adidas sneakers
Pros
- Posh aesthetics
- Exudes a timeless vibe
- Comfortable for hours
- Remarkable fit
- Excellent support
- Great top-to-bottom finish
- Unique removable straps
Cons
- Less colorful in real life
- Could be more flexible
Verdict
Best PUMA sustainable sneakers
CoreScore
Pros
- Premium material
- Stylishly cool
- Easy to wear
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Eco-friendly
- High quality
- Height booster
Cons
- With break-in period
- Tad heavy
Verdict
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 2% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 14% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Extremely comfortable
- Eco-friendly
- High-impact support
- Stylish flair
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor board feel
Verdict
Most popular sustainable sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Extremely cozy
- Added height
- Trendy
- Disco hippie aesthetic
- Warm for the winter
- Can be worn all-day
- Rocks casual wear
- Great value for money
Cons
- Requires break-in
- Runs narrow
- Stiff upper dents on top of the foot