"Green" Running Shoes

Eco-friendly running shoes aim to reduce environmental impact

The latest trend in shoe manufacturing is the use of eco-friendly, green materials to reduce the environmental impact of running shoes. An article in the November 2008 issue of Runner's World found that the typical running shoe is constructed by over 100 assembly-line workers who sew and glue more than 50 parts before shipping the finished product to the United States. After 300 to 500 miles of use, most running shoes end up in the landfill. The midsoles in most shoes are made with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a material that takes over 1,000 years to biodegrade.

Brooks Running was one of the first running-shoe manufacturers to move beyond EVA and construct a midsole that biodegrades 50 times faster. The midsole, called BioMoGo, is now featured on several Brooks shoes including the Trance 8 (*Est. $140). A Runner's World test found that the biodegradable midsole performed just as well as the EVA midsoles used in previous versions. The Trance 8 was also featured on Wired.com's Wish List for 2008. Calling it "one of the most sophisticated shoes out there," the Trance 8 wins more praise for its biodegradable midsole and stabilizing outsole. Men's Journal also picked this shoe as one of its nine favorites of the year.

Out of nearly 20 reviews on Buzzillions.com, most consumers are happy with the Trance 8 and praise its comfort and breathability. One runner, however, notes that holes have developed in the front of the toebox after less than 80 miles and a few others find the cushioning is not as supportive.

END Footwear is another shoe manufacturer focusing specifically on eco-friendly shoes. In fact, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine labels END as the leader in the green running-shoe industry. They use sustainable bamboo in the collar and tongue, recycled EVA in the midsole and 100 percent recycled shoelaces. Even the shoeboxes are made from recycled materials. Each of their shoes are available in separate models for men and women. Unfortunately, their line of road-running shoes is too new to have garnered many professional reviews, but Runner's World will be reviewing the women's END Footwear PBnJ (*Est. $90) and the men's END Footwear OTG (*Est. $90) in their upcoming June 2009 shoe guide. For now, Warren Greene, the brand editor for Runner's World, remarks that END is "making the greenest true running shoes I've seen."