The 9 Best Eco-Friendly Sneakers of 2023

Best Overall

Allbirds Tree Dashers

4.8

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If you’re on the hunt for sustainable sneakers, our top choice is the B Corp and eco-conscious footwear brand Allbirds. The soft, breathable fiber used to make these tennis shoes is spun from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees, sourced from South African farms where harvested rainwater replaces traditional irrigation.

Post-consumer recycled polyester is repurposed to make the laces, while Brazilian sugarcane makes up the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA, which keeps the midsole bouncy. Eucalyptus fiber uses 95% less water to make than traditional materials such as cotton, Allbirds—with a few offsets thrown in for good measure—are a carbon-neutral company.

Available in men's and women’s styles that run true to size, these sneakers are breathable and accommodating to your feet. One drawback is that they don't offer much arch support, so they're better as everyday shoes than hikes or runs.

Price at time of publish: $135

Best Budget

Toms Carlo Sneaker

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Affordability doesn’t have to mean compromising on your ethics—or at least not in the case of these casual low-top sneakers, available in nine colors (we like Oxford Tan Eco). Part of the Ecowise range from industry innovators Toms, they combine a lightweight and breathable canvas upper with an Ortholite insole made from a mix of plant-derived and recycled materials.

Like many of Toms canvas shoes, it's a good idea to choose the smaller option if you're not sure what size to get because they tend to stretch out over time. The one downside of these shoes is that the canvas doesn't last as long as some other shoe materials.

Extremely versatile, these sneakers are just another example of why Toms is a leading force when it comes to sustainability and ethical choices in the fashion industry. Since 2006, they’ve been giving back to communities across the globe with their one-for-one giving model, and their membership of the Fair Labor Association is yet more proof that they actively support ethical practices in their supply chain.

Price at time of publish: $55

Best for Men

Adidas Solecourt Parley Shoes

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Built for the tennis court but designed to protect the planet, these slick sneakers from Adidas are an innovative design made in partnership with Parley for the Oceans, a non-profit that works to intercept plastic on beaches and shorelines across the globe. 

Offering professional-level stability for your feet, these stylish sneakers will be a match for activity on and off the court. Better still, close to 50% of the textile upper is made from Primeblue, a high-performance yarn containing 50% upcycled plastic waste. We love the fact that Adidas has committed to cutting out virgin polyester from all of their lines by 2024.

Price at time of publish: $119

Best for Women

Avre Limitless

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Each pair of Avre shoes upcycles eight to 10 plastic bottles. The shoes are formed using 3D knitting technology, which means very little material is wasted compared to cut-and-sew shoe manufacturing techniques. The result is a seamless and comfortable shoe that's also very durable. They're available in seven modern color combinations and are shipped in minimal packaging.

Avre is a woman-founded company, which donates a percentage of its profits to different eco-friendly and social causes. If you prefer a sneaker with laces, the brand also makes a collection of walking shoes with arch support.

Best for Kids

Veja V-10 Velcro CWL White Rouille

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Nothing says cute, eco-conscious throwback like these adorably retro kid’s sneakers from Veja. A robust sole gives added cushioning and comfort to these shoes manufactured in Brazil from a whole host of recycled and eco-friendly materials. Recycled EVA, organic cotton, sustainably sourced rubber, and sugar cane make up the insole of these smart sneakers, while the lining is 100% from recycled plastic bottles.

When it comes to the upper, organic and fair-trade certified cotton from rural farmers in the northeast of Brazil is made into C.W.L, a vegan alternative to leather. It’s been designed as a way of avoiding the petroleum-based materials from which many leather replacements are made and is sealed using corn resin and castor oil for a durable finish.

Price at time of publish: $110

Best Fair Trade

Ethletic Fair Sneaker Hiro II Cranberry Red

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These 80s high-top sneakers are both ethically and sustainably made. Organic cotton from small, fair-trade farming cooperatives is woven to make the upper of these retro shoes. A padded heel and removable sole made from coconut fibers add support, while ventilation holes offer breathability. These sneakers use FSC-certified rubber grown on sustainably managed plantations in Sri Lanka. 

What sets this brand apart is its work in giving a face to the normally anonymous fashion industry. When buying your sneakers, you can find out exactly which crafters based in Pakistan made your new shoes, and you can even add a tip to your purchase to thank them for their work.

Price at time of publish: $130

Best for Travel

Astral Hemp Loyak

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Designing low-impact, high-performance activewear is the mission statement of this footwear brand, and Astral's soft hemp and rubber sneakers hit the mark. With an upper made from 77% hemp and 23% recycled polyester, these casual shoes are designed for tough outdoor wear. A flexible outsole makes these shoes extremely grippy and a great option for travel. Not only do they look good, but they’re as comfortable on a trail as they are wandering around a museum. 

Hemp is lauded for its durability, with a significantly better abrasion resistance than cotton, which, combined with natural antimicrobial properties and UV-resistance, make it an ideal choice for performance sneakers. It’s also easy on the Earth, requiring 21% less water than cotton and can be easily grown without pesticides or other polluting chemicals.

Best for Running

Vivobarefoot Performance

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Whether you’re new to the barefoot-style running shoes or a staunch loyalist, you’ll want to consider investing in these trail running sneakers from Vivobarefoot. They're built to better fit the natural contours of your feet and have a thin sole to give your feet almost direct contact with the ground for a more natural run. The company uses a range of eco-friendly materials, including recycled plastic and an algae-based foam called BLOOM.

Vivobarefoot offers a 100-day trial period during which you can return these sneakers, no questions asked. Once they’ve lived a long and happy life out with you on the trail, you can post them back to the company’s reselling arm, Revivo.com, which will clean and restore them to sell secondhand. Vivobarefoot is also a Certified B Corp.