sustainable performance sneakers
Credit: Allbirds

From small start ups to leading powerhouses, nowadays it is simply not enough to make a good product. In light of climate change, the race is on to source sustainable materials suitable for the everyday – even style. The question will always remain, how can we make the same product but with the environment in mind? But now, we have an idea of what that will look like.

Allbirds is creating soles from sugar cane, and Adidas, who partnering with Parley, is cleaning up beaches across the globe. Because it is one thing to have sustainable sneakers, it is another to have sustainable performance sneakers, so you can train hard and tread lightly.

READ: DESIGNERS ARE MAKING LAST CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE

That’s why we sourced the greatest in style and technology for the eight best sustainable performance sneakers. Shop below.

Reebok [REE]cycled Nano x

Reebok has reimagined its much-loved Nano silhouette with a sustainable upgrade, now made with up to 50 percent recycled materials. With enhanced technology, unparalleled stability, runnability, and high density foam comfort, the Nano X supports various movements like it always has, but now with the environment in mind.

sustainable performance sneakers

Reebok Nano X Shoes / $190 AUD SHOP NOW

READ: PRADA SIGNS A NEW DEAL TO KEEP TO SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS

Allbirds Dasher

Allbirds have long been loved by those who discovered them. In 2020, the Auckland-born, San Fransisco-based company applied the same sustainable principals of its hallmark runners, renewable materials, within a studier, performance-driven iteration. Allbirds has fused a natural rubber outsole made for grip, with a sugar cane sole. Inside, castor bean foam insoles offer low-impact comfort and a contoured footbed provides arch support and cups heels for smooth transition through stride. Featuring a breathable mesh created from eucalyptus and odour-minimising merino wool, they are comfortable and kind to the environment.

sustainable performance sneakers

Allbirds Tree Dashers / $225 AUD SHOP NOW

ADIDAS DNA PARLEY

Honouring Adidas’ partnership with Parley for the Oceans, the Ultraboost DNA Parley shoes fight to end plastic waste by using upcycled plastic collected from remote islands, beaches and coastal communities. The shoes feature a seamless knit upper made from reclaimed plastic collected on beaches and coastal communities. The shoes also have responsive cushioning which helps return energy to your stride.

Adidas Ultraboost DNA Parley Shoes / $250 AUD SHOP NOW

taeger tech runner

Locally sourced and made in small quantities from sustainable materials, Taeger’s Blanc Tech Runner is handmade in Portugal from 100% vegetable tanned Nappa Leather. The shoe features a cushioned, comfortable and removable insole and flat waxed cotton laces.

sustainable performance sneakers

Taeger Blanc Tech Runner / $229 AUD SHOP NOW

READ: NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THE BEST FIBRE TO WEAR THIS WINTER TO LIMIT OCEAN POLLUTION

veja pierre 

Veja is serious about reducing dependency on drilling petroleum and plastic waste, which they say is used to make 99 percent of shoes found on the market currently. The Venturi Bastille B-Mesh shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles that when upcycled, creating a fabric that is both breathable and water repellent.

sustainable performance sneakers

VEJA Pierre / SHOP SIMILAR

ON CLOUDBOOM

On’s Cloud Bloom shoes are lightweight, carbon fibre infused shoes designed for serious explosivity and speed. Weighing in at 225g, they feature a single layer of ultralight, engineered mesh to keep weight and temperature down. Reinforced sections and a new and improved pattern on the sole add stability to handle sharp turns on asphalt.

sustainable performance sneakers

On Cloudboom / $300 AUD SHOP NOW

NATIVE MERUCRY 2.0 LITEKNIT

Staying true to their motto, Live Lightly, Native Shoes plan to create 100 percent life cycle managed shoes by 2023. The Mercury 2.0 LiteKnit are proof, crafted with 3D technology and made from recycled polyester. Designed to combine function and form, the Mercury 2.0 LiteKnit are absorbent and washable and feature an easy slip-on design and mondolite weight. All designed to be lightweight on your foot and even lighter on the planet.

sustainable performance sneakers

Native Mercury 2.0 Liteknit / $165 AUD SHOP NOW