The Best, Green Running Shoes and Clothing (PHOTOS)

People tend to view running as a "green" sport because it is light on equipment and doesn't usually require the use of a car to get you somewhere. It's true that running has a lot going for it, however, the apparel that runners use can take a very big toll on the environment. According to a 2008 study by Runner's World, the average runner goes through three pairs of shoes each year, which translates to 430 lbs of CO2 used in manufacturing and shipping. What's worse is that the materials used in running shoes can take up to a thousand years to biodegrade in a landfill. By choosing eco-friendly running shoes and apparel, you can drastically reduce the impact your sport has on the environment. Check out these ideas to help you have your greenest run yet!

New Balance 70

The New Balance 70 is the beloved company's first foray into "green" running shoes. These trail runners are made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester, rice husk rubber, and water-based adhesives. New Balance also chose a design process that reduces waste. Shoe pieces are cut as closely as possible so that they fit together like a puzzle and reduce the amount of wasted cuttings. The New Balance 70 comes in men's and women's styles and has received positive reviews for being light, supportive, and stylish.



Cost: $80.00

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Comments

[sixyfivepercentwater]

10:34 AM on 02/22/2010

The greenest and cheapest clothes are ones which are truly recycled. A visit to a Goodwill store in any decent neighborhood will net you lots of pieces of very good clothing which can either be worn as is or tailored and embellished for a truly individual look. Buying used clothing from a charity not only produces zero carbon footprint, but gives money to people who are in need.

I do draw the line at used shoes, though.

[PaleMail]

10:31 AM on 02/22/2010

Made in China, or is that a silly question?

[Nevervotesrepublican]

05:59 AM on 02/22/2010

I have worn New Balance for 20 plus years now and they are the most comfortable, high quality, affordable sneakers you can buy. They spend their money on sneaker design, not on famous sport's stars.

[Jben518]

11:31 PM on 02/21/2010

Under arumor just came out with a new line of clothes made form recycled fabrics and there is a new company called thriv the makes work out clothes from bamboo and organic cotton but it is only at a few store around the country check( sport authority) a few of them carry it. the thriv is really soft

[William Young]

09:53 PM on 02/21/2010

The green shoes are UGLY!

[fleaba]

09:41 PM on 02/21/2010

Patagonia. Really? That stuff is so overpriced it isn't funny.

[klbrz]

09:40 PM on 02/21/2010

I'm glad to see more companies doing this, and I always try to support as many as possible so they might continue their efforts. However, I don't understand why I should be impressed that they are trying to cut their pattern pieces closer together so there's less waste. Really? I would think less waste of materials used would be pretty much at the top of the to-do list for any company trying to make a profit. This should have been standard business practice for them all, way before we knew about climate change.

[HarrietteTheSpy]

07:26 PM on 02/21/2010

vibram and barefoot - near barefoot running: REALLY go green!

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/07/barefoot/

[HonestJohnnis]

09:32 PM on 02/21/2010

I ran in the kso's for a few months, great for treadmills but it got really painful on asphalt.

[HarrietteTheSpy]

11:29 PM on 02/21/2010

thanks - have you tried the newtons? am intrigued by their design - healthy feet - philosophy

[Anthony Pierre]

03:38 PM on 02/22/2010

you need to read up on your barefoot form and maybe, go without any shoes. that's the only way to learn.. bare foot.

[iKillGiraFFes]

07:19 PM on 02/21/2010

Shoes are a crutch. Real men go barefoot, ask Ahhnold.

[katocat]

06:12 PM on 02/21/2010

Don't bother looking for the New Balance 70, they won't be available until July.

[HonestJohnnis]

04:18 PM on 02/21/2010

I didn't think it was possible to make a better shoe than the NB 992, then they made the 993's.. Best shoe I've ever run in.

[amirtalai]

03:37 PM on 02/21/2010

I have these NBs. They're inexpensive and awesome.

[abbeyroad]

03:54 PM on 02/21/2010

I'm so jealous !

Those shoes look awesome.

I can't afford new running shoes right now, but THESE are the shoes i'll be buying when i can !

[katocat]

06:17 PM on 02/21/2010

Wait, I just read they were not available yet... Where did you get them?

[onalimb]

03:31 PM on 02/21/2010

I run in NB and would gladly purchase their ecoversion - which happens to be on sale now.
Can't seem to find out if it is made here - might have to ring them on that.

[TQQ]

03:25 PM on 02/21/2010

The sneakers are corny.

[tonewheel]

03:06 PM on 02/21/2010

As usual, the word "awesome" hardly applies here.