From running local races to donating worn-out shoes, runners can make more sustainable decisions. This list is a fun place to start!
While brands like On, Patagonia, and Brooks are making headway in the world of sustainability, the biggest challenge of buying eco-friendly running gear remains balancing top-tier performance with what’s good for the planet. (For a refresher on what makes running gear eco-friendly, check out our article: What is Eco-Friendly Running Gear?)
Luckily, we’re here to simplify it for you—without further ado, here are some of the best pieces of eco-friendly running gear available in 2024:
More than any other piece of running gear, shoes need to be replaced regularly, so picking shoes with a smaller footprint can make a sizable impact.
Norda’s approach to sustainability was once unique among shoe manufacturers, though brands like Speedland and NNormal are following suit. Rather than maximizing the recycled content of their shoes, Norda designs them for “durability over disposability.” The longer a product is on your feet and not in a landfill, the better.
Beyond having an expected lifespan that’s easily double that of many shoes, the 001 is made with bluesign® certified, bio-based Dyneema® in the upper and laces. Dyneema—the stuff that thru-hikers’ ultralight, ultra-durable tents are made from—is a ridiculously strong and lightweight material.
The 001s excel both in the world of sustainability and on the trail. The Vibram® CMEVA midsole is firm but protective, and with 5mm lugs the outsoles give superb grip on wet and technical terrain.
As Norda says, “true sustainability is found in durability.” Be warned that durability comes at a cost—the 001s retail for $285. Check them out in women’s and men’s styles.
Brooks takes a traditional and thorough approach to sustainability. In addition to company-wide steps like switching their supply chain to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, many of their shoes are made with recycled materials.
The Catamount 3’s upper is made with about 40% recycled materials, which diverts the equivalent of 8 plastic bottles from landfills. They’re also certified CarbonNeutral®.
Designed for 50K to 100K distances, the Catamount is a medium-stack, speed-oriented racer with a protective and responsive midsole and grippy outsole. It’s most at home pushing the pace on technical trails.
The Catamount 3s retail for $170. Check them out for men and women.
If you’re looking for the single most eco-friendly road running shoes available, you might find them in the Cloudrise Cyclon from On.
Every aspect of the shoe is designed to maximize sustainability—the speedboard is 98% bio-based, the upper is 90% bio-based, and 90% of the material in each shoe can be recycled into new shoe parts. They’re also undyed to save water, minimize chemical use, and make them easier to recycle.
What really sets the Cloudrise Cyclon apart has less to do with the materials and more to do with how you buy them. Instead of buying a new pair of shoes whenever you need them, the Cloudrise Cyclon is subscription-based. You pay $30 each month, and every 6 months you can request a new pair and send the old one in to be recycled. (That comes to about $180 per pair.)
With the Cloudrise Cyclon, sustainability decidedly comes first, with performance a secondary consideration. That said, the shoe is billed as a workhorse trainer that can handle some light speed work, which should make it ideal for most folks’ daily road runs. Head over to On to learn more.
Unlike the Cloudrise Cyclon, the Novablast 4 is first and foremost a killer running shoe that also includes eco-friendly features.
Much of the innovation in sustainable running gear is in the world of renewable materials, and the Novablast 4 is a great example. ASICS uses their FF Blast™ PLUS ECO foam, made with 20% bio-based, renewable material, which contributes to the shoe’s 23% smaller carbon footprint as compared to the industry’s average.
On top of its eco-friendly features, the Novablast 4 has been praised as one of the most versatile running shoes of the year. The goldilocks midsole is cushioned enough for long runs without sacrificing responsiveness, and the woven upper is soft, stretchy, and durable.
The price is also just right at $140. Check out the Novablast 4 for men.
As a running apparel company, Janji is deeply aware of the environmental impact of the textile industry, so they’re focused on creating durable, sustainably made clothes. They also donate 2% of their sales to nonprofits focused on clean water solutions.
With that in mind, check out the AFO Middle Short for women and men. Consistently getting 5-star reviews, and among the top running shorts out there, the AFO Middle Short is made with bluesign® certified materials, including 88% recycled polyester.
And with limited-run artist collections, you can go the distance while looking good doing it.
You knew Patagonia, the company that famously said “the Earth is now our only shareholder,” would show up sooner or later.
When it comes to staying cool, comfortable, and eco-friendly, it’s hard to beat Patagonia’s line of Capilene Cool Trail shirts. Made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories from 70% recycled polyester and 30% Naia™ Renew—a blend of renewable wood pulp and postconsumer plastics—the Capilene Cool Trail shirts check all the boxes for both sustainability and performance.
They’re so nice that they made Running Warehouse’s list of Best Tanks, Best Short Sleeves, and Best Long Sleeve Shirts. Check out the men’s tank and short sleeve, and the women’s tank and long sleeve.
The Canopy Jacket from Brooks is an example of that rare piece of gear that maximizes both sustainability and running performance.
Made with bluesign® certified materials and 100% recycled polyester, the Canopy Jacket is fully wind and waterproof without sacrificing breathability. Running Warehouse named it the most versatile running jacket of 2024, and with a stowable hood, zippered hand pockets (with an internal mesh stow-pocket inside one of them), and elastic wrist cuffs, it’s easy to see why.
The Canopy Jacket even packs down into its own side sling pack so you can stow it without breaking your stride. Versatile indeed. Available in men’s and women’s styles.
Socks may not be the most exciting piece of running gear, but we all know that a good pair of socks is worth their weight in gold in the long run. Enter the Feetures Merino 10 line of running socks.
Feetures’ anatomical design (the socks come in left and right foot specific shapes) is super comfortable and helps lower the risk of blisters. The brand uses recycled nylon and polyester in all their socks, helping to keep plastic waste out of the landfill, and the Merino 10 line adds renewable merino wool and Tencel® to the equation for great insulation and moisture management.
You can get Feetures socks in height options from no show to crew—my personal favorite for autumn running.
Picking a running hat may be second only to shoes in terms of the role that personal preference plays in the decision. That being said, it’s worth giving Patagonia’s Duckbill Cap a shot.
Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory from 100% recycled polyester and recycled fishing nets, the Duckbill Cap is packable, adjustable, moisture wicking, breathable, and dang stylish. It has yet to meet a head it doesn’t love.
Now that you’re dressed head-to-toe in eco-friendly running gear, the only thing left is your vest.
The On Ultra Hydration Vest (available in either 5L or 10L capacity) is ultralight and extremely breathable; it also features minimal bounce thanks to its lack of stretch. But don’t worry, you can choose sizes from XS to XL to dial in the perfect fit.
Both capacities come with two 500ml HydraPak soft flasks and are made with about 85% recycled materials. The Ultra Hydration Vest is available in black or undyed white—the most eco-friendly option.
Thanks for the article, Braden. I will try to buy some of these products the next time I shop for gear.