Greener Miles: 7 Running Brands With Sustainable Initiatives
Sustainable running is about making conscious decisions to minimize harm to the planet while enjoying the sport we love. April is Earth Month – the perfect time to rethink our habits and make more sustainable choices. The running industry is making strides in sustainability, with brands committed to using recycled materials, ethical production, and carbon-neutral operations. By supporting these companies, runners can reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying high-performance gear. Here are some of the best sustainable running brands to consider this Earth Month.
Adidas
Adidas is reimagining the future of sport by taking meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability.
Change Materials: Adidas is transitioning away from virgin polyester to recycled and renewable materials across its product lines. Since 2024, recycled polyester has replaced virgin polyester wherever possible to help reduce resource use and waste.
Wear Longer: To combat the fast fashion cycle, Adidas is developing solutions that extend the life of its products and materials—keeping gear in play longer and reducing environmental strain.
Move For The Planet: This global movement invites athletes and everyday movers to turn activity into action. For every 10 minutes of activity logged, Adidas donates €1 to sustainability-focused projects via Common Goal—up to €1.5 million annually—supporting environmental education through sport.
From materials to manufacturing, Adidas is focused on driving change into every step of production. Learn more about their mission and partners.
Allbirds
Allbirds has become a leader in sustainable running footwear, with priorities focusing on measuring and reducing their carbon emissions, as well as carbon removal initiatives.
Renewable Materials: Allbirds crafts its running shoes from sustainable, renewable materials such as eucalyptus fibers, sugarcane, and merino wool. These materials are chosen for their lower environmental impact and natural origin. Regenerative agriculture also plays a part in the brand’s sourcing of materials, aiming to help restore ecosystems.
Allbirds ReRun™: This resale marketplace offers gently used and slightly imperfect Allbirds products at a discount, extending product life and reducing overall waste. It's part of their broader commitment to circularity and conscious consumption.
Read more about how Allbirds tracks their carbon emissions.
Brooks
Brooks is committed to sustainability by focusing on both the people and the planet.
Climate Action: Brooks aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040, with interim targets to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and scope 3 emissions per unit of production by 52% by 2030.
Sustainable Consumption: Brooks plans to eliminate footwear manufacturing material waste sent to landfill or incineration by 2030 and introduce its first fully circular performance running footwear and apparel by the same year. This includes increasing recycled and/or bio-based content in materials like their yarn, foams, and other raw materials.
Brooks Restart: The program offers high-quality, gently used shoes for resale, and has partnered with Soles4Souls to donate unsellable returns, extending product lifespans and reducing waste.
Read more about Brooks’ priorities and commitment to make real and lasting change.
Janji
Janji combines a passion for running with a deep commitment to environmental and social impact. Their sustainability efforts go beyond gear—aiming to protect natural resources and support global access to clean water.
Clean Water Commitment: Since 2012, Janji has donated 2% of all proceeds to nonprofit partners worldwide to support clean water projects. Additionally, 100% of Janji Collective membership fees are given to U.S.-based nonprofits working to combat environmental injustice through water access for underserved communities.
Better Materials: All primary fabrics Janji uses have been 100% certified by bluesign, OEKO-TEX, and RWS since 2020. By making gear with recycled fabrics, Janji reduces their carbon footprint and water use. Also, fabrics and finishes with natural odor-resistant properties, like Merino wool, allow you to wear more and wash less, decreasing energy and water use.
PFC-Free Water Resistance: The company has transitioned to PFC-free C0 water repellency treatments, eliminating harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from their apparel and accessories as of January 2023.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Their packaging includes 100% post-consumer recycled mailers, FSC-certified hang tags printed with soy ink, and a reduction in plastic garment bags to minimize waste.
Janji’s approach to design and production shows that performance gear can also be a force for good—on the run and beyond.
Nike
Nike is committed to sustainability through its "Move to Zero" initiative, aiming for zero carbon and zero waste to protect the future of sport.
Carbon Emission Reduction: The company aims to reduce carbon emissions across its global supply chain by 30% by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement goals. Their goal for 2025 is to produce 0.5M tons less of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials to 50% of key materials like polyester, cotton, leather, and rubber.
Waste Diversion & Recycling: Nike diverts 99% of all footwear manufacturing waste from landfills and transforms over 1 billion plastic bottles annually into recycled materials for products like Flyknit shoes.
Sustainable Materials: Nike incorporates innovative materials that reduce environmental impact across its products. These include Nike Forward, a lightweight fabric with a 75% lower carbon footprint, and Flyknit, which uses recycled plastic bottles and generates 60% less waste than traditional methods. They also utilize Flyleather made from recycled leather fibers, recycled polyester and nylon from plastic waste and used textiles, and responsibly sourced or recycled cotton.
Circular Solutions: Nike’s Recycling + Donation program encourages customers to recycle worn athletic shoes and apparel, diverting waste from landfills. The Nike Refurbished initiative offers gently used footwear at reduced prices, promoting reuse. The Nike Grind program repurposes old footwear and manufacturing scrap into new products, playgrounds, running tracks, and courts.
Keep track of Nike’s progress in their impact report.
On Running
On Running’s sustainability efforts focus on material innovation, circularity, and social impact.
CleanCloud®: This technology transforms carbon emissions into high-performance materials. By capturing industrial carbon emissions before they enter the atmosphere, On Running converts them into EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam, which is then used in the soles of their running shoes, effectively reducing reliance on fossil-based materials.
Cyclon™: The subscription-based program offers participants three shoes to subscribe to, one for racing, one for running, and one for everyday. You can request a different shoe at the end of each 6-month cycle. Once the shoes are worn out, they can be returned for recycling, promoting a circular product lifecycle and reducing waste.
Onward™: This re-commerce platform allows customers to trade in gently used On gear. Participants receive a gift card for each eligible item, which can be used towards new or pre-owned purchases. This program extends the lifespan of products, keeps them out of landfills, and offers consumers more sustainable shopping options.
Through these initiatives, On Running demonstrates a commitment to innovative solutions that address environmental challenges in the footwear industry.
Patagonia
Patagonia demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through several key initiatives.
Materials & Fabrics: Patagonia uses environmentally responsible materials like recycled polyester and nylon, organic cotton, hemp, and NetPlus®—made from discarded fishing nets—to reduce waste and resource consumption. They also incorporate Yulex® natural rubber and responsible wool.
Ironclad Guarantee: Their famous guarantee ensures products meet high-quality standards, promoting durability and reducing waste by offering repairs and replacements.
Worn Wear®: This program encourages customers to trade in and purchase used Patagonia gear, extending product lifespans and minimizing environmental impact.
1% for the Planet: Patagonia pledges 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment through their participation in 1% for the Planet, having awarded over $140 million in cash and in-kind donations to environmental nonprofits.
These are just a few of the efforts that reflect Patagonia's dedication to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. Learn more about the brand’s climate goals.
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate Earth Month, it's an opportunity to reassess our choices and commit to more sustainable habits—including how we run. Sustainable running is more than just a trend—it’s a movement towards a healthier planet. By choosing brands that prioritize ethical production, recycled materials, and carbon neutrality, runners can reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying top-quality gear. Whether you're hitting the trails or pounding the pavement, making eco-conscious choices in your running gear can help drive change—one step at a time.
