In this article, we’ll give an overview of some sneaker companies that have embraced sustainability.

Athletic shoes…sneakers…running shoes…trainers…gym shoes. There are numerous names for this $180 billion industry that’s still growing, but they all refer to the same product.

While sneakers are functional, practical and fashionable, they are also one of the least sustainable products made. Their unsustainability permeates every step from construction materials, production methods, and packaging, all the way through disposal.

Not only are 300 million of the 23 billion pairs made every year thrown out, it takes 30-50 years for them to decompose in landfills, and when they do, their various parts release toxic chemicals from glues, plastics, rubber and polyester.

Sneakers are among the most ecologically harmful products that we can own. Just making a single pair generates 30 pounds of CO2.

Although shoes, in general, have been the slowest wearable to jump on the sustainability bandwagon, more and more companies are acknowledging the need and desire for ecologically safe and ethically made sneakers.

This has been driven, in part, by Millennials, 40% of whom say that they prefer brands that support a social mission.

In addition to being sustainable, many of the brands highlighted in this article support programs such as Soles 4 Souls, Trickle Up, One World Running, Parley for the Oceans and One-for-One donation programs.

What is interesting is the variety of companies that have embraced sustainability.

They include the largest athletic companies (Nike, Adidas & Reebok), casual shoe manufacturers (AllBirds & Tom’s), and start-ups whose founding mission was to create a sustainable sneaker (Nothing New & Cariuma).

Whether you feel most comfortable buying an old standard or are looking for the next new fashion trend, you can find sustainable sneakers that will be practical, yet stylish.