The Best Eco-Friendly Running Gear You’ll Love Mile After Mile
This environmentally conscious gear will help you explore mother earth sustainably.
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Runners go through a lot of shoes and apparel, from tank tops to socks to sneakers. However, many runners are focusing on more than just aesthetics and performance these days when it comes to buying new gear, opting for pieces that will not only stand the test of time, but will actually benefit the planet—and your conscience—in the long run.
While you're likely making eco-friendly choices on a daily basis as it is, whether you're using environmentally-friendly cleaning products or composting your food scraps, Earth Day—April 22—presents a great opportunity for making your running routine a little greener, too. Since so many popular products are subject to greenwashing, which falsely represents just how environmentally conscious a particular item really is, finding truly eco-friendly choices can sometimes be confusing.
To help you out, we've gathered up some of our favorite sustainable running gear that you're sure to love. Look below for our choices on running shoes and apparel that will make you—and the Earth—a whole lot happier.
Allbirds has earned a dedicated following, thanks in no small part to these wool runners, which are temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking while still providing an irritation-free running experience.
Better yet, these stylish shoes are carbon-neutral; have ZQ-certified Merino wool uppers and heel linings that are sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced; have sugarcane-based green EVA midsoles and insole foam made from castor bean oil; and even boast laces made from recycled plastic bottles.
These shorts are a great length, as they won't get in the way while you run, but also won't leave you feeling exposed, either. Made partially from post-consumer recycled plastic, they come in a bunch of fun colors and patterns, and 2 percent of each purchase is donated to DigDeep, a non-profit that supports clean water initiatives around the world.
Good news: The Brooks Ghost 14—one of America's favorite running shoe—is carbon-neutral, and the upper is made from at least 30 percent recycled material. This pair is also a great mid-cushion running shoe that's lightweight enough for speed work, and cushioned enough to hold up during long runs.
These shorts are made of over 90 percent recycled polyester, and are designed to tackle the toughest trails. Lightweight and slightly stretchy, they move with you, and don't feel constrictive.
Girlfriend COllective Plum Simone High Support Bra
The Girlfriend Collective is known for its inclusive size range, but the company is also invested in sustainability. This bra is made from the equivalent of 12 recycled water bottles, and its production offset 8.83 pounds of CO2 emissions and saved 48 gallons water. This bra is also high-support, so it will keep the girls in place while running.
Much like their shoes, Allbirds also makes sustainable clothing like this shirt, which is made from a combo of merino wool, recycled polyester and lyocell. This carbon-neutral shirt is also breathable, moisture-wicking, and super soft to the touch, with users raving about how lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable it is.
These shorts are not only made from recycled polyester, but they also show you the exact amount of water saved, CO2 saved, and waste saved in the creation of this garment—0.87 liters, 0.18 kilograms, and 0.02 grams, respectively. Plus they come in six great colors—brick red, black, light pink, light gray, light green, and the blue pictured here—and have a classic, flattering design.
This stylish jacket, made from 87 percent recycled materials (including both recycled polyester and recycled nylon), has a feather-like weight, a close fit hood, and extra long sleeves that can cover your hands. It's made using fair-trade practices and without environmentally-harmful PFCs.
Plus, the entire pullover can be rolled up to fit inside a pouch on the back of the hood, making it easy to store or pack.
Outdoor Voices High Stride 5-Inch Short
These shorts by Outdoor Voices are great for summer runs, or a heavy lift day. They are a great length, hitting mid-thigh, and have a back pocket for some light storage. Plus, they are made from 100 percent recycled polyester, so you'll feel as good about wearing them as you look with them on.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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