The running market has been growing at an impressive rate for years, with no end in sight. Its biggest driver: running shoes. Hundreds of millions of pairs of running shoes are produced every year. But what does this mean for the planet? How can this volume of shoes, and its future growth, be produced in a way that reduces the impact on the environment? More and more running companies are addressing these questions and their global responsibility by searching for better, more sustainable materials and new, greener manufacturing processes. They are setting up repair services to extend the useful life of their products and recycling systems so that materials can be returned to the cycle at the end of their life. Many of these efforts are literally in their infancy, as running shoes are often complex in design and almost impossible to recycle. However, there are pioneers who are implementing the first solutions - sometimes across collections, but more often in a few styles.
Here is a selection of the most advanced new running shoes with a reduced footprint.
Asics “Nimbus Mirai”: with recyclable upper
Last year, Asics introduced the Nimbus Mirai running shoe, which the company claims is “one of the most advanced shoes Asics has ever made.” “Mirai” means “future” in Japanese, which has been implemented here in the form of a recycling system. The shoe is made from recyclable materials and a specially developed adhesive that makes it easy to disassemble. 87.3% of the upper material can be reused as new polyester. The sole is not yet recyclable - something Asics is working on - and consists of about 24% renewable resources, such as sugar cane processing residues. To make the concept work, Asics relies on the cooperation of consumers, who must return the shoes to Asics at the end of their life, either at Asics stores or by mail.
Icebug “JÄRV RB9X”: more performance, less oil
Icebug from Sweden presents the JÄRV RB9X trail running shoe for the 2025 season. What makes it special is that it massively reduces oil consumption. The durable RB9X outsole, made from recycled natural rubber, maintains its performance for years. The same goes for the “Woven-Engineered” upper, which is durable and resource-efficient to produce. There is also a new midsole made from 55% bio-based TPU, corn-based Susterra®. From a sustainability perspective, the Järv RB9X is according to Icebug “a game changer for the running shoe market. Until now, most running shoes have been made from over 90% virgin oil-based material. With the new Susterra midsole and 26% natural rubber outsole, Icebug has succeeded in producing a trail running shoe with only 47% ‘new oil’. The remaining 53% is bio-based, recycled materials and minerals in the outsole compound.” The trail running shoe received the Scandinavian Sustainability Award from the Scandinavian Outdoor Group.
NNormal “Tomir 02”: repair and resoling extends service life
NNormal, the sports equipment brand founded in 2022 by mountain runner Kilian Jornet and Spanish shoe manufacturer Camper, aims to increase the durability of its redesigned Tomir 2.0 trail running shoe by using even more durable materials.
To this end, NNormal conducted a study involving 7,000 runners. According to the study, the Tomir 02 lasts an average of more than 800 km under standard trail conditions. “We will use this data as a benchmark to improve the durability of the Tomir line, just as we did with the Kjerag 01. We are focused on prolonging the life of our equipment and we are investing a lot of effort to achieve this goal,” says Sito Luis Salas, CEO of NNormal.
NNormal also offers a lifetime free repair guarantee for minor repairs on all shoes made by shoemakers in the Vibram Certified Network, as well as the option of resoling through the Vibram Resoling Program. NNormal also accepts used outdoor equipment of any brand for repair or recycling.
Salomon “Vision”: upper and sole are fully recyclable
In 2019, Salomon introduced the first recyclable running shoe concept, which led to the Index family, which now includes recyclable running shoes and a ski helmet. With the new Vision trail running shoe, Salomon combines its expertise in trail running shoe development with the knowledge gained from the Index running shoe series. Compared to previous Salomon trail running shoes, the Vision uses less material and features an easy material separation solution that allows the upper and lower materials to be recycled separately. Another innovative feature is the use of a midsole and outsole made from a single material, further reducing environmental impact. The midsole and outsole are made of fully recyclable TPU. The upper is made of Matryx, an extremely durable and recyclable material. Customers must return the shoes to Salomon for recycling. Once recycled, the material components of the shoes will be used in the production of ski boots.
Finally, the Vision’s carbon footprint is 54% lower than that of the Salomon Sense Ride 5 trail running shoe for the same performance.
Ulu Running “Amak”: recycled and bio-based material
US running brand Ulu Running has developed this winter trail running shoe for icy surfaces with a strong focus on sustainability. The shoe is made from 30% recycled yarn from old PET bottles, a sugar cane-based EVA midsole and a recycled sockliner. Another innovative feature of the Amak is Polar Bounce technology, which keeps the shoe flexible even in extremely low temperatures. This technology uses materials specifically designed for heat retention and insulation without the need for additional, heavier materials. This technology reduces the need for synthetic and chemically treated insulation materials, which reduces the energy required for production. The boot won the ISPO Award 2024.
Zen Running Club “FutureOne”: bio-based materials
The Zen Running Club is actively working towards a future where running shoes can be buried in the ground when they are done. This means focusing on plant-based materials instead of traditional synthetic or animal-based components. The benefits: First, bio-based materials reduce dependence on fossil fuels by reducing and possibly one day replacing petroleum-based materials altogether. Second, bio-based materials have a lower carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle. And third, bio-based materials are often compostable, supporting the principles of a circular economy.
Key materials include eucalyptus, sugar cane, castor beans and FSC-certified natural rubber. For its award-winning FutureOne running shoe, the brand uses Tencel mesh made from eucalyptus trees in the upper and a midsole that is 68% bio-based. The fully renewable EVA foam is made from sugar cane that is irrigated with rainwater. Castor oil is used for the insoles, an alternative to synthetic insoles. The outsole is made of natural rubber.
Veja “Condor 3 Advanced”: bio-based and recycled materials
With the Condor 3 Advanced, French shoe brand Veja opens a new chapter in sustainable running footwear. Tested over 10,000 kilometers in the Amazon, the Condor 3 Advanced combines innovative technology with bio-based materials and a completely vegan construction. The upper and laces are made from recycled polyester, while the midsole is made from 31% sugarcane EVA and 27% Amazonian rubber. The new Dynamic Plate - 80% sugarcane EVA - provides increased responsiveness and speed, while a redesigned outsole provides durability. The outsole is made from 25% Amazonian rubber. For the insole, Veja uses a combination of sugarcane EVA (52%) and recycled polyester (23%) along with conventional components. Weighing only 276g (EU 42), the Condor 3 Advanced is lighter than ever - yet remains stable and shock absorbing.
Hylo Athletics “Impact”: focus on natural materials
Hylo is a British brand that specializes in sustainable running footwear made from natural and bio-based materials, specifically positioning itself as an environmentally conscious alternative in the sports and running shoe market. The Hylo Impact running shoe is made from 100% bio-based nylon sourced from castor beans. It includes a DWR coating for water repellency and corn-derived lining, lace closure and tongue. The midsoles are made of nitrogen-injected foam and bio-based EVA. While the insole is made of 20% bio-based foam, the outsole is made of 60% natural rubber.
In addition, all shoes are vegan and Hylo does not use adhesives with animal ingredients.
On Running “Cloudboom Strike LS (LightSpray)”: new upper technology for lower carbon emissions
Swiss sporting goods company On has unveiled a revolutionary new upper technology for performance footwear: LightSpray is a one-piece, ultra-lightweight, seamless and ultra-thin upper that is precisely manufactured by a robotic arm in a fully automated production process. This process reduces waste and produces an upper that causes 75 percent less carbon emissions than other On running shoes, according to the manufacturer. Made from a single recyclable material and using an assembly process that eliminates the need for adhesives, it also opens up new possibilities for circular products. The technology is also expected to bring footwear production closer to the consumer. “LightSpray is an important milestone for On, not only in the development of performance products, but also because of its potential to lead us into a more sustainable future,” said Marc Maurer, co-CEO of On.
