Are you looking for a pair of running shoes that are ethical and sustainable but also provide comfort and support? In this guide we will be comparing the most comfortable and ethical running shoe brands certified by us and discussing their ethics, sustainability and comfort.
Check out our guide if you want to find out more about what certified sustainable fashion is and what it takes for a brand to become certified.
5 Ethical Running Shoe Options to Check Out
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1. 8000Kicks Hemp Runners
The first ethical running shoe we recommend is from the brand 8000Kicks who are known for using the world’s most sustainable fiber, Hemp. The ‘Hemp Runners’ are said to be the most comfortable plant shoe, and use the world’s 1st Hemp insoles.
Sustainability:
- Recycled rubber sole
- Durable hemp fibers
- 100% vegan
Comfort/support:
- Ultra light, cushioning soles
- Super breathable
- Ankle support
- Wide toebox
The Hemp Runners are a great option for their comfort and versatility. They are well-designed for running but are also suitable for walking or just standing. They use Hemp, a sustainable and durable fiber, making a comeback.
The shoes have anti-slip bottom soles, made with recycled composites from old shoes. This is environmentally-friendly and gives you extra support to prevent you from slipping. The midsole comes in a high cushioning sole for maximum absorption and comfort on every step.
Hemp is naturally porous, which makes these kicks super breathable to keep your feet cool and limits odors. Hemp is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial and is a naturally insulating fiber, keeping your feet warm and healthy. The Hemp insoles offer unlimited comfort with ankle support and a wide toebox, so you can move freely.
8000Kicks chooses premium and sustainable materials, like rubber and hemp, but also chooses the best people to work for them. Their high quality standards enable them to give customers a product that is comfortable and cares for the planet. The brand is committed to ethical manufacturing, regularly inspects its factories and ensures all workers receive a fair wage. So, if you want a pair of running trainers that protect your feet and the environment, the Hemp runners are an appropriate fit and are ideal for runners at any level.
We reviewed The Runners by 8000Kicks first-hand, putting them through real-world wear and testing. Watch our full video review to see how they perform in terms of comfort, fit, and everyday running use.
2. Blumaka NonSlip ‘Foamlock’ Performance Insoles
Sustainability:
- 14% higher energy return
- 1000 mile guarantee
- 85% recycled premium foam
- 99% less water used
- 66% less carbon generated
Comfort/support:
- NonSlip Foamlock top cover
- 17% more cushioning
- 10mm heel cup
- Sidewall pillars
- 1000+ miles of supreme cushioning
- 3 levels of arch support
Next on our list is American brand, Blumaka. They may not be a running shoe brand per se, but they design and sell high performance sustainable insoles for runners and athletes that are trusted by over 250 pro athletes for their comfort and support.
Their NonSlip ‘Foamlock’ performance insoles come with 17% more cushioning and a max cushion option. The 10mm heel cup creates stability and the sidewall pillars add support. There are 3 levels of arch support, low, medium and high, so runners and athletes can find the right level of support for their feet. It’s no wonder that Blumaka’s insoles help 90% of athletes start faster.
However, their performance insoles are also supporting the environment with their sustainable standards. The insoles are made of 85% recycled premium foam which reduces excessive material waste. 99% less water was used and 66% less carbon was generated in the insole’s manufacturing.
Blumaka holds the Global recycled standard certification and has 100% traceability on its suppliers. The company practices ethical standards and prioritises fair wages and employee well-being. These insoles have the power to protect the planet but also the power and grip to protect your feet. So, whether you are running on the road or training for a championship, Blumaka’s insoles are perfect for runners and athletes who are looking for sustainability, support and stability.
3. VEJA Condor 3 Sneakers
Sustainability:
- 100% rubber sole
- Lining: 100% recycled polyester
- Outer: 100% recycled polyester
Comfort/support:
- Mesh panelling
- Front lace-up fastening
- Full lining
- Chunky rubber sole
VEJA is a footwear brand, who sell casual sneakers, running and athletic shoes. They play a strong part when it comes to sustainability and ethics. They use organic and recycled materials, pay fair prices to workers and maintain high ethical standards in their production.
VEJA’s Condor 3 sneakers are a great example of their environmental and ethical values, as the shoe is made of 100% recycled materials, which include a rubber sole and a lining and outer, each made of recycled polyester. The brand also sources materials like organic cotton and Amazonian rubber, and prides themselves on investing in local communities and working closely with their producers.
The Condor 3 Sneakers are a solid, comfortable and versatile running shoe as they have mesh panelling, a full lining and a chunky rubber sole. Therefore, the shoe is built on comfort and durability, making it ideal for running and walking. The front lace-up fastening ensures extra support and is adjustable when running.The product also comes in a range of bright colours and designs. It is worth noting though that these shoes are more suitable for shorter, regular runs on roads and light trails. Plus, they are ideal for newer runners.
You can find out more about what makes VEJA’s Condor 3 a great everyday running shoe in this video: Veja Condor 3 Review: A step forward for sustainable running shoes?
4. 8000Kicks Explorer V2
The next shoes we recommend are also 8000 kicks. The Explorer V2 are the 1st Waterproof hemp shoes, which are suitable for walking and running.
Sustainability:
- Super strong hemp fibers
- Recycled Polyester lining
- Algae Bloom EVA soles
- Recycled Cardboard box
- 100% vegan
- Waterproof hemp upper
Comfort/support:
- Hemp insoles
- Super lightweight
- Durable
The Explorer V2 is the first ever model of waterproof hemp shoes developed by 8000 kicks. Using the world’s first hemp insoles and super strong hemp fibers, they are guaranteed to keep your feet comfortable and warm.
8000 kicks partnered up with Bloom Foam to create algae bloom EVA soles. The weed upper and algae bottom have improved durability and promote the removal of harmful algae. Eutrophication is a process which occurs when the environment becomes enriched with nutrients, increasing the amount of plant and algae growth to estuaries and coastal waters. It can destroy entire marine ecosystems if not controlled. So, these kicks are not only lightweight and comfortable but are helping to protect our ecosystems.
The Explorer V2 is fully weatherproof and dustproof, and the hemp fiber has been designed to repel water from coming in. There is also a waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry. These features make the shoe durable, practical and ensure your feet are comfortable and protected at all times. This product contributes to sustainability as it is PFC free. PFC’s can’t be broken down by natural processes, therefore avoiding them prevents their release into the natural environment.
This product is 100% vegan. Every pair uses only 4.1 kg of CO2, so their shoes are not only contributing less CO2 to the planet, but are also animal-friendly. This is beneficial to their people too as the manufacturing uses fewer harmful chemicals, therefore creating an improved work environment. As a result, the Explorer V2 is a sustainable choice for people, animals and our planet.
Although this is a comfortable and eco-friendly shoe primarily for walking, some of their customers rated it great for running too:
Best shoe ever! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“They keep my feet warm, dry and comfortable, and they have great support for running, which might be unexpected.”
Great shoes Explorer V2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Shoes are very comfortable, light weight, great for running and walking long distances, love the hemp water resistant material way superior over cotton & synthetic materials found in a lot of other shoes these days highly recommended :-).”
I BET THESE WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKERS TOO!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My foot is usually too wide for most sneakers so it’s always been a struggle to find comfortable running/walking shoes that don’t cause them to throb later!! My 8000’s gradually melted to the shape of my foot, over the first few months, and it wasn’t even painful!”
5. ECOALF Black Ventura Trainers
The last brand we will look at is ECOALF with their Black Ventura Trainers. ECOALF is a certified B Corp brand and was voted as the most environmentally responsible company in Spain in 2023 and 2022.
Sustainability:
- Wide range of recycled materials
- Strobel fitting reduces carbon footprint
- 32 liters of water saved
- 5,89 kg CO2 eq saved
- 20.574km behind committed to sustainability
- B Corp certification
Comfort/support:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Phylon midsole
- Rubber outsole
ECOALF’s Black Ventura Trainers use a variety of recycled materials, such as a 100% recycled nylon upper, an insole lining made of 100% recycled polyester, and the main lining made of 70% polyurethane and 30% recycled polyester. They also have a strobel fitting, a common construction method in trainer manufacturing that is designed to create a high-comfort, lightweight feel and reduces carbon footprint.
Although Ecoalf focuses more on stylish and casual sustainable trainers, made from recycled materials, rather than performance running shoes, they offer versatile models like the Black Ventura trainers. These trainers are a comfortable, lightweight and durable option. The phylon midsole and rubber outsole offers comfort and grip, making them apt for lighter runs, workouts and everyday use.
This brand is sustainable as through the making of this product 36% litres of water and 51% kg of CO2 eq have been saved. ECOALF are an ethical manufacturer because they have 135 people behind with safe work and better livelihoods and more than 90 processes from design to sale have gone into an ethically traded product. Furthermore, they use 100% recycled cotton in all their products, which is a clever way to minimise water consumption.
Overall, ECOALF’s trainers tick a lot of the boxes in terms of ethics, sustainability and comfort. They may not be designed for dedicated performance runners but if you are looking for a trainer for general fitness and short, easy runs, then this comfortable, eco-designed shoe is a great option. You can be assured that when wearing these, your feet will be comfortable but you will also be comforted by the fact that the production of their trainers have had a positive impact on the planet and for people’s lives.
Final Thoughts on Ethical Running Shoes Brands
Choosing ethical running shoes doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or performance. As we’ve seen, all four brands featured in this guide are Eco-Stylist certified for sustainability, meeting high standards for responsible materials, ethical production, and transparency—while still prioritising comfort and support for runners.
If you’re considering a new pair, it’s also worth thinking about what happens to your old ones. Exploring responsible ways to recycle or repurpose running shoes is a simple step that helps reduce waste and extend the life cycle of footwear.
If this article helped you better understand ethical running shoes brands, feel free to share it with your network and support more informed, conscious choices in sport and fashion.
Thanks for reading—and here’s to running comfortably, responsibly, and with purpose.
Antonia is based in Gloucestershire and enjoys writing about topics like travel and the environment. She loves learning new languages, reading, baking and running.
