On Trend: 7 Sustainable (Not Sneaky) Sneakers

Johanna Björk — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:38 +0000

ColumnSeven sustainable sneakers to live in this summer.

Sneakers are super trendy right now — something we should all be very excited about. Looking fashionable while speedwalking down the street? Oh yes. High fashion labels like Lanvin, Celine, Chanel and Balenciaga have all made versions of the humble sneaker. However, there are better options out there for us conscious fashionistas, made without sneaky materials or production methods. Here are seven of our favorite sustainable sneakers.

1. Blue Sneaker by OAT Shoes
This pair of sneakers by OAT Shoes, based in Amsterdam, isn’t just pretty, it’s also biodegradable and made entirely from sustainable materials. And, they also grow pretty flowers when you’re done with them. Just plant the shoes in the ground, and the embedded seeds will begin to sprout. This model is from the company’s inaugural line, the Virgin Collection.
€149, OAT Shoes

2. Bianca Sneaker from Jambu
Many of the high fashion house’s sneakers incorporate neon details. This ultra-light sneaker not only delivers bright color but also all day walkability and support, toe-bumpers to provide protection on uneven surfaces, a memory foam footbed which conforms to the unique contours of your feet and eco-friendly outsoles.
$89, Moo Shoes

3. Veja Volley
Made from organic cotton from the Northest of Brazil, wild Amazonian rubber and ecological leather, Veja‘s sneakers have set a standard for sustainable sneaker production. This model, The Volley, is inspired by a Brazilian trainer from the 1970s. It feels both retro and current at the same time, and would work as well paired with a minimalistic suit as they would with a cute summer dress.
€89, Veja

4. Jade Navy from MOVMT
Inspired by Isabel Marant’s groundbreaking style, this hidden sneaker wedge is a tasteful blend of irreverence and elegance. It sneakily adds two inches to your height, without sacrificing comfort or style. Made with organic cotton canvas, water-based glues, nickel-free eyelets and natural dyes, they’re as conscious as they’re fun.
$109.95, Moo Shoes

5. Puma InCycle Biodegradable Basket Sneakers
From Puma’s new InCycle line of recyclable and biodegradable basics comes the Basket sneaker. Its APINATbio tooling and organic canvas upper are biodegradable, and its construction employs hemp curd fibers on the tongue and heel. The sustainable cements used to make them are also fully biodegradable. The InCycle collection is the first line of sportswear to be 100 percent Cradle-to-Cradle Basic certified.
$85, Puma

6. The Grid by Veja
These bright yellow sneaks, also by Veja, “crystallizes a geometrical aesthetics in a photographic work and a pair of trainers.” The French sneaker company is built on principles of ecological inputs, using Fair Trade cotton and latex and respecting worker’s rights. The global chain emphasizes solidarity and the environment — from the small producers in Brazil to the European concept stores.
€110, Veja

7. Unstitched Utilities Fast Lane
The distinct sneakers in Unstitched Utilities’ unpressed collection are made from Tyvek, and contains recycled rubber. They’re super lightweight, highly durable, recyclable, vegan and, most of all, comfortable. The silver/orange/black color combination is in itself runway-worthy.
$65, Unstitched Utilities

Images courtesy of the brands featured

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On Trend: 7 Sustainable (Not Sneaky) Sneakers