Eco-Barefoot Running Shoe Guide: Part 3 of 3
Welcome to the third and final installment of Izzit’s Barefoot Running Shoe series! A recent article Tree Hugger posed this question: “Is Barefoot Running Greener?” While the jury is still out, Tree Hugger raised several encouraging points:
First, by default, barefoot running shoes typically weigh significantly less than conventional running shoes. This allows for a proportionately lower environmental impact during manufacturing and shipping. In addition, barefoot running shoes tend to last about twice as long as other running shoes, therefore encouraging less consumption and waste.
Some of the secondary effects include a lighter impact on trails and wilderness by runners using a natural running stride. Additionally, the barefoot running phenomenon could get more people outside, initiating more concern for natural environments as well as a healthier lifestyle including better diets for people and the planet. Some companies are taking things a step further by using eco-friendly materials and processes to produce greener barefoot running shoes.
That being said, if you’re looking to dip your toes into the barefoot running phenomenon, here are my top picks for eco-barefoot running shoes:
1. Kigo
Kigo stands out by providing the running community with lightweight and affordable eco-friendly barefoot running shoes. The slip-on style Kigo Edge provides full foot coverage and a super-grip outsole and bumper for all conditions. The Edge uppers are made from CYCLEPET, which is a stretchy recycled material, while the shoe also has a recycled lining and EVA insole. Kigo uses only non-toxic dyes and water-based adhesives throughout its entire shoe line.
2. VivoBarefoot EVO
The EVO uses a removable/washable recycled memory foam insole and a 50 percent recycled antibacterial lining to keep you eco-fresh. VivoBarefoot is the creator of the first minimalist shoe with a patented, ultra-thin (4mm), puncture-resistant sole that provides both maximum sensory feedback and protection. This presents a key feature as VivoBarefoot believes that 70 percent of the brain’s information about movement comes from nerves on the soles of your feet. I hope you’re not ticklish!
The company uses recycled, locally-sourced materials as well as efficient and eco-friendly production techniques in their independently monitored ethical factories.
3. Newton Sir Issac
Or maybe I should say the Sir Issac (made by) Newton. A great transitional eco-barefoot running shoe, these have beveled heels and toes that guide you to strike the ground mid-foot as opposed to on your heal.
The Sir Issac uses an ECOPET recycled insole top cover as well as 10 percent recycled outer sole rubber. The Newton company has used innovation to create a clever 100 percent, post-consumer waste shoe box that uses soy-based inks, and 100 percent recycled yarn shoelaces and webbing.
4. Vibram FiveFingers Smartwool Classics
The Vibram FiveFingers shoes are probably some of the most visible barefoot running shoes in the market, thanks to their “gorilla/panther foot slippers” appearance as described by our local enthusiast in last week’s Barefoot Runner Interview. The Vibram Smartwool Classics allow the freedom of a barefoot with the famous protection and grip of the Vibram sole. With an sustainable smartwool upper, these eco-barefoot running shoes provide great moisture wicking and breathability even when you feel like you’re being chased by a hairdryer. The smartwool also is naturally antimicrobial and stinks less.
5. Vibram FiveFingers Treksport
Another great choice for our toe wiggling friends, the Vibram FiveFingers Treksport shoes are constructed with a tough, abrasion-resistant, coconut active carbon upper. Coconut active carbon is a renewable resource that comes from beautiful coconut trees and provides great natural breathability to keep you cool and cruisin’. Available in both Men’s and Women’s versions.
6. Sockwa Amphibian
The Sockwa Amphibian, appropriately named, allows the adventurous trail runner to transition effortlessly from land to water. The anti-slip TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) sole is perfect for wilderness environments and creates the feeling of wearing reinforced socks for ultimate ground feel. The Amphibian shoes are crushable, washable, durable and made locally in Ventura, California.
Sockwa encourages folks to “tread earth lightly,” and strives to follow their own advice through eco-efficiency in their office and production cycle, eco-responsible packaging, reduced toxicity in all of their products and manufacturing processes with minimal environmental impacts. Plus as part of the UNEP Billion Tree Campaign, Sockwa will plant a tree for every Amphibian shoe sold!
7. Soft Star RunAmoc Lite
The Soft Star RunAmocs are super lightweight, eco-barefoot running shoes with a ventilated upper using genuine sheep skin that naturally wicks away moisture and controls temperature. The wide toe box allows toes to spread out and you have the option to choose your sole between Vibram trail and street alternatives.
If you want even more customization, you can build shoes to your personal measurements and even pick from different materials to create smooth leather, vegetable-tanned leather, suede or vegan mocs! The shoes are so customizable because they are handmade in Corvallis, Oregon using leather from local tanneries that meet strict environmental standards and use no formaldehyde in the tanning process. All of the dyes that Soft Star uses are non-toxic and FDA approved, plus all of their power usage comes from wind and solar!
8. Jinga Originals
Well not exactly for running, if your looking to bring more of a eco-barefoot feel into your salsa or zumba class, check out the 100 percent vegan Jinga Originals. The dynamic TPU sole will keep you agile and, at 300g a pair, Jingas are guaranteed not to weigh you down. These vibrant shoes reflect the Brazilian vibrant culture with their style as they are 100 percent made in Brazil using factories with high standard working conditions.
All of the shoe materials are also locally sourced in Brazil and Jinga has received the “Green Seal” which is awarded by the Brazilian Government for environmental best practices. All of Jinga’s manufacturing waste is recycled and 25 percent of their profits are reinvested in Brazilian social projects for impoverished communities such as out-of-school activity programs for children.
9. Inov-8 Bare-Grip 200
Inov-8 has created something special with the Bare-Grip 200 by mastering a perfect blend of the barefoot sensation with the protection of a trail shoe. This shoe lacks a mid-sole to insure a direct power transfer from your foot to the shoe, for increased efficiency and feel.
But Inov-8 didn’t limit innovation R&D to their footwear line. The company recently set up an environmental “audit system” to evaluate their environmental impact. Inov-8 found that a whopping 65 percent of their carbon footprint could be attributed to staff travel, while freight impact came in second, accounting for 16 percent. Since these discoveries, the company has been investigating the use of 100 percent renewable energy sources, only shipping urgent samples by air, shipping direct from factories nearest to sea ports, using digital photography assessment of returned items and has decided not to provide company cars while encouraging employees to use alternative transportation methods.
10. Brooks Green Silence
I know that I’ve mentioned this shoe before, but I really can’t help myself. The Brooks’ Green Silence is a performance racing flat focused on green and speed, and is a great eco-running shoe if you’re looking to go slightly less than barefoot. The mid-sole is biodegradable and thick enough to support you in mile to marathon. Brooks also adds in some of their eco, high-abrasion rubber specifically in high wear spots for durability and minimal, light-weight design. With a lacing system that fits like a glove and minimal seams to eliminate rubbing, it’s no wonder I keep talking about them.
So whether you are an avid runner or just getting started, barefoot running shoes can provide a great medium for you to connect with your environment in a new way. And why not protect that environment while you’re at it by supporting companies that are providing responsible and sustainable options for runners looking to go natural?
Tip– When shopping for eco-barefoot running shoes always make sure to check sizing recommendations and adjustments as barefoot running shoe sizing can be slightly different than normal running shoes.
If you want to learn more take a look back at parts one and two: Barefoot Running 101, and Q&A with an Avid Barefoot Runner.
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Image credits: Kigo, VivoBarefoot, Newton Running, Eastern Mountain Sports, Vibram, Sockwa, Soft Star, Jinga, Inov-8, Brooks.
