'SUSTAINABLE SNEAKERS' WERE SUDDENLY EVERYWHERE THIS YEAR

As the end of 2019 nears, it feels only natural to think about the past twelve months in terms of fashion trends. So let's recap: biker shorts a la Princess Diana returned, tie dye went couture, scrunchies got supersized (hello, TikTok girls!) and of course, there was the tiny purse trend, which Lizzo rocked recently on the AMA's red carpet. 

But among all things trendy and viral, there was also a growing crescendo of voices addressing the rising issue (and gripping realities) of climate change. In reaction to this, people looked for answers and joy in all kinds of places. Enter fashion brands trying to cater to the ever-changing appetite of today's shoppers. 

Some brands announced they were going on a carbon neutral diet while others unveiled lackluster campaigns to become (sort of) zero waste. Many, many others launched sustainable sneakers. Dio Kurazawa, brand consultant, founder of The Bear Scouts and advisor to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, attributes this to the growing demand for more responsible fashion alternatives. 

For example, this year, French-born ecological sneaker brand Veja upped the ante with its new running shoe while industry giant New Balance launched its Test Run Program, which is made using surplus from other sneakers. Everlane released its first-ever sustainable sneaker while Vans announced a “Save Our Planet” sneaker pack, with a corresponding donation of up to $200,000 to the Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Allbirds was as hard at work in the space as it has been since its inception, launching an eco-friendly collaboration with Just Water. There's also emerging designer Mats Rombaut who released biodegradable sneaker heels.

As the conversation around responsible fashion has risen from a quiet subculture narrative to a powerful movement — after all, this is the year that fast fashion giant Forever 21 went bankrupt — consumer demand has increased. Sneaker brands have been tasked with finding alternative options for uppers while manufacturers have been forced to create responsible molds and alternatives to traditional outsoles. 

"Buyers are totally into the story these brands offer, but also realize the position our planet is in and are keen to support aesthetically pleasing brands who are creating responsible alternatives," adds Kurazawa. 

What will set one sustainable sneaker apart from another moving forward, beyond their production processes? 

"Cool collabs," The Bear Scouts founder says. "Instead of the more traditional collabs, we expect to see industries colliding with material and innovation companies partnering with performance trainer brands. Think Porsche and Boeing's flying car project."

Only time will tell how unconventional collaborations can usher in a new decade of responsible evolution. In the meantime, peep the sustainable sneakers that caught our attention this year — and keep in mind that as always, the most sustainable option is always to repair old sneakers you already own or buy secondhand rather than copping the latest pair.

VEJA

Earlier this year, Veja launched its first performance runner shoe, the Condor, which the brand claims to be the first "post-petroleum" sneaker. According to a release from the brand, approximately 53 percent of the sneaker is made with bio-based, recycled materials, and it was designed for long runs as opposed to marathons. The mesh is made from recycled plastic bottles, the branding is made from 100% castor oil and the lining is composed of organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles.

ANCUTA SARCA

In 2019, the internet caught wind of Romanian designer Ancuta Sarca's sneaker kitten heel hybrids made from used heels and old Nike sneakers that she finds at charity shops and on resale websites. Based in London, the designer makes each pair by hand in her studio where she meticulously takes shoes apart and then puts them back together as new creations. She made her fashion week debut in September as the newest member of Fashion East.

THOUSAND FELL

According to the brand's press release, Thousand Fell "is thoughtfully designed to be your new 10,000 steps a day, perfect white sneaker that will never end up in landfill." The vegan slip-on, which is stain-proof, water-resistant and odor-repellent, has been designed with disassembly in mind so that every part of the shoe can either be recycled, biodegraded or upcycled. Claiming to be the first circular brand to offer full transparency around a product's end of life, the company is enticing consumers by also offering to pay shipping fees involved in sending back their sneakers.