Green Your Hike -- Footwear

Minimize the environmental impact of midsummer hikes with this week's tips.

Tip #2: Slip into something a little more recycled

If the backcountry lures you out of workday pumps, then your trail shoes won't look fresh for long. So why insist on kicks made with never-used materials, which can bloat the environmental footprint of your escape to nature? Outfitters including Patagonia and the just-launched ENDOutdoor now offer designs made with more recycled content (and in some cases, less material overall). Far from the conspicuously virtuous shoes of old, these options blend right in with their cool-but-not-so-green counterparts. Try: Women's Stumptown Cross-Training Shoes ($80) by END or Men's Drifter ($110) by Patagonia

Share your stories: Have you tried shoes made with greener materials? How did they compare with more conventional footwear?

Comments

[Laura Wallach]

conventional shoes that can resoled are also a better than conventional way to hike. The material of the hiking shoes may not be as good as those mentioned in this tip, but if you re-sole your shoes instead of buying new ones, that will keep your pair of shoes out of the landfill (and be easier on the wallet). I know Vibram soles can be re-soled, and I am sure other companies offer this as well.

[Michelle]

I have bought a few shoes from Simple Shoes and love them. One pair uses recyled tires for the soles and you can actually see the tire treads in them!

[KK]

Teva has been making shoes with recycled material for some time and they are very stylish.

[Sara]

I don't have my glasses, so I hope this comes out coherently.

I have some Simple Brand shoes that are made from recycled material and I love them (SHHH! I found them at Marshall's, though! TJ MAXX and places like that might even have them.)
Otherwise, they are sold online.
I've seen nothing but quality out of them so far and I bike everywhere so...

[ivette torres]

I think personal hiking shoes is a personal matter. I have a pair by a company called new wave and they are pretty good.

[Sammy]

Are you nuts??? Shoes from $80-$110 are not my idea of recycled. Shoe repair is much cheaper as are used shoes from garage sales or Goodwill. We are never going to end Corporatist Government by purchasing shoes that cost $80-$110 dollars. Purchase your shoes locally and forget the national brands. Some local shoe repair shops are beginning to recycle old shoes at very reasonable prices. You would be amazed at the quality of shoes that can be bought for peanuts at estate sales. Before you spend $100.00 on a pair of recycled shoes, give half the money to charity and spend the other half on two good pair of used or recycled shoes.

[Sammy]

Are you nuts??? Shoes from $80-$110 are not my idea of recycled. Shoe repair is much cheaper as are used shoes from garage sales or Goodwill. We are never going to end Corporatist Government by purchasing shoes that cost $80-$110 dollars. Purchase your shoes locally and forget the national brands. Some local shoe repair shops are beginning to recycle old shoes at very reasonable prices. You would be amazed at the quality of shoes that can be bought for peanuts at estate sales. Before you spend $100.00 on a pair of recycled shoes, give half the money to charity and spend the other half on two good pair of used or recycled shoes.

[Christine]

What about going all green and finding shoes without leather?

[Jennifer Taylor]

finding shoes with local craftsmen (or women!) is the greenest way to go. Recycled tires are wonderful soles, and just TRY wearing those out!! When the straps wear out, just go back to the makers or find a repair shop to re-strap them. Enjoy!

[Trail Mom]

Why don't they make these in wider sizes. Many hikers I know wear E to EEEE they need to be able to try these too!!

[Cyndi]

I bought some shoes from Flat Tire shoes after reading about them in these tips. They look okay, but are really cheaply made. The finish started coming off the first time I wore them.