Run Happy Blog

Sourcing recycled materials

One of the ways we reduce our company’s carbon footprint is by sourcing recycled materials made from post-consumer waste products, like single-use plastic water bottles . Our goal is for all materials used in Brooks products to be made of a minimum of 50% recycled or bio-based content by 2030.

Design first

Our shoes begin in the design studio before getting tested in our biomechanics lab. Brooks designers use computer-aided design (CAD) templates to minimize waste materials as a shoe style is designed and tested with the goal of zero manufacturing waste going into landfills by 2025.

Run responsibly

According to the Center for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies, 1,2 million tons of used shoes are thrown away in the EU every year. Poorly made shoes contribute to a fast-fashion lifecycle. That’s bad for you, and bad for the environment — it means short-term usage of a product so a consumer will buy more shoes more often.

Brooks focuses on making well-made shoes runners can stick with for the long run. By focusing on how recycled polyester and recycled nylon yarns can be woven into a shoe, we work to lower carbon emissions before a shoe goes for its first run.

Finally, Brooks makes each shoe to last, so you only need to replace your running shoes once or twice a year.

Tip: Want to learn when to replace your Brooks running shoes? Read this article to find out how often you need new kicks.

Next Steps

Did you know that traveling 2 kilometers takes the average person 2,600 steps? It’s true, and Brooks is designing and building shoes to last one million steps. We are working to protect the planet we run on by using more recycled post-consumer waste plastics in our products.

Run Happy, run more sustainably

On average, 67% of our current footwear uppers are made from recycled materials.

The Caldera 6 contains the highest uptake among our current offerings, with 80% of the footwear upper made from recycled materials.

Learn more about our trail shoes and explore our efforts to Run Responsibly.

Do your part

Here are ways that you can help make the run more sustainable.

• Hydrate with re-usable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. For those that prefer flavor or nutrient add-ins, companies like Nuun make recyclable packs of ten dissolvable tabs to enhance your hydration.
• Don’t want to lug around a bulky water bottle? Carry a reusable cup you can tuck in your pocket or bag for easy fill-ups on the go.
• Make your own run snacks. When you buy nuts, seeds, and candies in bulk, you reduce the need for single-use plastic packets. Bonus: Have you tried the Brooks running bags and backpacks? These run bags can carry all the essentials, including snacks. Turn one into your very own feed bag.
• Looking for more sustainable running clothes? We've got everything from eco-friendly running gear and vegan running shoes to ethical running clothes. Discover more sustainable running clothes and shoes!