Run Happy Blog: Stories, Tips & More

Gear and Technology

Recycled Materials at Brooks

More sustainable running shoes? We make those, and that’s just one of the steps we’re taking to protect the planet we run on.

At Brooks, we are committed to a long-term, science-based approach to sustainability.

As we create new gear and run our global business, we also want to minimize our impact on the planet — so we are limiting our reliance on non-renewable resources through more sustainable materialization and reduced waste.

One of our actions is to replace 100% of traditional polyester and nylon yarns with recycled polyester yarn and recycled nylon yarn in our footwear. As of 2022, 67% of Brooks’ total polyester volume comes from recycled polyester yarns, so we are more than halfway to that goal. By switching from conventional polyester to recycled materials, we reduce plastic water bottles in landfills and lower the carbon footprint of our products.

In addition, new TrailTack Green Rubber in some of our outsoles gives a second life to surplus silica material while offering runners the traction they need to explore any terrain.

Plus, for the first time ever, the midsole features 10% recycled material. But we don’t stop at recycled material. The Green Silence Ghost 15’s main upper textiles (the vamp and tongue) are the most dope dyed textiles by weight out of any shoe in our footwear line. The dope dyeing process reduces water waste by 94% and cuts greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 92%.

The Green Silence Ghost 15 will reduce our carbon footprint as we strive toward our goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2040.

Read more in our 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Putting the pieces together

Protecting the planet we run on is a marathon, not a sprint. Below are some steps we are taking to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2040.

Illustration of how Brooks recycles material

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. For example, we use plastic water bottles as source material for polyester yarn that can be found in materials of some of the uppers in our footwear. 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.

Run responsibly

According to the US Department of Interior, Americans use and toss around 300 million sneakers each year. Poorly made shoes contribute to a fast-fashion lifecycle. 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 GHG emissions before a shoe goes for its first run. And to make sure each of our shoes gets the most out of its life after its first run, we’re introducing Brooks ReStart, a U.S. retail platform for gently used shoes.

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 a mile takes the average person 2,000 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 Green Silence Ghost 15 is a step on our path to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. Over a decade of innovation has resulted in 5% less GHG emissions per pair. The Green Silence Ghost 15 is made of the most recycled material by weight than any other shoe in our line –– paving the way for future low-impact products.

Learn more about the Green Silence Ghost 15 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. A good running pack can carry all the essentials, including snacks. Turn one into your very own feed bag.

Donate old running shoes. Brooks has an on-going partnership with Soles4Souls, who connects gently worn shoes with feet in need. Visit Soles4Souls’ website to find your donation options.

Check out Brooks ReStart, a U.S. resale platform for gently used shoes. Brooks ReStart takes gently used footwear with plenty of miles left to run that traditionally we could not sell and cleans them up to resell. This helps gently used gear stay on the run as long as possible. Through Brooks ReStart we are also able to fund future sustainability initiatives. Learn more about Brooks ReStart.

This is a carousel. Use next and Previous buttons to navigate.