7 Comfortable Eco-Friendly Sneakers for Global Travel Without Discomfort

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• Travel Products

These sleek, sustainable, and supportive picks will keep your feet comfortable all day long.

Finding the right pair of sneakers to traverse this beautiful world of ours can be quite a challenge. Ideally, you need something that is versatile, packable, and (perhaps most important of all) comfortable.

As someone who has tested out thousands of sneakers in her career, I can be pretty particular about which shoes earn a spot in my luggage. Moreover, I’m always on the lookout for sneakers that are made with sustainable materials and ethical practices. While some brands have made tremendous strides, and others still have a ways to go, I prefer brands, big and small, that are taking steps in the right direction.

With all that in mind, and in honor of April being Earth Month, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite sustainable sneakers that are eco-friendly, comfortable, and also perfect for your spring and summer travels. Whether you’re in the market for something more sporty or sleek, consider going for an option with a lighter footprint like the Earth-friendly picks from Nike, Allbirds, On Running, and other top brands below.

Cariuma Oca High-Top Canvas Sneakers

This celeb-loved sneaker brand is absolutely worth the hype. The brand was built with eco-conscience at its foundation to produce a smaller footprint: all of its shoes feature raw materials, their warehouses meet high environmental standards, and two trees are planted for every pair purchased. I’m partial to their Oca High-Tops, which are fantastic shoes with stylish retro vibes, available in canvas, suede, and leather options. I’ve worn these sneakers extensively, and the memory foam insoles make walking for miles feel effortless.

However, don’t just take my word for it; see what some of the sneakers’ 800-plus five-star reviewers have to say about them. One shopper noted, “They are really comfy and haven’t given me blisters on my heels like other new shoes do.” Another customer shared, “Each time I wear them, they get more comfortable… I’m on my feet all day as a high school counselor and I enjoy wearing these.”

To buy: cariuma.com, $98

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes

Adidas has been on a mission to expand its sustainable shoe offerings for years. In fact, it has begun redesigning efforts to minimize waste by collaborating with brands like Allbirds and Parley, aiming for 90 percent of its products to feature more earth-friendly materials by 2025. The Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes exemplify this shift, featuring recycled materials, including Parley Ocean Plastic and recycled polyester, yielding a 10-percent lower carbon footprint than previous iterations.

I’ve worn these sneakers all over and experienced supreme comfort. They are lightweight and breathable, making them a favorite for both casual walks and longer runs. A Zappos customer praised them, saying, “I got these and ran 5 miles out of the box with them. They’re incredibly comfortable and lighter than the previous version.”

To buy: zappos.com, $190

Xero Dillon Sneakers

Shark Tank-famous brand Xero creates footwear that allows your feet to move more naturally. Each shoe features minimal soles that enable the foot to bend and flex without restriction while still feeling the ground beneath. Moreover, they offer a wide toe box, allowing for comfort. The brand’s newest style, the Dillon, serves as a minimalist low-top sneaker, ideal for pairing with various outfits.

While these shoes may lack ultra-cushioning, they provide a unique barefoot-like experience that some may find refreshing. Xero is also transparent about its journey toward sustainability, focusing on creating durable shoes that minimize resource use and utilize eco-conscious materials.

To buy: amazon.com, $99

On Cloud X 3 Running Shoes

Sustainability is central to On’s mission. The brand focuses on reducing waste, using alternative materials, and maintaining environmentally friendly production practices. The Cloud X 3 Running Shoes are some of my personal favorites, having accompanied me on various long walks and hikes.

These shoes feature bouncy zero-gravity foam footbeds and unique Speedboard technology for energy return, ensuring comfort during extended wear. As a Zappos reviewer stated: “This is cheesy, but it really does feel like you are walking on a cloud. I have horrible heel pain with most tennis shoes, and these feel great.”

To buy: zappos.com, $150

VivoBarefoot Primus Lite Sneakers

For a minimalist traveler’s dream, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Shoes excel in packability and comfort. They are designed to mold to the natural shape of your foot with thin yet protective soles. While they may feel unconventional compared to traditional sneakers, they are suitable for a variety of outdoor activities and travel experiences.

The brand prioritizes the planet’s health by minimizing resource consumption during production and using eco-conscious materials, such as upcycled plastic waste for the Primus Lite Sneakers.

They’ve received numerous positive reviews on Amazon, with one reviewer exclaiming, “I can’t go back to normal shoes. I love these. They’re great for running and hiking, and they’re easy to clean.”

To buy: amazon.com, $112

Allbirds Superlight Tree Runner Sneakers

I’ve been an avid supporter of Allbirds sneakers for travel, and the launch of their new Superlight Tree Runners has only increased my enthusiasm. These sneakers utilize a new Superlight foam crafted from carbon-negative green EVA material.

While I haven’t yet traveled with them, I’ve worn them around my neighborhood, and they truly live up to their “superlight” label. The uppers are crafted from eucalyptus tree fiber with recycled polyester, offering a barely-there feel while maintaining adequate support. As of the launch, these sneakers possess the lowest carbon footprint of any Allbirds product on the market.

To buy: allbirds.com, $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature Sneakers

The Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers rank among the most iconic footwear styles globally. For me, they are a go-to choice when I need versatile white sneakers for travel. They pair elegantly with jeans, dresses, and shorts alike. Their foam midsoles provide remarkable comfort— I’ve traversed countless miles in these shoes without experiencing fatigue.

Moreover, the “Next Nature” version incorporates at least 20 percent recycled materials, reflecting Nike’s “Move to Zero” initiative aimed at achieving zero carbon and zero waste across their product lines. While I’d love to see even more sustainable materials integrated into these shoes, I value the eco-conscious steps taken so far.

To buy: nike.com, $115