How are scientists making running shoes more eco-friendly while still maintaining their effectiveness? We asked the experts.

(Image credit: Getty Images) Jump to:

• What shoes are considered eco-friendly?
• Why are most materials not recyclable?
• What are eco-friendly running shoes made of?
• Can sustainable materials compete with non-recyclable materials?
• What can scientists do to make running shoes more eco-friendly?
• What can you do to make more sustainable purchases?

Finding the perfect running shoe for you can be a daunting task. Runners have different preferences: some prefer a shoe with good cushioning, while others want a barefoot feel. Some people tend to overpronate, while others supinate, which means they need support in different parts of the shoe: some need a neutral shoe, while others need a stability shoe with arch support to correct overpronation.

If you're also starting to worry about sustainability and wondering where your sneakers will go after they've worn out their welcome, it can be confusing. Buying shoes can become a maze of jargon, greenwashing, and less-than-accurate claims about how eco-friendly a business is.

Luckily, we're here to help you sort out this confusion. We spoke to materials science professor Tony Ryan, a polymer expert and runner who has plenty of interesting insights on the subject.

Our expert

Our ExpertTony RyanSocial Link NavigationProfessor

Professor Tony Ryan MBE is Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, UK, and is the founding Director of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures.

Ryan focuses on the global issue of the nexus of food, water and energy. He delivered the Royal Institute Christmas Lectures in 2002 and was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to science.

What shoes are considered eco-friendly/sustainable?

Sourse: www.livescience.com