In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. And when it comes to big-name brands stepping up, Adidas is leading the charge. With millions of shoes produced every year, the company knows the impact it can have on our planet. That’s why Adidas has made sustainability a top priority, especially when it comes to their footwear. From using recycled ocean plastic to creating fully recyclable shoes, their efforts are changing how we see fashion and the environment.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Adidas’ eco-friendly footwear initiatives, what makes them stand out, and how you can be a part of this green movement by choosing Adidas shoes that support a healthier planet.
Why Sustainability Matters in Footwear
Before we dive into what Adidas is doing, let’s take a quick look at why sustainability in footwear is important. Most shoes are made with plastics, synthetic rubbers, and dyes that take decades—sometimes even centuries—to break down in landfills. The production process also uses a lot of water, energy, and chemicals.
The footwear industry produces more than 20 billion pairs of shoes every year. That’s a lot of waste if we’re not thinking sustainably.
Now here’s the good news—brands like Adidas are rethinking how shoes are made, focusing on reducing waste, using better materials, and creating designs that can be reused or recycled.
Adidas’ Journey Toward Sustainability
Adidas didn’t become an eco-friendly brand overnight. Their path toward sustainability began years ago, and they’ve continued to push boundaries ever since.
Here’s a breakdown of how Adidas has approached sustainable footwear:
1. Partnering with Parley for the Oceans
In 2015, Adidas partnered with Parley for the Oceans, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing plastic waste in the sea. This partnership led to one of their biggest innovations—Adidas shoes made from ocean plastic.
Instead of letting plastic waste drift in the ocean, Parley collects it from coastal areas. Adidas then transforms that waste into high-performance yarns used in shoes and apparel.
The result? Millions of pairs of Adidas shoes that look good, feel great, and help clean up our oceans.
2. The Ultraboost DNA Parley
One of the best examples of this partnership is the Ultraboost DNA Parley line. These running shoes combine Adidas’ legendary Boost cushioning with upper materials made from ocean plastic.
They offer the same comfort and performance you’d expect from any Ultraboost shoe—but with a major eco-conscious twist. Every pair helps reduce marine pollution and promotes awareness of ocean conservation.
3. Primegreen and Primeblue Materials
Adidas developed Primegreen and Primeblue, two types of performance fabrics made without virgin plastic.
- Primeblue is made with recycled ocean plastic and is used in products that previously relied on new polyester.
- Primegreen contains no virgin plastic at all and is made with a high percentage of recycled materials.
Many Adidas shoes now use these materials, showing that high-performance gear doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet.
4. Made to Be Remade: Fully Recyclable Adidas Shoes
In 2019, Adidas introduced a revolutionary idea: a shoe you could wear, return, and have completely remade into a new pair. No waste. No landfill. Just a continuous loop.
The project, called Futurecraft Loop, was the brand’s first 100% recyclable running shoe. The idea was simple but powerful—design a shoe made from a single material that could be ground down and turned into a new shoe.
While the Loop shoes were released in limited numbers at first, they represented a major leap forward in sustainable design. It showed what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility.
5. Vegan-Friendly Adidas Shoes
Another step in their green journey has been creating vegan shoes—footwear made without any animal products.
The Adidas Stan Smith Vegan is a perfect example. It features a classic design with an upper made from recycled synthetic materials instead of leather. Even the glues and dyes used in the shoe are animal-free.
It’s a stylish, comfortable, and guilt-free option for eco-conscious consumers.
6. Low-Impact Production Techniques
Beyond just the materials, Adidas is also rethinking how shoes are made.
They’ve developed low-waste cutting techniques, reduced the use of harmful dyes, and implemented processes that use less water and energy. Some of their factories now rely more on renewable energy, and the brand is constantly working to improve its supply chain transparency.
Adidas has set a goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050—an ambitious but much-needed commitment in the fight against climate change.
Why Eco-Friendly Adidas Shoes Matter for You
You might be wondering—how does all of this affect me?
Here’s the thing: Every purchase you make is a choice. When you buy eco-friendly Adidas shoes, you’re doing more than just adding to your sneaker collection—you’re:
- Supporting efforts to reduce ocean pollution
- Encouraging brands to keep innovating with sustainable materials
- Showing the industry that consumers care about the planet
Plus, with Adidas’ focus on style, comfort, and performance, you’re not sacrificing quality to go green. In fact, you’re getting the best of both worlds—fashion and function with a purpose.
Popular Eco-Friendly Adidas Shoes to Check Out
Here are some top-rated, environmentally friendly Adidas shoes that combine sustainability with standout performance:
1. Adidas Ultraboost 22 Made with Parley Ocean Plastic
- Recycled materials
- Plush Boost cushioning
- Stylish design and great for running or everyday wear
2. Adidas Stan Smith Primegreen
- Iconic silhouette
- Made with Primegreen materials
- Vegan options available
3. Adidas Futurecraft.Loop (Made to Be Remade)
- Circular design philosophy
- Entirely recyclable
- Limited editions—keep an eye out for new releases
4. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley
- Built for hiking
- Ocean plastic upper + high-performance sole
- Lightweight and durable
Adidas’ Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability
Adidas isn’t stopping with just a few shoe lines. Their vision for the future includes:
- Phasing out all virgin polyester by 2024
- Increasing the use of renewable energy across factories
- Scaling up circular product designs
- Promoting transparency in the supply chain
- Educating consumers about sustainable fashion
The brand believes that sports can change lives—and that includes helping protect the environment so that future generations can enjoy it, too.
How You Can Support the Movement
You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to support sustainable initiatives like Adidas’:
- Choose Adidas shoes made with recycled or vegan materials
- Recycle your old shoes responsibly
- Support brands that are transparent about their supply chains
- Spread awareness by sharing your eco-friendly purchases on social media
- Look for the “Made to Be Remade” label on select Adidas shoes
Every small action helps. When thousands (or millions) of people make better choices, the results can be powerful.
FAQs
1. Are Adidas’ sustainable shoes more expensive than regular ones?
Not necessarily. Many of Adidas’ eco-friendly shoes are priced similarly to their traditional versions. Some may even be more affordable depending on the line. The good news is you don’t have to pay a premium to make a greener choice.
2. How do I know if Adidas shoes are made sustainably?
Look for labels like Primegreen, Primeblue, or Made with Parley Ocean Plastic. Adidas is also transparent on their website, so you can check product descriptions to learn more about the materials used.
3. Are eco-friendly Adidas shoes as durable as regular ones?
Yes! Adidas tests all of their shoes—sustainable or not—for quality, performance, and durability. You can expect the same comfort, support, and lifespan from their eco-friendly options.
Final Thoughts
Adidas is proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. With each pair of eco-friendly shoes, they’re making it easier for consumers to support the planet—without giving up on style, comfort, or innovation.
If you’re looking to upgrade your footwear while doing something good for the earth, Adidas shoes are a step in the right direction. Whether you’re hitting the gym, walking the city streets, or hiking a trail, you can feel good knowing that your shoes are part of something bigger—a movement toward a more sustainable future.
