I would like to add, that if you can, run to your destinations instead of driving.
The fuel plus you use plus the fuel used to produce and transport the food you need for the run, is probably worse than just driving everywhere.
I like to do this and if it’s too far or if I need to carry a lot of groceries I’ll take my bike with a nice basket.
Likewise, I do a lot of trail running. If you can afford to run to the trailhead rather than drive, or bike maybe, that’s huge! Try to stick to local trails as much as possible.
if you live in a bigger city where running barefoot is hazardous, merrel is making a series with no paint. It's rather whitish at first
Using merino running shirts.
I switched all my running shirts to merino and depending on the intensity of the runs and outside temperature (so in fact just depending on how much I sweat) I usually can use one shirt for 3-5 runs before I need washing it. Just hang them outside to dry and air over night. Saves a lot of water and detergent and they are so much more comfortable and functional than any synthetic fabric. I also have an old nike polyester shirt which starts to stink after 30 minutes of use...
What temps are you running in? Mid to high 30s where I am in summer, I think I would overheat.
I run in merino at all temperatures. Sometimes that is above 30°C. For hot conditions I have shirts which are thin, have merino mesh parts and use a mix of wool and tencel. I don't feel like overheating in them but of course sweat more than on cooler days. Good thing ist they dry fast and even when soaking wet don't cool out as much as other fabric when you take a break or if it gets windy...
Vivobarefoot has a refurbishing program where they repair and resell secondhand pairs. Some of their shoes are also made with recycled materials.
I've never used them but have friends that love them. And I'm a big fan of the normal ON shoes. They make a recyclable shoe that is subscription based. They send you the shoes, you run in them til they're worn out and then send them back. They'll send you a new pair and recycle the old ones!
I love the concept of the recyclable shoe, but the subscription only thing is terrible.
I thought the same initially, but a conversation here with a runner who gets through more kilometres and pairs of shoes in a year than I do changed my mind somewhat. The main problem, we both agreed, was the price - it is just far too expensive. I think the concept does actually have some merit though, running shoes can be a very disposable product depending on how much running you do.
Ok, that's a good point! Didn't think of the hardcore use case! But it still means that for a more casual runner, this makes even less sense. There must be other products out there.
Yeah I tend to hang on to my shoes for long periods so it doesn't work for me either. I guess a casual runner could still buy these for the environmental factor, but would that actually be any better if they aren't going through shoes as often? I think buying shoes conventionally and then holding on to them for as long as possible (until they are completely unusable and no longer repairable) is still the most ethical route here.
Agreed, that's why I haven't tried it yet. When I used to run 70-80 mile weeks I'd go through shoes regularly enough that this might've made sense. Now that I'm significantly less than that I can hang on to shoes for a bit longer
That’s actually really cool, I’ll have to give them a shot after my current shoes run their mileage
It's not for everyone but simply running barefoot eliminates a lot of waste from worn out running shoes. And it's fun!
I'm still working on building up the skin thickness on my soles.
A place for runners.