Sneakers

Cotton and leather ones have maximum breathability, flexibility and durability, but they are not waterproof. There are synthetic materials that seem to equal the qualities of the natural ones and are waterproof. It should be clear to us which type of material we choose.

How can we do it

All sneakers should be labelled with the indication of what material has been used on the external part, the inner part and the sole.
We can recognize leather just smelling it.
If we have to wear them in places where they will get wet, we should choose some synthetic waterproof material.

Natural materials always come from renewable resources but they are not always exploited in a sustainable way. Synthetic ones come from oil and are not biodegradable; one of those most problematic is PVC. The nowadays high production of sneakers is possible by sure, thanks to synthetic materials. On the other hand, the way most used for tanning leather generates highly polluter waste (mainly chrome). Let us look for the least problematic issues.

How can we do it

If we do not need them just to make sport, we can choose to wear shoes, there are "natural" production shoes which skin is tanned by a vegetal treatment and the most polluting dyes are avoided.

Commenter

Data d'actualització: 10/06/2010 - 19:30

Keep this in mind!

Let us buy sneakers when we really do need them and look after them so that they wear well.

The leather sneakers have optimal properties. It seems that some synthetic materials equal them.

Information sources

Enterprises and organizations of the sector: Asociación Española de Fabricantes y Distribuidores de Artículos Deportivos, Consorcio Nacional de Industriales del Caucho, Grupo J'Hayber, Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia, Instituto Tecnológico del Calzado y Conexas, Mates, Munich, Sportmas;

administrations: Dept. de Medi Ambient de la Generalitat de Catalunya;

books: Naomi Klein: No Logo;

organizations: Campanya Roba Neta, Centre for Research on Multinational Companies, Comissions Obreres.