Running shoes that Thom Yorke doesn't hate

March 25, 2009 3:54 AM

Where to get sweatshop-free running shoes in the UK in 2009?

A couple years back, when I ploughed through 10 or so high street shops looking for sweatshop-free hiking boots, it was like running my own awareness campaign or something ("you want to know where these shoes are from? but why??"). I'm trying to avoid a similar experience and would appreciate your tips on brands or pointers to online shops or sources of information (any ethical shopping directories out there)?
Previously, this question from 2006, which doesn't help me in the UK though. Fair trade shoes, if they exist, would be a bonus. I need size 12 shoes if that matters... Thanks a lot for your input!

posted by yoHighness to clothing, beauty, & fashion (8 comments total)

There is Ethletic but they are just your basic converse style. Your best bet is probably New Balance. The Ethical Consumer has some information about sportsware.
posted by tallus at 4:10 AM on March 25

WTG. This'll get you on the right track.
posted by watercarrier at 4:11 AM on March 25

That Ethical Consumer website tallus linked to ranks Gola as top brand for "trainers (sport)", above New Balance:

Brand and Rating
Gola trainers 10.5
Puma trainers 10
Saucony trainers 9.5
Umbro trainers 9.5
ASICS trainers 9
Mizuno trainers 9
New Balance trainers 9
Ellesse trainers 8.5
Skechers trainers 8.5
Fila trainers 8
Hi-Tec trainers 8
Nike trainers 8
Adidas trainers 5.5
Brooks trainers 5.5
Reebok trainers 5.5

(though a 10.5 is still only "average" and 9 is "poor")
posted by patricio at 5:11 AM on March 25

Puma gets a 10 there, but an F on watercarrier's website:

Repeatedly implicated in egregious violations of workers’ rights in Turkey, China, El Salvador, Indonesia, and Mexico. Reports from Bangladesh included child workers being beaten, suffering from exhaustion, working mandatory 14-hour days, and paid as little as 6½ cents an hour. Grade: F

All the companies they give an A+ to are US based, unfortunately, and most of them only make Chucks-style shoes or the flatter, non-running style sneakers.

Further, New Balance's rating has declined since 2006, when they shifted more of their production overseas.

maybe try something you can do barefoot
posted by felix grundy at 8:30 AM on March 25

Hey, I'm probably gonna get some Ethlethic just for my next pair of shoes - they look neat! I'll do research on those consumer advice websites mentioned - Thanks very much for the answers so far!
posted by yoHighness at 1:08 PM on March 25

When I was last in the US I went out of my way to buy US-made New Balance and have been very happy with them.

Unfortunately, I found these were only sold in the US, stores I checked in the UK, Netherlands, and Australia (um, I destroyed the planet a little bit last year by flying) only had the Chinese made ones.

And er, related to your post title, various members of Radiohead wear New Balance.
posted by wingless_angel at 6:38 PM on March 25

Nike has greatly improved their efforts to improve their CSR in their contract factories. You can find much of this information on their responsibility website. Most of what they focus upon is environmental issues but also they look upon working conditions as well.

One thing I am curious about is how their CSR looks at issues of gender and women's rights. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of their workers are women under the age of 25. Such a great opportunity to make an impact.

Of course it could be said that even though Nike has made signifcant strides they still have a long ways to go. However it might also be pointed out that Nike has received no recognition of their efforts.

I do question how Nike interweaves CSR concepts with charity and philanthropy. One thing I noticed is that they don't really do any factory level empowerment programs that I could see. But instead they have a seperate non factory related program called "The Girl Effect" and given a look at who is on the board of the Nike Foundation I have strong belief in the sincerity of this effort.

I could babble on but....
posted by tarvuz at 6:50 PM on March 25

Have you tried the vegetarian shoe shop in Brighton? Quick google search should bring them up. They used to do trainers and are all U.K. made. Alternatively, you CAN find these things on ebay..
posted by lemonpillows at 7:46 PM on March 25