Once upon a time, actual shoes used to be a thing – it's a distant memory for us too. Since trainers trickled into mainstream dressing over the past few decades, we've never looked back.
MORE: Sustainable fashion: how to shop with a conscience without compromising on style
You don't need us to tell you that they needn't only be worn for sporting activities. They're super versatile – think the finishing casual touch to a look consisting of a tiered seersucker maxi on a summer's day or paired with low-waisted cargo pants à la Hailey Bieber. Basically, the possibilities are endless and trainers are going absolutely nowhere.
Honestly, we get it – literally nothing beats the feeling of unboxing a fresh pair of trainers, which explains why so many of us are simply obsessed with our casual footwear wardrobe.
If your shopping habits are anything like ours, buying a pair of trainers is a joyous affair – but perhaps it might be time to bump your ecological impact a little higher up on your agenda?
READ: The 7 vintage dresses that you need in your summer wardrobe
What makes it a sustainable trainer?
For a while now, brands have been starting to cotton on to the fact that consumers are increasingly interested in shopping more sustainably. The fashion industry is a major contributor to global warming, and so switching up your usual choices for more eco-friendly options is a great way of reducing your carbon footprint.
RELATED: Vintage designer clothing: 5 items that never go out of style
There is no one-size-fits-all approach towards sustainability. Some brands are forgoing animal-derived leather and developing alternative fabrics created from fruit and vegetable skins, others are transforming plastic bottles into laces, some are even reworking their classic designs to make them more environmentally friendly, meaning you needn’t compromise on style.
Best sustainable trainer brands
There are some seriously covetable options out there now, with pairs by fully eco-friendly trainer brands, as well as styles part of special collections created by major sportswear retailers looking to make their practices more sustainable. But where on earth to start?
French footwear brand Veja, adored by Meghan Markle and Emily Ratajkowski alike, has turned into something of a cult label in recent years. Another key player in the sustainable trainer game is SAYE, which offers a wide range of vegan retro-inspired designs, created out of bio-based, organic and recycled materials.
Hello! Fashion has picked out our favourite pairs of sustainable trainers to shop right now:
Yatay Model 1B sustainable sneakers, £250, Golden Goose
SHOP NOW
V-10 low-top sneakers, £211, Farfetch
SHOP NOW
Run trainers, £140, Hylo
SHOP NOW
Modelo '89 Vegan Hi Green trainers, £135, SAYE
SHOP NOW
2790 Linea Up Down White trainers, £60, Superga
SHOP NOW
Seven trainers, £140, LØCI
SHOP NOW
Black grape leather trainers, £170, Pangaia
SHOP NOW
574v2 trainers, £80, New Balance
SHOP NOW
Like this story? Sign up to our Hello! Fashion newsletter to get your weekly 'Fashion Fix' delivered straight to your inbox.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.