There is one truth in running: shoes wear out.  No matter how much you love your favorite pair, sooner or later they break down, go kaput and end up in the back of your closet, piled amidst the graveyard of sneakers from miles past. 

Yes, like all things, shoes die.

As a devoted, semi-competitive runner, I go through my fair share of sneakers.  Some get relegated to lawn and garden duty, some get washed and donated, and others, not fit for humanity, end up in the trash.  I know that there are countless other runners just like me and that means that each year millions of running shoes get thrown away.

It’s no happy thought that mountains of shoes end up in landfills each year.  To Brooks, that’s no secret.  When it comes to developing running gear with environmental consciousness and eco-sustainability in mind, Brooks has led the way.

Brooks announced last week the upcoming launch of the Green Silence, a hey-mom-look-how-fast-I-can-run competition racing flat that boasts a sustainable element in each part of the shoe.  By using soy-based inks, water-based adhesives, and recycled materials, the Green Silence was able to incorporate sustainability—without sacrificing performance.

In recent years, Brooks has declared its dedication to introducing more eco-friendly design and manufacturing practices as well as more sustainable materials. In 2008, Brooks launched its proprietary BioMoGo midsole, the world’s first biodegradable running shoe midsole that breaks down 50 times faster than traditional midsoles in an enclosed, active landfill.  The Green Silence represents another chapter in Brooks’ commitment to environmental responsibility.

“We were told Brooks couldn’t build running shoes that feel great, perform great, look great, and support a healthier environment for years ahead,” said Future Concepts Manager, Derek Campbell. “With Green Silence, we shattered that belief. We hope this shoe will serve as an inspiration to others in our industry and beyond.”

The growing pile of shoes in the back of my closet, weighing evermore heavy on my conscious, hopes so too.

The Green Silence hits retail February 1, 2010.

Learn more about the Brooks Green Silence.

Check out Brooks running shoes, apparel, and accessories for Men and Women.


About the blogger
Jimmy Healey is a Product Manager for Onlineshoes.com, and a former collegiate track and cross-country runner turned marathoner.  Jimmy’s favorite perk about being an Onlineshoes.com employee is wear-testing the latest and greatest running shoes.  And, getting paid to write about it.