This season, men’s fashion continues to move towards relaxed fits and looser silhouettes, while maintaining the structure that makes these staples iconic. This approach combines casual comfort with the refined style men have always trusted. 

The Spring/Summer 2024 Men’s Collection by Levi’s captures this moment perfectly. With new fits and subtle updates, this collection takes some of the most iconic men’s styles and gives them a modern edge. 

Here’s how these reworked classics are setting the tone for the season. 

New cuts refresh button-downs

The button-down shirt has always been a classic, but the Levi’s Men’s Authentic Button-Down Shirt takes it in a fresh direction with a relaxed fit and 100% cotton construction. This updated design offers the perfect balance of casual and structured, which makes it versatile enough for everyday wear and more dressed-up occasions.  

Relaxed fits update classic jeans

Levi’s® has reinvented the classic straight-leg jeans with the Levi’s Men’s 555 Relaxed Straight Jeans. Inspired by ‘90s sillhouttes, these jeans offer extra room through the seat and thigh while keeping the clean, structured lines that have made this style timeless. They sit at the waist and stack at the hem, offering a laid-back feel while maintaining a polished look. 

Loose cargos bring a modern look

Cargos are making a strong return, and the Spring/Summer 2024 Men’s Collection puts a modern spin on this classic utility style. The Levi’s Men’s 568™ Loose Straight Cargos bring back the relaxed, roomy fit inspired by the bold styles of the ‘90s. 

These cargos offer plenty of space for movement while still delivering a clean, structured look. The straight-leg design, combined with updated proportions, provides a more contemporary feel. And with 100% cotton construction, they offer comfort and style that works well for different occasions. 

Loose shorts deliver casual comfort

With relaxed fits trending in men’s fashion, shorts are following the lead. The Levi’s 468 Loose Denim Shorts give off a laid-back, ‘90s-inspired feel that’s perfect for everyday wear. For something a bit more structured, the Levi’s XX Authentic Chino Shorts offer a clean, simple look that works for casual days and slightly more dressed-up occasions. 

Relaxed tops bring a vintage edge

Levi’s tees and polos in the Men’s collection combine timeless style with easy comfort. The Vintage Batwing Graphic Tee keeps it simple with a clean design and subtle branding, while the Sweater Knit Polo brings a relaxed, effortless feel. Whether you’re into bold graphics or low-key details, these pieces are modern staples inspired by Levi’s craftsmanship. 

Upgrade your wardrobe with Levi’s latest collection

The Levi’s® Spring/Summer 2024 Men’s Collection shows that classic styles can easily be updated for today. With relaxed fits, modern cuts and fresh details, these timeless pieces have been thoughtfully reworked to meet today’s needs while keeping their original charm. 

Browse and shop the Levi’s Men’s Collection and the new arrivals now to update your wardrobe with timeless pieces that offer a modern twist. 

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The post How Levi’s latest collection redefines classic men’s styles appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Roura’s been sailing with Hublot since 2022, and let’s just say they’ve become quite the team. Think of it like this: Roura does the ocean thing, while Hublot handles the timing thing. And when you’re racing across spiteful seas, precision isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your best friend.

The new Big Bang Unico Sailing Team edition is built with that ethos in mind – carbon fibre like Roura’s IMOCA (that’s the class of yacht Roura helms – keep up, guys!), black and yellow like the boat, and a whole lot of tech packed into a 42mm case. It’s as sleek as it is sturdy.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team edition I Hublot

Let’s talk tech for a second because this limited-edition timepiece isn’t just a pretty face. The HUB1280 calibre that powers the watch is not playing around – a three-day power reserve, 354 components, and 4 Hz of pure Swiss engineering perfection. It’s the kind of technical grunt that gets watch geeks excited and makes Roura feel like he’s got the ultimate sidekick strapped to his wrist. When you’re out on the open ocean, facing conditions that would make most of us turn back for shore, you need gear that won’t let you down. And here’s the fun part. The Unico Sailing Team edition strap is woven, polyurethane-coated, and inspired by the same sails that keep Roura’s boat flying across the water.

The thing about Hublot is that while they’re constantly innovating, they’ve also got a little swagger. This timepiece throws it back to the classic Hublot look from the 1980s and it’s this combination of heritage and high-tech wizardry, Roura says, that keeps the brand firmly in the “disruptor” category, even after all these years.

“This is the third year running that I’ve worked with Hublot,” says the Swiss skipper. “I’m impressed, as always, by their ability to constantly push their own limits. I have been sailing with a Big Bang Original since 2022, but this Unico Sailing Team is even lighter and more robust.”

While Roura is out there pushing his craft to the limit, his watch isn’t just along for the ride – it’s part of the team. Together, they’re proving that when it comes to racing on the high seas, precision isn’t just about the boat – it’s about everything that goes with it.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team edition I Hublot

Find out more about the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team edition here.

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The post Making waves: Hublot and Alan Roura’s journey of precision and power appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Wearing this type of timepiece during a 19.53-second sprint is clearly a flex, since “there’s no performance reason for [these athletes] to wear luxury watches,” explains Aaron Rapf, the founder and CEO of Advantage Sports Marketing Group, a sports agency that connects brands with athletes. Runners are no stranger to pricy performance watches (a high-end Garmin can cost upwards of $900), and luxury watch companies are increasingly aligned with elite runners to “connect their company values to the sports landscape – which is one of the last bastions of true culture,” he adds. “If you want to be in a moment where you attract millions of people’s eyeballs at one time, it’s sports.”

These race day cameos are part of a more subtle approach to marketing, says Pierre-Loïc Assayag, CEO and co-founder of Traackr, an influencer marketing software company. “In the past, luxury brands were more focused on the product and the luxury associated with that product,” he says. “Now, these companies are taking the top athletes and putting them in front of their target audience, or one close to it, to demonstrate by proximity that ‘we are the precision brand’ or ‘we are the endurance brand.”

The kind of maneuvering uses a third party – one that’s fast, flashy, and accomplishing amazing feats – to craft an image the brand wants audiences to respond to. And by choosing athletes as brand champions, companies deftly align themselves with the hallmarks of high performance: precision, prestige, innovation, exclusivity, heritage, and craftsmanship.

In the past, those buzzwords were more likely to call to mind country club-esque activities (think: tennis or horseback riding) or auto racing, where the traditional consumer has been very upper class, living a high-cost lifestyle. But as culture skews more towards sport, health, and wellness, leaning into the popularity of running opens companies up to a new class of consumers, says Jessica Quillin, a luxury fashion brand and content strategist. “Track and field seems more accessible, because even though these athletes are performing at a super elevated level, anyone can go out and run,” she explains.

By association, watches become a more accessible form of wearable luxury. You may not wear one to train or on race day like the elite, sponsored athletes, but a sporty aesthetic can translate into your everyday life; post-run, you can still swap your COROS smartwatch for a sleek, sporty timepiece from a brand like Omega (which happens to sponsor the Diamond League, an annual series of pro track and field competitions). And though you may not be ready to buy a five-figure watch now, these companies are playing the long game; by connecting themselves with major players in sport, they’re hoping to build brand recognition and loyalty among potential future customers.

The watch brands Olympic runners are wearing

For those looking to upgrade their Garmin – now or as a future reward for finally achieving that personal best – these are a few of the luxury watches your favourite track and field stars have been sporting.

Hublot

Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith is the fastest British woman on record, with two Olympic bronze medals from the 4 x 100-metre relay to her name. She’s also no stranger to luxury partnerships, having previously modelled for Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and Off-White, and has been working with Hublot since 2018. Asher-Smith has promoted a variation on Hublot’s flagship model, the Big Bang One Click, which starts at $14,200. Its smaller face was designed for slimmer wrists, and uses the brand’s patented “One Click” fastening system so wearers can swap out the straps for other colours or materials. The sporty, semi-skeletonized hands balance out flashiness of the diamonds on the bezel, and a self-winding caliber packs plenty of power into the compact timepiece.

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Tag Heuer

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is representing Team USA in Paris again after breaking her own World Record in the 400-metre hurdles in June, has been sponsored by Tag Heuer since 2021. Tag Heuer is often considered the Cadillac of luxury watches, and McLaughlin-Levrone’s preferred watch, the Connected Calibre E4, is closest to the average runner’s GPS smartwatch: it operates on Wear OS by Google; has a 1.28-inch AMOLED display with crisp resolution; houses a heart rate sensor, barometer, and compass; and holds a 24-hour charge, including a one-hour sports session. The basic model, which includes a rubber strap, starts at $2,100.

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Longines

Olympic bronze medallist Josh Kerr is a double World Champion – in the 1,500-metre and 3,000-metre – which made him a natural representative for Swiss watch brand Longines, the official partner and timekeeper of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Kerr, who is not currently working with Longines, recently ran a 3:45.34 in the Bowerman Mile, a historic and prestigious race held annually at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, OR, to set a new world-leading time in the event and a new British record. Back in 2022, Kerr wore the-limited edition HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games, a sporty steel dive watch with an automatic caliber, or engine, one-directional ceramic bezel, luminescent indices and hands, and an anti-reflective coating for crystal clear readability in any situation.

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Omega

In addition to their Paris 2024 partnership, Omega is the official sponsor of the Diamond League (an annual series of elite track and field competitions) and counts Noah Lyles – one of the biggest personalities in track and field – as an ambassador. Lyles, who earned a bronze medal in the 200-metre race at the 2020 Tokyo Games and has his sights on breaking Usain Bolt’s records in the 100- and 200-metre races, wears Omega’s iconic Speedmaster Moonphase. This style was introduced in the 1980s, but the latest model – an oversized, steel-on-steel timepiece – was the first to earn a Master Chronometer certification thanks to a self-winding engine designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, water immersion, and electromagnetic frequencies. The timepiece can also hold up to the shock that comes with covering 100 metres in less than 10 seconds (when it’s on Lyles’s wrist, at least).

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Richard Mille

Ahead of what she said would be her final Olympic Games, Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – the most decorated athlete in 100-metre history –announced a partnership with Richard Mille. Fraser-Pryce wears the RM 07-04 Automatic Sport, the first women’s sports watch from the McLaren of watch brands, which retails at $185,000 (it’s the same watch Nafi Thiam, a double Olympic champion from Belgium, wore while setting a new pentathlon world record in 2023). The skeletonised aesthetic is housed in a compact case with rigid finishings for shock-resistance, and the button on the side allows the wearer to switch between winding, neutral, and time setting modes for the crown. While it would be nearly impossible to read during a race, at 36 grams it’s lighter than most standard running watches.

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This article originally appeared on Men’s Health UK.

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The post Why Olympic runners are wearing luxury watches on the track appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Since its foundation in 1924, Umbro has become synonymous with retro football jerseys – think of the legendary English and Brazilian kits of the ’80s, the benchmark-setting Manchester United, Liverpool and Celtic uniforms of the ’90s, and the famed Inter and AC Milan designs of the early 2000s. But today, Umbro’s influence extends beyond the football pitch.

Umbro makes sporty attire for everyone from pro athletes to grassroots players to those completely averse to sports. For that reason, and thanks in no small part to the sudden rise of ‘blokecore’, you’re equally as likely to spot Umbro apparel in a football stadium as you are in the wild – that is to say, on the street.

The brand itself has responded to these shifting parameters accordingly. In recent years, Umbro has collaborated with everyone from Virgil Abloh’s Off-White to Supreme, releasing collections that range from refined and understated to unapologetically brash. One collection that exists somewhere towards the middle of that spectrum is the ‘United By Umbro’ range, which launched last month to coincide with the 2024 UEFA Euros and Copa América, as celebrations for the brand’s centenary continue to be rolled out.

The United By Umbro collection features a series of unofficial jerseys for the teams from the tournaments, with a distinctive twist. The jerseys are mash-ups, blending crests, patterns and colours from different teams in different eras. There’s jerseys for the finalists England and Spain, Argentina and Colombia, as well as other titans of the sport like France, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, Mexico, Chile and Peru. There’s even room for a minnow like Ireland – but don’t tell the Irish we said that.

United By Umbro is blokecore at its zenith. But of course, collections like it have been painfully out of reach for the Australian consumer. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. Umbro is now retailing in Australia at www.umbro.au, and this is just the start. Umbro wants to become the nation’s dominant apparel provider, kitting out Australians on and off the sporting field, according to Umbro Australia general manager Brooke Norton. “From grassroots to the highest level of the professional game, from players to fans, from the pitch to the stands, from the stands to the street, there is Umbro,” Norton said.

Stay tuned for more new Umbro collections. To shop the current Umbro range, click here.

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The post You can finally get this sport and streetwear label’s apparel in Australia appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Nowadays, the best watches do much more than tell time. They’re more like functional jewellery for men, a way that we can express ourselves with something fancy. But does that really justify such a hefty price tag? Well, the difference between spending your hard-earned coin on a watch instead of another item in a similar price bracket is that, when you’re buying a watch, you’re not just taking out a mortgage on something that will only land you a few compliments from envious friends. Your outlay will do much more, exposing you to a level of craftsmanship unrivalled by just about anything else money can buy.

Tissot are a watchmaker than understand this message better than most. The Swiss house has invested heavily in turning its timepieces from simple time tellers into wearable works of art. In particular, Tissot’s Chemin des Tourelles collection has heralded the arrival of a new era in watchmaking – and the collection just welcomed three skeletonised newcomers.

If the invention of the smartphone has threatened the existence of watches, the ongoing crawl of modernisation has outright killed brash, chunkier timepieces designed to withstand the rigours of a world far more robust than our own. We no longer need a watch to accompany us on an expedition through uncharted territories or into the depths of the ocean. What we need is a watch that is lightweight, doesn’t get in the way of daily tasks, and harnesses a design that we can get lost in. Skeleton watches like the new Chemin des Tourelles’, which are whittled down into their barest form to leave their inner workings exposed, are the perfect fit.

The expansion of the Chemin des Tourelles collection includes three new skeleton models. All three boast 39mm cases and a high-quality Powermatic 80 automatic movement – which can, of course, be viewed in action due the watches’ exposed skeleton design. Where the new models differ is their colour palettes.

The first variant of the new Chemin des Tourelles (seen above) comes with a steel bracelet, blue dial with Clous de Paris patterns and Roman numeral indices. Then there’s the black PVD version, which features smoked glass, a sunray dial, simple baton indices and a black-grained leather strap. The final model makes use of an ivory sunray dial, steel case, gold PVD indices and a khaki leather strap.

Say what you will about the role of the watch in the modern world, Tissot’s Chemin des Tourelles expansion proves that skeleton watches haven’t lost their place.

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The post Why we love the stripped-down charm of a skeleton watch appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka continues to excel in cushioning with the much-awarded Clifton 9. The latest addition to the vaunted Clifton line strips back excess weight and adds stack height to create an eminently light running experience. Featuring an updated EVA midsole and a refined upper, these shoes offer cloud-like comfort without compromising on responsiveness. The Meta-Rocker technology ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, making the Clifton 9 an ideal choice for a plush and supportive ride on any terrain.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

When New Balance says “If we only made one running shoe, it would be the Fresh Foam X 1080”, they mean it. The reason behind such a lofty claim is the notion that the 1080v13 offers enough versatility to be capable of tackling everything from daily training to race day. Fresh Foam midsole cushioning and a second-skin mesh upper provide the necessary support and comfort, ensuring a smooth transition from landing to push-off without losing any performance function. An Ndurance rubber outsole also adds increased durability, which you’ll need if these are going to be your daily trainers.

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Asics Novablast 4

Asics’ gel-based shoes may garner most of the attention, but there’s hardly a better daily trainer in the Asics catalogue than the Novablast 4. As they’re generally the cheapest shoes in brands’ ranges, there’s a tendency for them to lapse on aesthetics. Not the Novablast, which utilises a visually striking design. The most obvious point of interest lies in the tall heel, which holds a huge amount of cushioning and boasts higher levels of energy return than most of the other entries on this list. Elsewhere, a tongue wing construction in the upper improves the fit for a stabilising, supportive feel.

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Nike Zoom Fly 5

Nike says the Zoom Fly 5 will bridge the gap between weekend training and race day. That versatility is precisely what you want in a beginner running shoe. Durability is at the heart of the Zoom Fly 5’s design. They’ll last longer than a few test runs, and courtesy of powerful ZoomX foam in the midsole, they have the added bounce you’ll need once you decide to lift the tempo.

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Puma Velocity Nitro 3

The Velocity Nitro 3s are all about blending comfort and speed, with Puma’s patented NITRO technology delivering superior responsiveness and cushioning. There’s also the heel spoiler and Pumagrip outsole, which both provide enhanced stability, for the less sure-footed runners among us.

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Adidas Supernova Rise

When assessing a shoe you’re going to be logging countless kilometres in, maximum comfort should be at the top of your list of priorities. Impressive performance specs should be secondary to comfort and feel for beginners – the time will come for your transition into race day attire, but you’ll need to work your way up first – and the Supernova Rises might just be the most comfortable runners on the market. Dreamstrike+ technology cushions the midsole with ​re-engineered super foam, a system of dense foam support rods smoothen the heel-to-toe transition, and soft textiles complete the package with a fit that Adidas describes as “the shoe giving your heel a hug.”

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Like a pub having the year it was established next to its name, there’s something about a shoe having a high number next to its name that adds a level of prestige. The higher the number, the greater the level of intrigue attracted by a shoe, and they don’t get much higher than the latest Gel-Nimbus from Asics, which is the 26^th iteration of the line. These shoes combine ultra-supportive PureGel cushioning with a plush collar, offering unbelievably soft landings and a luxurious experience for your feet. The stylish design can’t be ignored either, ensuring you’ll make a statement whether you’re conquering arduous running routes or just strolling to the coffee shop.

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On Cloudeclipse

On running is known for its unconventional designs and atypical-looking shoes, and the Cloudeclipse fits that bill. Cloudeclipse is On’s max-cushioned shoe, designed for durability and long lasting comfort. They boast a double dosage of CloudTec Phase cushioning and a bottom unit made with Helion superfoam for impact absorption. Like most On Running shoes, the Cloudeclipse lives up to its name and feels like running on a cloud.

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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

The FC Rebel v4 is an up-tempo shoe that represents the culmination of years of innovation at New Balance. The fourth iteration of the Rebel has a taller and wider sole than previous versions. As any knowledgeable sneakerhead will know, it is typically the narrower soles that offer the most energy return and propulsion, but the Rebel v4 is even bouncier than its predecessors thanks to an enhanced FuelCell foam midsole. The FC Rebel v4 is also shockingly lightweight – weighing in at a measly 218 grams.

Read our full review of the FC Rebels here.

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Reebok Floatride Energy 5

Dependable, durable and effective. The Floatride Energy 5 has everything you want in a running shoe, all for a startlingly low price. With a lightweight design and responsive cushioning, these shoes will get the job done on the pavement, at the track or off-road. A jack-of-all-trades of a shoe, the Floatride Energy 5s are perfect for the runner who likes to shake things up on a variety of terrains, even if you’re only just starting out.

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The post Men’s Health’s pick of the best running shoes for beginners appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

So potent is the ‘outdoorsification’ of men’s fashion, that an entire trend has been named after it. According to a 2021 Esquire article, ‘Gorpcore’ refers to technical adventure clothing and accessories that are worn in a fashion setting. ‘Gorp’, it goes on to explain, stands for ‘good old raisins and peanuts’. Yes, that’s the trail mix you might take hiking.

That fashion guys should want to trade their suit jackets for something more comfortable and practical makes sense. By virtue of being designed to keep us warm in the cold and dry in the rain, outdoors gear is the definition of wearable. But of all the items to fall under the ‘Gorpcore’ moniker – trail running sneakers, cargo shorts, wraparound sunglasses with polarised lenses – it’s the quilted down jacket that has proven itself to be the most versatile and stylish of them all.

Today, you’re just as likely to spot someone wearing one at fashion week as you are Everest Base Camp. Down jackets, or ‘puffers’, as we like to call them, have become non-negotiable items in the wardrobes of guys all over the world. Especially those of us who live in the antipodes, where ‘four seasons in one day’ isn’t just a cliché.

The value of a good down jacket is something Liam Lawson understands well. Raised in Aotearoa, the Formula 1 reserve driver for Red Bull Racing is no stranger to the ferocity of the elements – he began karting at tracks around Auckland at the age of seven – and today, as he moves from Formula 1 circuit to Formula 1 circuit, a down jacket is something he never forgets to pack.

But not all down jackets are created equal, and Lawson’s brand of choice is a name that Australian and New Zealand adventurers know well: Kathmandu.

“Like most Kiwis, I’ve owned a Kathmandu jacket since I was a kid . . . I remember my friend from school showing up one day with a Kathmandu puffer, and I loved it. I wanted one ever since,” Lawson tells Esquire. “My mum took me to another store to buy a puffer that wasn’t Kathmandu, and I was devastated. [But] I finally got my hands on one.”

Lawson says he’s never looked back. And we’re not surprised, because down jackets from Kathmandu achieve what so few brands have been able to: the perfect balance between fashion and function.

There is one style, however, that Lawson – and Kathmandu’s following of style-conscious adventure seekers – rates most highly, and that’s the Epiq Down Jacket. According to the young driver, not even the icy temperatures of the Las Vegas Grand Prix bother him in his Epiq.

Formula 1 reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson, in Kathmandu’s new Epiq SE down jacket. Photography courtesy of Kathmandu

Given his genuine love for the brand – and his reputation as one of the grid’s emerging style talents – it makes sense that Kathmandu would partner with Lawson on the launch of a pioneering new update to its Epiq range: Epiq SE Down Jacket. Just like Kathmandu, the young driver – who is quickly making a name for himself in the F1, having stepped up to compete in five races last season – pushes boundaries and pursues innovation, which makes him the perfect ambassador for this new, special edition of Kathmandu’s heritage puffer.

“The Epiq SE is sleek,” says Lawson. “I’m continuing to discover my own personal style and am eager to take on the fashion space. I’m stoked for my first step in this scene to be alongside another homegrown Kiwi.”

With Lawson on board as the face of this new update to Kathmandu’s most popular puffer, you can expect to see the Epiq SE being adopted by cool guys everywhere; the type who want to look good while knowing their outfit is practical. Because while the Epiq SE might be highly durable, water repellant and lightweight, it’s also crafted from a recycled ripstop outer that looks silky smooth and feels buttery to touch. And just like Lawson has in the new Epiq SE campaign, you can style the jacket with a pair of camo print pants for the street, or an all-black outfit when the occasion calls for you to look super slick.

It’s no wonder the humble down jacket has become such a menswear staple. And it’s even less off a surprise that Kathmandu would make one of the most desirable versions on the market.

The Kathmandu Epic SE is available at all Kathmandu stores and online now. Read more about Kathmandu’s partnership with Liam Lawson here. 

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The post How the functional down jacket became a menswear staple appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

As consumers become more conscious of the ecological footprint left by their clothing choices, a new trend is emerging – sustainable sneakers. No longer just a niche market, eco-friendly footwear is stepping into the mainstream, offering style and sustainability in equal measure. Not every brand has caught onto the trend yet, but the few that have are doing so with some impressive results.

Here, we break down the basics of shopping for sustainable sneakers and show you some of our favourites.

What makes a shoe sustainable?

It sounds simple, but what constitutes a sustainable sneaker is actually a contentious topic. This is primarily because sustainability comes in many forms, and some products can tick a lot of boxes and miss other crucial ones. Some will utilise carbon-neutral production processes and others will use eco-friendly materials made of everything from recycled plastic to synthetic vegan leather. These are not the same thing, and it’s rare that a footwear company will have a trustworthy signifier of their eco-friendliness like a B-Corp certification due to the scale of business and reliance on eco-unfriendly practices to produce other products.

Still, there are a few things you can look out for to ensure you’re doing your part for sustainability. Eco-friendly materials are an obvious signifier, so look out for organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, cork, or even innovative materials with confusing names like Piñatex (made from pineapple leaf fibres) and Tencel (derived from wood pulp).

Low impact production processes are also a big contributor to sustainability, including everything from manufacturing to packaging. Lastly, biodegradability and recyclability are some other hallmarks of a sustainable sneaker, meaning that they can either biodegrade naturally or be recycled into new products, closing the loop on resource usage.

Do big brands make sustainable shoes?

While smaller, independent brands have led the charge in sustainable footwear, major corporations are beginning to follow suit. Companies like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok have launched initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and have even released some sustainable sneakers. But for the most part, the best sustainable sneakers come from indie brands.

What are the best sustainable sneakers?

Cariuma Uba Pro

Cariuma embraces sustainability throughout every stage in its production processes. From choosing premium raw materials for a smaller carbon footprint to guaranteeing low-impact operations, eco-friendliness is at the heart of what Cariuma does.

The Uba Pro is a skateboarding sneaker with a design inspired by ‘90s streetwear culture. Coming in three colourways, the sneakers are made from recycled materials, sugarcane, cork and bio-based foam. What’s more, for every pair you buy, Cariuma will plant a pair of trees as part of their reforestation efforts.

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Allbirds Plant Pacers

Renowned for their comfort and minimalist design, Allbirds’ sneakers are made from sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus fibers, and sugarcane-based foam. These particular Plant Pacers are made from vegan and plastic-free plant leather – hence the name ‘plant pacers’.

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Veja V-12

Veja has garnered attention for producing stylish sneakers crafted from organic Brazilian and Peruvian cotton, wild rubber sourced from the Amazon rainforest, and innovative materials like recycled plastic bottles. But the brand also prioritises social projects and economic justice. The V-12s were created to celebrate Veja’s 12^th anniversary, and if you’re trying to flaunt your eco-consciousness, nothing says sustainable like forest green accents.

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Adidas X Parley Supernova 2.0

Partnering with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans, Adidas recently introduced a line of sneakers made from upcycled ocean plastic. The shoe’s upper is made from 50% recycled plastic waste, while the other 50% is recycled polyester. These shoes not only combat marine pollution but also feature the performance and style you’d expected from a major athletic brand.

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Nike Air Max 1

Nike has dabbled in sustainable sneakers in the past – the 2020 Space Hippie collection combined sustainable practices and radical design with shoes made from Nike scrap and manufacturing waste – but it’s yet to fully commit to sustainable footwear beyond a select range of sneakers made from at least 20% sustainable materials. These Air Maxs are one such pair, with a design inspired by French architecture and the promise that they’re made from at least 20% recycled materials.

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Alohas Tb.490

Founded in Hawaii in 2015, Alohas are known for using an undeniably effective – but peculiar, for a brand of its size – on-demand, pre-order system. Alohas sneakers are made to order, minimising waste and ending any chance of overproduction. This policy applies to all Alohas shoes, but as the kicker, these bold red nylon/suede sneakers are made from sustainable leather.

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Reebok Classic SP Vegan Shoes

Another giant in the footwear industry that’s dipping its toe into sustainable shoes rather than diving in headlong is Reebok. These kicks are made from ethically-sourced materials and are vegan-friendly. It’s refreshing to see bigger brands taking steps towards sustainability, but Reebok might need some help in the creativity department if ‘Vegan Shoes’ was the only name they could come up with.

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Cariuma Vallely Pro

Another top-notch sneaker from Cariuma, the Vallely Pros are made from a high performance vegan suede that is three times more resistant than animal suede, while recycled webbing fabric makes them ultra-durable. The Vallely Pros come in four colourways and are a throwback to retro ‘80s skate shoes. And again, Cariuma will plant two trees for every pair sold.

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The post The best sustainable sneakers that won’t hurt the earth you walk on appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.