‘It’ sneakers make a mockery of sustainability

The year is 2024 and many of us are contending with how to live in a more sustainable, low-impact way. We’re in the depths of a climate crisis, and Net Zero feels as distant as ever. Whatever industry we look at, climate damage seems rife. One of the worst culprits, but one we can have deeply personal control over, is our clothing. Both at the systemic and individual levels, this industry is hugely troubling for anyone trying to play a part in countering the climate crisis. Globally, the fashion industry is responsible for 2-8% of carbon emissions (UN Environment Program), and is the second largest consumer of water. Here in Australia, 200,000 tonnes of clothing ends up in landfill each year (Seamless Australia).

So why is it that with so much work to do, we’re still falling for the ‘It sneaker’? There is something particularly galling about taking an item designed specifically for comfort and durability, for long-term use, and making it ephemeral and trend-led. Trainers are among the hardest items to recycle, due to their use of mixed materials, so it is especially grievous that we are encouraged to wear them for a single season, then simply move on to the next.

My problem isn’t with the multitude of styles – I love that there are lots to choose from, and that people can find ones that fit with their wardrobes and aesthetics. I personally have at least three different styles of sneakers (including a pair of actual running trainers). My concern arises from the very trend-led way we are told certain sneakers are the best for a season, only for them to be dropped. Everyone is already over the Sambas that were so highly sought after last year (in no small part thanks to Rishi Sunak adopting them), and I can remember when Stan Smiths and Vejas had their moments.

As I discussed in my square frame glasses post, some of us will just find our style and stick to it (I’m still wearing Vejas). But with increasingly swift micro-trends fuelled by social media, some people will end up buying one shoe after another. It doesn’t take long for the evils of over-consumption to kick in. Add to that the frequent human rights issues associated with the manufacture of sneakers (Human Rights Watch), and you end up with a truly toxic mix.

So, much as I appreciate many different styles of sneaker, and can see the appeal of lots of them, I will do my best to never fall for the It sneaker. Wait a season, and if you still like it, your love may be genuine. If you find yourself instead lusting after the next sneaker of choice, I’m afraid you just fell for the trend, and are on your way to an unsustainable wardrobe.

---

What do you think of It sneakers? Have you bought any? There’s something I find particularly mortifying about such a long-lasting, solidly built piece becoming something people move on from so quickly. I definitely fell for Vejas when they were the big thing, but my love for them stems partly from their relatively eco-friendly credentials, and therefore has thankfully stood the rest of time!