All carbon footprints

What’s the carbon footprint of a trail shoe?

The average trail shoe emits
10.00-25.00 kg CO₂e

Available to measure with Arbor’s platform
The carbon footprint of a trail shoe typically ranges from 10.0 to 25.0 kg CO₂e, with an average of around 17.5 kg CO₂e per pair. Understanding these emissions helps highlight the environmental impact of footwear and encourages brands to adopt more sustainable practices.
Why do product carbon footprints (PCFs) matter?
Carbon Equivalent Calculator

What is a trail shoe's carbon footprint equivalent to?

Using Arbor’s Carbon Equivalent Calculator, let’s see what the average a trail shoe’s carbon emissions are equivalent to, assuming an average of 17.50 kg CO2e.

How can you reduce a trail shoe's carbon footprint?

Here are 3 ways you can lower the carbon or decarbonize your a trail shoe’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable Material Sourcing

Prioritize sourcing eco-friendly, recycled, or sustainably harvested materials.

Material Efficiency

Implement lightweight designs to reduce material use and emissions.

Material Optimization

Optimize shoe designs to use fewer materials without compromising durability.

Arbor's platform

Want to measure the carbon footprint of your trail shoe?

We make product-level carbon accounting simple, reliable, and tailored to footwear.

Trail Shoe
Manage
Trail Shoe
Carbon footprint
17.50 kg CO₂e
Versions & Prototypes
Versions
Carbon footprint
Trail Shoe
Active
17.50 kg CO₂e
Trail Shoe 2024
17.50 kg CO₂e
Trail Shoe 2023
17.50 kg CO₂e
Prototypes
Carbon footprint
Trail Shoe - 20% Recycled
17.50 kg CO₂e

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of a trail shoe?

A typical trail shoe has a carbon footprint of around 17.5 kg CO2e, though it can range from 10 to 25 kg CO2e depending on materials and manufacturing processes. This encompasses the entire lifecycle from production to disposal, highlighting the environmental impact of footwear.

How much CO₂ does a trail shoe emit?

Trail shoes typically emit around 17.5 kg CO₂e during their production. The range can vary from 10 to 25 kg CO₂e depending on materials and manufacturing processes, but the average footprint for a standard trail shoe is approximately 17.5 kg CO₂e.

What are the main sources of emissions from a trail shoe?

The main sources of emissions from a trail shoe include the materials used in production, such as synthetic fabrics and rubber, and the manufacturing process itself. Transportation also contributes significantly, as shoes are often shipped globally. Overall, the carbon footprint ranges from 10 to 25 kg CO2e, with an average of approximately 17.5 kg CO2e.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of a trail shoe?

You can calculate the carbon footprint of a trail shoe using emission factors and life cycle assessment (LCA) standards. Arbor is the best way to do this, as they provide detailed methods tailored for footwear. Alternatively, you can estimate by considering materials, manufacturing, and transportation to reach a carbon footprint around 17.5 kg CO2e on average.

Is a trail shoe sustainable?

Trail shoes can vary in sustainability depending on the materials and manufacturing processes used. On average, a trail shoe's carbon footprint ranges from 10 to 25 kg CO2e, with a midpoint of approximately 17.5 kg CO2e. Choosing brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials can help reduce environmental impact.

How can companies reduce the carbon footprint of a trail shoe?

Companies can lower the carbon footprint of trail shoes by using sustainable materials like recycled plastics and natural fibers. Implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes and optimizing supply chains also help. On average, a trail shoe's footprint is around 17.5 kg CO2e, but with these measures, significant reductions are achievable.

Are trail shoes bad for the environment?

Trail shoes can impact the environment, especially if made with synthetic materials and produced in high volumes. On average, their carbon footprint is around 17.5 kg CO2e, with a range of 10 to 25 kg CO2e depending on the brand and manufacturing process. Choosing eco-friendly brands can help reduce this impact.

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