Thousand Fell's Recycled Sneakers Are So Comfy, I Can Walk 12 Miles In Them

Before moving to New York City, I considered a 3-mile walk a workout—but now that mileage looks more like a typical weekday. In fact, it's not uncommon for me to log more than 20,000 steps in a day.

Although I miss the convenience of a car, my hours spent strolling have given me a newfound appreciation for good weather and reliable public transportation. It's also set me up with a serious problem: finding footwear that's supportive and stylish. 

The recent influx of comfy sneaker brands has made my quest less difficult, but I've still struggled to find my perfect fit. Most designs have exteriors that are difficult to clean, or they have a long break-in period that leaves my ankles covered in blisters for weeks.

Sneakers are my go-to footwear for warm weather, and I often replace them each spring after the crisp white exterior turns to cream. Understanding the negative environmental impact of my annual sneaker switch, I wanted to seek out a better option with a longer life span.

I was initially drawn to Thousand Fell due to its "stain-proof" advertising, which claimed a natural quartz coating prevented the sneakers from getting dirty and made the shoes water-resistant. I quickly realized the brand's ethos on sustainability went much deeper. 

Thousand Fell transforms recycled water bottles into vegan leather with the help of sugar cane and coconut husks. While giving plastic water bottles a new life isn't a rare practice, the brand also runs a closed-loop recycling program.

I ordered the lace-up style right before a 10-day trip to Greece last June and hoped for the best. When the all-white style appeared at my doorstep just a week later, I immediately put them on and went for a quick test walk around the neighborhood. The shoes were undeniably comfortable; the recycled yoga mat insole was plush and supportive, hugging my foot like a memory foam pillow.

My foot felt supported and stable without any unwanted movement. I decided to bring them along. And needless to say, the sneakers lived up to my expectations.

Despite days of walking more than 10 miles, I never dealt with blisters. My feet also stayed cool despite the unexpected heat wave, and I couldn't believe how easy it was to wipe away the dirt collected during a walk through ancient ruins in Athens. The durable sole also gave me plenty of traction on cobbled streets and dirt paths alike.