Angel Chang: The wildly complex anatomy of a sneaker

The wildly complex anatomy of a sneaker

Australians call them "runners." The British know them as "trainers." Americans refer to them as "sneakers." Whatever you call them, these casual shoes are worn by billions of people around the world. Today, roughly 23 billion shoes are produced each year. So, how can we balance our love of sneakers with the need for sustainability? Angel Chang explores how shoe manufacturing impacts our planet. [Directed and animated by Ella Dobson, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].

Sneakers are a global obsession, with 23 billion pairs produced annually and Americans buying an average of three pairs each year. Behind their popularity lies a complex supply chain that drives up carbon emissions, pollutes ecosystems, and exposes workers to harsh conditions. The average sneaker contains 65 parts, with manufacturing and material choices accounting for most of its environmental impact. Because they are difficult to recycle, most sneakers end up in landfills, taking centuries to decompose.