The Gear for Good content series is an exploration into the lifecycle of our running gear. We’ve collaborated with Preloved Sports, Reskinned, Alpine Run Project and Protect Our Winters UK to pull back the curtain on the environmental cost of the “new drop” culture and celebrate the beauty of the gear we already own.
Authenticity is at the heart of this project. All our models are volunteers from within the running community, giving their time to advocate for a more sustainable future. This series was captured through the lens of photographer Lily Miles, supported by Holly Frampton, who both volunteered their creative talents to bring these stories to life.
Johnpaul, 20
Occupation: Model and Engineering Student
The Goal: Long distance trail runs
Demure, with a twist. Jonhpaul hails from Kent in a striking upcycled bomber jacket that has the whole crew reaching for their phones to snap photos of his DIY style.
At first, it can feel like you’re stepping into a space that wasn’t really built with you in mind. There’s definitely a certain “look” and culture around running that can feel quite narrow. But over time, it shifts. It stops feeling like you’re borrowing the space and starts feeling like you’re reclaiming it.
I think there’s a difference between expression and performance. Expression is when what you wear reflects how you feel; performance is when you feel pressure to live up to what you’re wearing. At some point, you realise the real “main character energy” isn’t in the outfit, it’s in the discipline to show up regardless.
For me, it’s about being intentional. I don’t chase every new drop. I try to invest in pieces that last and that I actually connect with, rather than constantly replacing things. There’s something powerful about repetition: wearing the same kit and building history with it. There’s something grounding about wearing something that’s seen your worst runs, your most tired days, and your small wins. It reminds you that progress isn’t aesthetic, it’s lived. It’s not about how it looks anymore; it’s about what it holds.
“the real ‘main character energy’ isn’t in the outfit, it’s in the discipline to show up”
Running is a way of processing things I don’t always have words for. It’s where thoughts settle and where tension gets released. The “why” isn’t always clear in the moment, but I know it’s deeper than performance. We are in a time where everything gets aestheticized, even something as simple as running. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, it’s important not to lose the core of it.
The Deep Dive: The Disposal Crisis
When a shoe loses its “pop,” where does it go? Usually, the bin. Because sports gear is often a complex blend of plastics and glues, it’s a recycling nightmare.
The Facts:
- Landfill Legacy: 350,000 tonnes of wearable clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year.
- The 1% Problem: Globally, less than 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.
- The Shoe Shadow: An estimated 22 billion pairs of shoes are thrown away worldwide each year; only about 5% are recycled.
All data courtesy of: Joanna Czutkowna, 5Thread; Dr. Elisabeth Allen and Lena Bartoszewicz, University of Manchester; Jordan Bunker, social content creator.
Don’t let the marketing machine tell you that you don’t belong. We prioritise “keep-at-it” over “kit-it-out.” Join The Green Runners today to protect the places we love to run.
Credits:
- Model: Johnpaul Egbuziem, ambassador for Alpine Run Project
- Photography: Lily Miles
- Photography Assistant: Holly Frampton