2 b pvc free.

Running, mind-numbing as it may be, is my thing. Its my preferred form of exercise, torture, what have you. In some way, the further and harder I run, the more I feel like I've conquered something. Even if its only lap #3 around Lake Merritt.

Shoes are an integral and vital part of the running equation. The wrong footwear can mean the difference between gliding like the wind and hobbling for days afterwards.

An equally substantial part of traditional shoe manufacturing is the widespread use of PVC. Woe be those who encounter this hazardous substance. Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is also known as the "poison plastic". Likewise, it has been called one of the most hazardous consumer materials ever produced. Human exposure to dioxin via PVC poses a serious threat of developing into cancer when accumulated in the body. Its also proven to wreak havoc on the environment. Yucky stuff indeed.

Thankfully for all us with an athletic bend, companies including Asics, Brooks, and PUMA are phasing out PVC in their product lines. Brooks has developed a trail running shoe that is as environmentally friendly as it is is aesthetically pleasing. Dare I say, its darn cute. Designed by vegan marathoner Scott Jurek, it uses silicon insead of petroleum, has sturdy support, enviable traction, and is constructed for blisterless adventures.


Brooks Cascadia 2
$95
www.brooksrunning.com

I couldn't resist posting these toddler-size PVC-free soccer cleats by Nike.
A-dorable.

Nike First Total90 Laser (0c-4c) - Youth Soccer Cleats
$25
www.nike.com

Visit www.g-forse.org for info on eco-friendly, non-PVC sports gear, and www.besafenet.com/pvc/ for info on PVC's affects & properties.