Sizing Up Athletic Shoe Makers

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NIKE
While the company was embroiled in sweatshop labor problems during the late '90s, Nike has reformed itself. "I think Nike is a genuine leader, making bold moves to eliminate toxic materials, improve recyclability and generally reduce waste and emissions of their products and their manufacturing processes," says Makower.

The Good
* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online

* Manufactures Nike Considered, a line of organic-cotton clothing and shoes

* Recycles any brand of used running shoes through its Reuse-A-Shoe program

The Bad
* In its 2006 labor report, Offside: Labour Rights and Sportswear Production in Asia, Oxfam International found that Nike placed a higher volume of orders in non-union factories and hasn't required that workers receive a living wage.

REEBOK

The Good
* At least 90 percent of Reebok shoe boxes and tissues are made of recycled paper.

* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online

* Provides international suppliers with detailed guidance on dealing with and respecting trade unions

The Bad
* Despite Reebok's efforts to respect trade unions in foreign factories, the Oxfam report noted that the company has discouraged attempts to unionize factories in the U.S.

ADIDAS

The Good
* Oxfam's report noted that Adidas "has probably done the most research and thinking" about living wages for Asian factory workers.

* Provides suppliers with a detailed explanation of trade-union rights

* Reduced VOC emissions during shoe production from 140 grams/pair to 19.3 grams/pair

The Bad
* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online