greenspecs
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New Balance 517 Training Shoe
Conventional for now — a better one's out there.
- GreenSpecs grade
- C-
- Score
- 42/100
- Brand
- New Balance
- Category
- Clothing
- Headline claim on pack
- “None visible on product”
- Assessed
- 28 July 2026
Source: GreenSpecs label assessment of New Balance 517 Training Shoe, 28 July 2026, medium confidence.
Where this number comes from. GreenSpecs scores the evidence a product puts in front of you: the wording of the claim, what the packaging discloses, and whether an independent certifier stands behind any of it. Each score is a GreenSpecs assessment generated by our scoring model from the product label and public claim text on the date shown. It is not a laboratory test, not a lifecycle assessment, and not a safety rating. The full method is published here.
What does the New Balance 517 Training Shoe label actually prove?
Conventional for now — a better one's out there. It scores 42 out of 100 — grade C- — across the five signals below.
| Signal | Score | What it asks |
|---|---|---|
| Claim specificity | 8/20 | Is the claim measurable, or a mood? |
| Transparency | 5/20 | Does the pack disclose enough to check it? |
| Third-party proof | 8/20 | Has an independent certifier verified it? |
| Impact where it counts | 10/20 | Does the claim address this category's real footprint? |
| Marketing honesty | 11/20 | Is the packaging language straight with you? |
What the claim genuinely covers
- A durable, functional athletic shoe.
What it leaves out
- Material sourcing and supply chain details are still developing.
Worth knowing
- For everyday shoes, the biggest win is choosing a brand that's genuinely working on its materials and supply chain, and then wearing them for a long, long time!
What to look for on this shelf
- Look for brands that use recycled content in their uppers and midsoles.
- Repairing shoes extends their life and cuts their footprint dramatically.
Better swaps
- Brands like Allbirds or Veja offer more transparent material sourcing, often using bio-based or recycled content, and some brands offer repair services to extend shoe life.
Got the pack in your hand? Scan it yourself — same score, in about five seconds, plus the swap that beats it.
Other clothing we have graded
| Product | Brand | Grade | Score | What the label proves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks | Darn Tough | B+ | 68/100 | Built to last. Material sourcing is the next step. |
| Wrightsock Coolmesh II Double Layer Socks | Wrightsock | B- | 55/100 | Recycled content is a good start. Supply chain details are still developing. |
| Econscious Trucker Cap | Econscious | C+ | 52/100 | A step up from conventional. Still developing on verified impact. |
| Econscious Baseball Cap EC7000 | Econscious | B- | 52/100 | Organic fiber is a good start. Certifications are still missing. |
| Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Academy Turf High-Top Soccer Shoes | Nike | C | 48/100 | Recycled content is a start. Deeper transparency is still developing. |
| Billabong Twill Garment | Billabong | C+ | 48/100 | A step up on materials. Supply chain transparency is still developing. |
| Altra Lone Peak Trail Running Shoe | Altra | C | 48/100 | A solid performer, with room to grow on materials and transparency. |
| Altra Trail Running Shoe | Altra | C | 46/100 | Conventional materials, decent durability. Transparency is the next step. |