French sneaker brand VEJA has released two new eco-friendly styles, the Marlin and the Condor 2.
Both pairs were modelled after their bestselling style, the Condor, and designed in a way that significantly reduced waste and consumption. VEJA saw it as their mission to create a running shoe that didn’t contribute to what they call the “99% issue” (the issue being that 99% of the materials used to produce standard running shoes today are plastic, the majority of which being petroleum-based).
The Marlin combines a mix of performance, bio-based, and recycled materials and was made in a factory in Brazil that respects the rights of workers. Specifically, the Marlin is made up of 62% bio-based and recycled materials. Each component of the shoe uses a different material. For example, the upper is made from 100% recycled bottles and offers qualities like lightness and breathability.
Another material used was pebax, which is made entirely out of ricinus oil. It was used for the inserts and provides support without weighing the shoe down. VEJA also sourced Amazonian rubber to bring the Marlin to life. The brand purchased the rubber directly from family cooperatives of rubber tappers in the Amazon. The Amazonian rubber was used for the shoe’s outsole, providing superior grip and durability.
In addition to the raw rubber, the Marlin’s outsole contains 33% rice waste, while the insole is 51% sugar cane and 21% recycled plastic bottles. The style even has an L-Foam forefoot insert that promises an 80% energy return so that your strides take you further with minimal effort.
Just like the Marlin, Condor 2 was made in an ethical factory in Brazil and contains 57% bio-based and recycled materials. Similarly, the Condor 2 feature a lightweight upper, laces, backloop, cords, and tech lining, all made entirely of recycled plastic bottles, a pebax heel and support insert, an expanded midsole made up of 57% sugar cane and 5% banana oil, and an outsole largely made of Amazonian rubber.
All images in this article are courtesy of VEJA.
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