Beyond Petroleum
The 99% issue
Today, the materials employed to manufacture running shoes are 99% plastic, especially polymers that are 99% petroleum-based. Our society’s dependence on plastic and oil is an ecological disaster.
From drilling petroleum to plastic waste flowing into the sea, why aren’t we looking at how we can reduce our dependence on both?
VEJA
Running line
After four years of Research & Development, VEJA launched back in 2019 its first ecological running shoe.
The Condor was born as the first post-petroleum running shoe. Our purpose is to mix performance, bio-based and recycled materials.
We extended, sharpened, and improved our line to meet the needs of the runners’ community thanks to their feedbacks.
We worked with the same team who conceived the Condor to offer a running collection technically improved with the same materials.
It is made in Brazil in a factory that respects the worker’s rights.
Impala
Weight: 245g / 8.6oz (Size EU 43/9 US)
Drop: 6 mm
Heel height: 17 mm
Forefoot height: 11 mm
Ride: Neutral
Surface: Indoors
56 % bio-based and recycled
Made in Brazil
Marlin
Weight: 275g / 9.7oz (Size EU 43/9 US)
Drop: 6mm
Heel height: 24mm
Forefoot height: 18mm
Ride: Neutral
Surface: Roads/dirt roads
62% bio-based and recycled
Made in Brazil
Condor
Weight: 324g / 11.4oz (Size EU 43/ 9 US)
Drop: 10mm
Heel height: 27mm
Forefoot height: 17mm
Ride: Neutral
Surface: Roads/paths
53% bio-based and recycled
Made in Brazil
Condor 2
Weight: 301g/ 10.6oz (Size EU 43/9 US)
Drop: 10mm
Heel height: 27mm
Forefoot height: 17mm
Ride: Neutral
Surface: Roads/dirt roads
57% bio-based and recycled
Made in Brazil
Running
Materials
Upper
The upper is made of 100% recycled polyester. Bringing technical qualities such as lightness and breathability.
Amazonian Rubber
One of VEJA's main raw materials is the Amazonian rubber. We buy the rubber directly from cooperatives formed by families of seringueiros (rubber tappers) from the Amazon. These contribute to the protection of the forest by avoiding deforestation and intensive cattle breeding.
Using Amazonian rubber for the outsole brings grip and increases the lifespan of our running shoes.
L-Foam expanded latex cushion
Developed from 30% natural latex from Brazil, the L-Foam is a latex cushion offering high shock absorption capacity.
This material has a long-term resiliency as it maintains its qualities throughout the life of the shoe.
The L-Foam is non-heat sensitive, giving 80% of energy in return.
Pebax® Rnew® inserts
Made of 62% ricinus oil, Pebax® Rnew®, is both light and strong, providing great support where it is most needed without extra weight.
Impala
VEJA designed its first training style: the Impala.
Named after the antelope, a fast and graceful animal, the Impala is the lightest sneaker VEJA ever created.
The Impala provides comfort and support.
It was designed for a wide range of exercises such as gym workouts, runs on a treadmill, Swedish fit, Bootcamp, and Crossfit sessions.
Lightweight, comfort, stability
Materials
Impala
1. Engineered-mesh: 100% recycled polyester
2. Midsole: 60% sugar cane
3. Rubber outsole: 61% bio-based (30% Amazonian rubber, 31% rice waste)
4. Laces & backloops: 100% recycled polyester
5. Tongue: soft, light, and cushioned material providing stealthy comfort
6. V & heel clip: 62% ricinus oil
7. Tech lining: 100% recycled polyester
8. L-Foam: cushioning insert made of 30% natural latex, bringing comfort and protection against vibrations
Marlin
Dynamic
- 6mm lower drop for a natural stride.
- L-Foam forefoot insert gives 80% energy return.
- Multidirectional flex grooves to enhance footwork.
Comfort
- L-Foam heel insert absorbs shocks.
- Bootie tongue construction for a snug fit.
- Knit upper thin, soft, and breathable.
- Full ground contact for stability.
Named after one of the fastest and most athletic fishes in the ocean, the Marlin comes in just 18 months after conceiving the Condor.
The Marlin was designed to unite and balance with the Condor 2 while satisfying the needs of the runners’ community. While the Condor 2 is perfect for casual runs, the Marlin is adapted for those days you have performance in mind.
It is light and dynamic and still comfortable for everyday runners. The minimalist construction and sharp midsole geometry provide fast sensations.
Lightweight
- Single-layer knit upper.
- Minimalistic construction of knitting and Pebax® Rnew®.
Materials
Marlin
1. Rubber outsole: 65% bio-based (32% Amazonian rubber, 33% rice waste)
2. Panels: T.P.U
3. Expanded midsole: 60% sugar cane
4. V-Knit: Knitted upper: thin, soft, and breathable (100% recycled polyester)
5. Insole: 72% bio-based and recycled (51% sugar cane, 21% recycled polyester)
6. Double L-Foam: Two inserts of L-Foam (forefoot and heel) to absorb shocks and ensure energy return (30% natural latex)
7. Heel L-Foam cushion: 4mm thick to absorb shocks and provide maximum comfort
8. Forefoot L-Foam cushion: 2mm thick for an optimized energy return (>80%) and a lively toe-off
9. Pebax® Rnew®: 62% ricinus oil
10. Tech Lining: 100% recycled polyester
Condor
The Condor was born in 2019 to be highly versatile. The Condor is the go-to shoe for long runs, easy runs, and recovery sessions.
Combining maximum comfort and a highly secured feel, it is the most reliable partner to enjoy the run.
In 2020, the VEJA Condor was elected “Product of the Year” in the Running Hardware category by the 42 professional judges of ISPO, the biggest European fair for outdoor and sport.
ISPO Munich trade fair rewards technical innovations after prior evaluation by a jury of international and respected experts within the sports industry followed by consumers from the ISPO community.
Condor 2
For the Condor 2, we lightened up the upper by removing an extra layer in between the Alveomesh and the lining.
Multidirectional flex grooves have been created to enhance footwork.
We redesigned the whole midsole to decrease weight and improve comfort in motion.
Durability
- Full-length rubber outsole brings grip and increases the lifespan.
- The L-Foam has a long-term resiliency: increased durability.
Comfort
- L-Foam cushion absorbs shocks relentlessly.
- Alveomesh is light and breathable to drain excess heat away.
- An inner sock construction provides a seamless feel and high comfort.
Security
- The naturally sticky Amazonian rubber found in the outsole improves grip.
- One-piece E.V.A. midsole provides a more stable ride offering ground contact at every phase of the stride.
- Pebax® Rnew®, made of 62% ricinus oil, is both light and strong while providing support without extra weight where it is needed.
Materials
Condor 2
1. Light Upper: No more layers in between the Alveomesh and lining. Decreasing weight and adding technicality to the shoe. (100% recycled polyester)
2. Panels: T.P.U
3. V & heel support insert: Pebax® Rnew®, (62% ricinus oil)
4. Expanded midsole: Smoother flat texture and a reduced width to obtain a lighter sole. 62% bio-based (57% sugar cane, 5% banana oil)
5. Rubber outsole: 61% bio-based (30% Amazonian rubber, 31% rice waste)
6. Insole: 72% bio-based & recycled (51% sugar cane, 21% recycled polyester)
7. Cushion latex: L-Foam, cushioning insert bringing comfort and protection against vibrations (30% natural latex from Brazil). 4 mm thick to absorb shocks and provide maximum comfort
8. Tech lining: 100% recycled polyester
9. Laces: 100% recycled polyester
10. Backloop & cords: 100% recycled polyester
