Veja Condor review: Good for the planet? Good for PBs?

The Veja Condor is the first running shoe from the French eco fashion-shoe maker. As Veja’s first step into running, it’s designed for everyday runs rather than serious racing. It’s made from 53 per cent bio-based and recycled materials (the rest is virgin plastic and rubber). Though it’s not, however, recyclable nor is everything biodegradable. So how does it run? And how does it stack up against other eco running shoes like the Allbirds Dasher? Here’s my Veja Condor review.

The Veja Condor’s eco creds

Veja says the Condor signals an intent to create a post-petroleum future for footwear. And while bio-based materials aren’t automatically planet-friendly, the brand is the first to admit that the perfect ‘green’ shoe is an aim that’s yet to be achieved.

I interviewed Veja project manager Arnaud Dabir for a feature on the future of sustainable running shoes for Runner’s World magazine in the UK and he told me.

“The ideal shoe lasts long, performs well, doesn’t have oil in it, is recyclable 100%. This is something, I have no idea when this will be possible. The good thing: we are trying to innovate in that direction.”

So we’re not quite there with the Holy Grail of environmentally sound running shoes but what are you getting?

Well, the upper is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, the outsole is 30 per cent wild rubber, and 31 per cent rice husk. The insert is a form of Pebax made from 100 per cent plant-based Ricinus oil. Even the lining is 33 per cent organic cotton and 67 per cent recycled plastic bottles.

All of that is packaged into a running shoe that’s more for lower, easier everyday mileage than it is for racing marathons. Think casual running shoe rather than high performance footwear.