Complete Guide to VEJA Running Shoes

VEJA is a sustainable footwear brand that has grown a cult following for its eco-conscious ethos, transparent production processes, oh, and the aesthetics aren’t bad either.

While the brand has been weaving its way onto the soles of many since its launch in 2004, in more recent years, they have branched out to develop products in adjacent categories.

No longer are VEJA’s just a stylish shoe for the in-the-know, they now have a performance shoe range of three running shoes: the Condor, the Condor 2, and the Marlin.

Veja running shoes

Although a new category for the brand, the running shoes are all created with VEJA’s highest quality standards and sustainable DNA. But how do they hold up as performance shoes? And what is each shoe best suited for?

For a deep dive on each shoe, read firsthand reviews of the Condor, the Condor 2, and the Marlin. In this article, we’ll take a glimpse at each model of running shoe in the VEJA fleet to help take out the guesswork. Let’s jump right in.

VEJA CONDOR RUNNING SHOE

What activities is the Condor good for?

The Condor is VEJA’s first step into the world of running. It is also the world’s first ‘post-petroleum’ running shoe – coined for its clean materials and conscious design. The midsole is imprinted with a pattern to mimic the bones of a bird of flight, condors to be specific.

That said, it is fairly heavy as running shoes go, weighing roughly 315g. However, it is a comfortable, and neutral-to-stable ride that is great for running distances 5km and below on roads or in parks.

The VEJA Condor is perhaps even better suited in the gym or studio. Its ultra-grippy outsole makes indoor surfaces a breeze, and its stable, responsive build makes it ideal for any exercise.

Veja running shoes

VEJA Condor Specifications

  • Surface: Road / Park
  • Ride: Neutral
  • Drop : 10 mm (27 mm - 17 mm)
  • Weight: 315g / 11,1 oz (size 42)
  • Bio-based / Recycled: 57%

    What is the VEJA Condor made of?

    • Upper in Alveomesh 100% recycled plastic bottles
    • Panels made in T.P.U.
    • Heel support insert made out of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
    • Logo V made of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
    • Lining in jersey 100% recycled polyester
    • Insole 37% sugarcane - 25% recycled polyester - 38% E.V.A.
    • Midsole 46% sugarcane - 8% banana oil - 56% E.V.A.
    • L-Foam cushioned technology 30% natural latex from Brazil - 70% synthetic latex
    • Outsole 30% Amazonian rubber - 31% rice waste - 39% synthetic rubber

    Is the VEJA Condor true to size?

    If you’re looking to lace up in the lifestyle trainers from VEJA, be sure to check out this size guide. As for their running shoes, we suggest you size up the Condors if you are unsure or in between sizes, as they can run a bit small.

    What activities is the Condor good for?

    Improving on an already strong start, the Condor 2 builds on the positives of the original Condor, and addresses some of its weaknesses.

    Compared to the first iteration of the shoe, the Condor 2 is nearly 15g lighter. At 301g, it is still substantial for a running shoe, but it's practically featherweight compared to the original.

    The design is sleek and easy to run in, while also offering great support for sessions in gym or studio settings. The Condor 2’s perform well in leisure runs, runs between 5km-10km, and most forms of exercise.

    VEJA Condor 2 Specifications

        • Surface: Road / Park
        • Ride: Neutral
        • Drop : 10 mm (27 mm - 17 mm)
        • Weight: 301g / 10,6 oz (size 43)
        • Bio-based / Recycled: 57%

          What is the VEJA Condor 2 made of?

          • Panels made in T.P.U.
          • Heel support insert made out of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
          • Logo V made of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
          • Lining Tech 100% recycled plastic bottles
          • Insole 51% sugarcane - 21% recycled plastic bottles.
          • Midsole 51% sugarcane - 5% banana oil
          • L-Foam cushioned technology 30% natural latex from Brazil - 70% synthetic latex
          • Outsole 30% Amazonian rubber - 31% rice waste - 39% synthetic rubber

          Is the VEJA Condor 2 true to size?

          Similar to the Condor, the Condor 2’s tend to be true to size or just a bit on the small side. If you are usually a half-size, or unsure of the right fit for you, we recommend choosing the next size up.

          VEJA MARLIN RUNNING SHOE

          Veja running shoes

          What activities is the Marlin good for?

          The Marlin is what running shoe dreams are made of. From this streamlined silhouette to its heel drop, spacious toe box, and responsive L-Foam midsole, the Marlin was made with movement in mind. It’s the lightest of the three VEJA performance shoes, and like the athletic fish it’s named after, the Marlin is quick.

          It’s a neutral ride that offers enough support for those seeking a stability shoe, and it's with you for the long haul. Wear the Marlin’s on runs up to 15km or in the gym, they’re the shoe that keeps on giving.

          VEJA Marlin Specifications

          • Surface: Road / Park
          • Ride: Neutral
          • Drop: 6 mm (24 mm - 18 mm)
          • Weight: 288g / 10,2 oz (size 42)
          • Bio-based / Recycled: 62%

            What is the VEJA Marlin made of?

            • Upper in V-Knit 100% recycled plastic bottles
            • Panels made in T.P.U.
            • Heel support insert made out of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
            • Logo V made of Pebax RNew 100% ricinus oil
            • Lining Tech 100% recycled plastic bottles
            • Insole 51% sugar cane - 21% recycled plastic bottles
            • Midsole 60% sugar cane
            • L-Foam cushioned technology 30% natural latex from Brazil - 70% synthetic latex
            • Outsole 32% Amazonian rubber - 33% rice waste - 7% soy - 3% palm oil

              Is the VEJA Marlin true to size?

              VEJA do say that they run slightly differently to the rest of their footwear range and recommend you refer to their brand size chart – though unfortunately the Marlin is yet to be included in said chart.

              If their other running shoe ventures are anything to go by – the VEJA Condor and Condor 2 – The Sports Edit recommend you size up as these styles tend to run small.

              Vendor: Veja Marlin V-Knit - Full Black
              Sale price
              £82.50
              Regular price
              £165.00

              THE TAKEAWAY

              While VEJA continues to evolve its footwear offering in performance categories, each iteration meets a different need for the wearer. If you’re looking for an everyday athletic shoe for walks, leisurely runs or gym sessions, reach for the Condor.

              Looking to clock a few more miles and dabble in cross training? The Condor 2 is the one for you. For those seeking a true running shoe to put to its paces, look no further than the Marlin. What will VEJA release next in its performance collection? We can’t wait to find out.