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According to a study conducted by MIT, a typical pair of running shoes generates approximately 13.6 kilograms of CO₂ emissions. This is because the majority of sneakers are made from plastic and plastic-like materials along with rubber, cotton, and leather. The mixed materials make shoes virtually impossible to recycle, and well, you probably know the rest. To help offer a new solution to landfills piled high with used sneakers, VEJA, the French brand that reignited our love of white sneakers, has launched its first bio-based, performance running shoe: The Marlin.
Inspired by their bestselling style, the Condor ($160), The Marlin is made with 62 percent bio-based and recycled materials like plastic bottles, sugar cane, banana oil, natural latex, rice waste, and Amazonian rubber. It’s designed to be light, dynamic, and comfortable enough to support long-distance running. After four years of research, development, and trial and error with runners around the world—all with different body types, with different needs, on different terrains—the Marlin took the learnings and feedback gathered from the Condor to become one of the lightest and most dynamic shoes on the market.
The single-layer knit upper, which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, is thin and breathable enough to keep your feet cool and comfortable all run long. Meanwhile, the upper inserts are comprised of a plant-based Pebax, which is an innovative, high-end material for performance footwear that’s both light and strong. The outsoles are made of ethically sourced, Amazonian rubber that is resilient, light, and features multi-directional flex grooves to enhance footwork. And lastly, the natural rubber, L-Foam forefoot inserts provide for an 80 percent energy return so that your strides take you further with less effort.
Veja Marlin V-Knit — $180.00
Alongside the Marlin launch, VEJA is also launching an NYC running club with the nonprofit, A Second U Foundation. Since it was founded five years ago, A Second U Foundation has given over 200 formerly incarcerated people a second chance by training them for jobs in the fitness industry. The VEJA running club offers the opportunity to all runners to join one Saturday morning per month for a free guided run under prior reservation, starting at the VEJA flagship store located at 205 Mulberry Street, New York City. More details about how to join can be found on the Veja site later this month.
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