Admittedly, the running shoe market is far from sustainable. Millions of shoes get chucked away each year, and there is no pressure on companies to change this as most runners don’t prioritise environmentally friendliness over performance.
Thankfully, some companies will occasionally do the right thing, anyway, which is what happened with the VEJA Confor 3. These bulky running shoes are made mostly from recycled and bio-based materials and are pretty comfortable to wear, too.
While the Veja Condor 3 didn’t immediately win me over during my month-long testing, I found them to be a solid choice. Particularly, if you’re in the market for a well-cushioned daily trainer that doesn't compromise on style, these shoes are worth considering.
Veja Condor 3 review
Price and availability
The Veja Condor 3 was launched in April 2024 and is available to buy now for £160/ $200 at Veja UK and Veja US (approx. AU$300). From what I can tell, it’s a unisex model and comes in two colours: Black Calcaire and the tested Areia White Gradient.
Specifications
- Weight: 350g/ 12.35 oz (men’s UK 11/ US 11.5)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 37 mm (heel), 29 mm (forefoot)
- Stride: Neutral
- Best for: daily training, walking, jogging, recovery runs
Design and features
The first thing you’ll notice when receiving your pair of Veja Condor 3 is the large ‘BEYOND PETROLEUM’ slogan on the side of the box. Indeed, the shoes are made with either recycled or bio-based materials, including ricinus oil (heel support), sugar cane (insole and midsole), and more.
The upper, lining, and laces are made with 100% recycled polyester. The odd ones out are the colourful panels and the logo on the shoes, both of which are made from straight-up TPU.
The outsole is made with Amazonian rubber (27%), mineral silica (22%), synthetic rubber (25%), and other materials (26%). Although the website doesn't say so, I can only assume that the rubber has been sourced responsibly.
The Veja Condor 3 has an 8 mm drop, which means it’s gentler on the lower legs and places more strain on the knees and hips. It’s not the most aggressive drop, but the maximum stack height (38 mm) is considerable. Due to the soft midsole foam, there is some balancing involved, so I wouldn’t recommend it for standing around.
It might sound strange not to recommend the Condor 3 for standing, but I know many people use comfortable, cushioned shoes for jobs which require a lot of standing (e.g. nurses). It’s also worth mentioning that the shoes are quite heavy/bulky, with my UK 11 model clocking in at 350g. I assume this is due to the natural materials used.
Performance and fit
As you can imagine, the Condor 3 isn’t a racing shoe, nor should you use it for tempo runs. The foam is bouncy and all, and the fit is decent enough, but the shoes are too bulky and heavy to deliver speed. Nothing wrong with that, though, but I thought I’d start by stating the obvious.
I was sent a UK size 11, which I found slightly larger than needed. I’m usually a size 10-10.5, and from what I can tell, a size 10.5 Condor 3 would have been perfect. Even though the shoes weren’t the perfect fit, I managed to find a decent enough fit using the runner’s knot lacing technique.
The Veja Condor 3 provides lovely support around the ankles, and my heels felt locked down, too. The lace cage is quite narrow and somewhat short, which is great for extra room in the toe box. Although the shoes aren’t specifically designed for runners with wide feet, I found the Condor 3 well-suited for my fins.
Breathability is good, thanks to the little air holes cut in the upper. The reinforced areas (e.g. the rind running around the edge of the toe box) didn’t feel restrictive, either. There is plenty of rubber underfoot, so durability feels on point.
The sugar cane midsole feels soft. I would’ve liked the shoes with a shallower drop, though, which would make the Condor 3 a better running shoe for slow-paced runs. Now, it feels like the shoes want to go but can’t due to their weight. I did enjoy my session in the Condor 3, albeit they didn’t make me want to swap out my current daily trainers from my rotation.
Verdict
One must appreciate the Veja Condor 3 as a running shoe that tried to move the industry towards a more sustainable future. Thanks to the materials used, the Condor 3 is one of the most environmentally friendly trainers on the market. If you don’t care about speed and want a handsome, comfortable daily trainer, these shoes will serve you well.
That said, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives (see below). Not all of them are equally as eco-friendly as the Condor 3, but they are on the right track. I wish the Veja shoes were more versatile and lighter than they are, which would have made it much easier to recommend them.
Also consider
The Hylo Impact focuses on sustainability with a bio-based nylon upper, corn-derived lining, and Tencel Lyocell laces. Its nitrogen-injected midsole and bio EVA offer a 70% rebound. The unique, Formula 1-inspired outsole provides excellent traction. Despite some minor issues with lockdown and weight, the Hylo Impact excels in comfort and eco-friendliness, making it ideal for environmentally-conscious runners seeking a daily trainer.
Not a sustainability champion, but the updated New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 offers improved energy return and cushioning. With a stack height of 38 mm and a 6 mm drop, it’s comfortable yet responsive. The redesigned rubber outsole improves grip. Ideal for daily training, its soft mesh upper and padded heel provide excellent support and fit, making it a versatile and cosy option for various activities.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 features PureGEL technology and FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for softer cushioning and sustainability. It introduces Hybrid Asicsgrip for improved wet traction and durability. The engineered knit upper and revised eyelets enhance midfoot support. With a plush, cushioned feel, the shoe is ideal for slow, steady runs and recovery sessions. The stretchy tongue and padded collars add comfort, while the wide rear platform aids stability. Best for those seeking comfort rather than speed, it’s great for easy runs.
