Sustainable Knit Running Shoes

Rick Owens and VEJA Unveil Two Eco-Friendly Runner Styles

Rick Owens and VEJA join forces to unveil two Runner Style sneaker models in the form of the Runner Style 2 and Runner Style Mid for the season. This collaboration marks the third time that the duo are working together and the sneakers will join the Fall 2020 roster. Both of the silhouettes are constructed with sustainability in mind.

The Runner Style 2 is made with a V-knit material throughout its upper sourced from recycled polyester drawn from plastic bottles. The midsole is crafted from 8% banana oil and 46% sugar cane. This sits on top of a natural cork outsole made from 31% rice waste and 30% Amazonian rubber. The Runner Style Mid boasts the same upper construction complete with L-Foam cushioning and 54% bio-based midsole.

Image Credit: 6 Elements

Sustainable Knit Sneakers
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Develop eco-friendly sneaker materials and construction methods.
Recycled Polyester
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Create new products and solutions using recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles.
Bio-based Midsoles
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Explore the use of bio-based materials for midsoles in footwear industry.

Where This Applies

Footwear
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Incorporate sustainable materials and manufacturing processes into footwear production.
Textile and Fabric
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Develop and commercialize new textile technologies using recycled polyester.
Sustainable Fashion
Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Drive the adoption of sustainable practices and materials in the fashion industry.
SCORE
2.4 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 30%
Activity 33%
Freshness 9%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X