Reviewing Diadora’s new comfy, vegan running shoe

Here’s the rundown.

The new Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 is currently my favorite running shoe. When I first put them on, they felt cushier than my regular shoes and a bit too big. They also featured a wider toe box. For a minute, I was worried I might trip. But I didn’t. Instead, the shoes felt broken in immediately. No sore soles with these comfy shoes. 

Diadora describes the Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 as “the ideal choice for quick sprints over short distances or extended low-intensity workouts.” See what goes into making these running shoes in the breakdown below, and research other shoe options in this gear guide.

A white running shoe.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Materials

Mythos Blushield Volo 4 W 2030 is part of the Diadora 2030 project, a series of goals the company is working toward for a greener future. The shoe uses only vegan materials. The upper is made from recycled polyester mesh and virgin polyester. The midsole is 40% EVA, partially biosynthesized from by-products of sugar cane processing. The laces are 100% recycled polyester.

While I like to buy used clothing, I avoid used running shoes because of the worn-down treads. You can feel good about buying new shoes from a manufacturer working so hard to protect the environment.

A pair of white running shoes.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Aesthetics and design

The women’s Mythos Blushield Volo 2030 comes in white with purple trim. The men’s is white with black and cayenne accents. I’m not a fan of white shoes, so I wish this design came in more colors. But aside from that, it’s a cute design. I especially like the diagonal stripe of cork inset and the angular purple zigzags around the laces.

You can tell the design team took their time plotting out every detail. The loop on the heel is handy for pulling the shoes on. The tongue is also noticeably thin.

White running shoes in a brown box.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

About Diadora

An Italian brand, Diadora was founded in 1948 with global headquarters in Caerano di San Marco in northern Italy. Diadora’s North American headquarters is in Philadelphia. While the company started as an artisan hiking boot brand, it now manufactures clothing, running shoes, accessories like visors, and even specialized pickleball shoes.

Bryan Poerner, CEO of Diadora USA, is a long-time vegan. But he doesn’t take credit for the brand using many sustainable and vegan materials. “In general, all companies are always going to look for sustainable alternatives when they make sense,” he said. “And we’re no different. The company is led by people who believe in that sort of thing. But I don’t think it’s an anomaly. I think it’s the way of the future.”

Writer received a free sample from Diadora for review.