Buyer's Guide

A Buyer’s Guide to VEJA Sneakers

VEJA sneakers are synonymous with clean, classic, contemporary style and now more than ever are being seen on the feet of fashion’s most influential. The French footwear brand has truly affirmed their position in the sneaker market with their ecological and fair trade conditions for production.

Whether you’re a first time buyer or a VEJA fanatic, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Allsole for everything you need to know about the brand, from composition to care we’ve got you covered.

Veja trainers

#2 VEJA History

In 2003, Sebastien Kopp and Francois- Ghislain Morillion were confronted by the unfortunate reality of globalisation whilst conducting an audit of a fast fashion factory in China.

From 5 level bunk beds to a hole in the ground for showering, it struck a chord with the pair and inspired them to make a change – from here, VEJA was born.

Sebastien Kopp and Francois- Ghislain Morillion. Image via Quartz.

#2 VEJA Size Chart

Not sure about sizing for your VEJA’s? Here’s their size guide…

Women:

US	5	6	7	8	9	10
UK	3	4	5	6	7	8
EUR	36	37	38	39	40	41

Men:

US	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
UK	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
EUR	40	41	42	43	44	45	46

Kids:

EUR	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39
US	6	7	8	8.5	9.5	10	11	12	12.5	13.5	1	2	3	4	5	6	6.5	7
UK	5.5	6.5	7.5	8	9	9.5	10.5	11.5	12	13	13.5	1.5	2.5	3	4	5	5.5	6

#3 Are VEJA sneakers true to size?

Generally, VEJA sneakers are true to size, so we would recommend going for your typical size. As with most leather footwear, it may take a few wears to mould to the unique shape of your foot. If you are in between two sizes, we suggest choosing the smaller size!

#4 Are VEJA sneakers leather?

VEJA produce both leather and vegan sneakers. Unlike other retailers, VEJA are working on two major methods of production to improve the quality and composition of their sneakers. VEJA are dedicated to ensuring their leather does not come from the Amazon nor from an area that was deforested for cattle farming.

When producing leather sneakers, animal skins are treated chemically in a process called tanning to ensure that they don’t deteriorate over time. Unfortunately, the process of tanning puts a huge strain on the environment, with excessive amounts of wastewater produced for every ton of tanned leather created. Not only is this, but through tanning, pollutants such as chromium, lead, mercury and various other pathogens are released consequently polluting the environment.

VEJA is determined to make as little impact on the environment as possible, and this is why they use chrome ( inoffensive tanning when not oxidised) and vegetable tanning methods. Vegetable tanning is used on 10% of VEJA models, which uses only natural tannin and has no negative impact on the environment.

Since 2013, VEJA has also been using fish leather in their designs. The leather is taken from freshwater fish farms where unused fish that would otherwise be thrown away are utilised by the brand!

#5 Are VEJA vegan?

VEJA has a variety of vegan sneakers, including the V10 and the Campo.

Another fundamental pillar that VEJA is built on is fair trade. The brand work directly with farmers in Peru and Brazil to agree contracts and prices for their organic cotton before a single seed has been planted. Alternative materials such as tilapia and experiments with chrome-free suede, leathers and wild rubber are also in the pipe line to develop the sustainability of the brand.

#6 How to clean your VEJA sneakers

To keep your pair of VEJA’s in tip top condition, we suggest giving them a spray with a waterproof solution before you wear them!

For canvas VEJAs, simply brush off any scuffs or marks with a brush and a good-quality cleaning solution – don’t put them in the washing machine as this can cause the leather inserts to rub off.

For leather styles, it’s important to maintain the quality with conditioning cleaning solutions.

Allsole recommends…

Veja-trainer-girls

#7 Where are VEJA sneakers made?

Ever since day one, VEJA sneakers have been manufactured in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. 40% of employees live at the factory while the other 60% live in nearby cities. Find out more about the production process HERE.

#8 Do VEJA advertise?

No! VEJA put all money saved from advertising and marketing costs straight into the production, raw materials and the workforce who create their sneakers.

#9 Which VEJA sneakers should I buy?

V-12 and B-Mesh

VEJA V-12’s are made out of ecological and sustainable materials. The upper in B-Mesh is made from 3 plastic bottles, with the lining 33% organic cotton and 67% recycled polyester. The panels and logo are made of leather and rubber.

Esplar Leather Low Top

One of VEJA’s most classic styles, the Esplar leather low tops have been named after the Brazilian NGO which brings technical support to the organic cotton families Veja works with.

V-10 Leather and Mesh

White low top trainers from VEJA, the V-10 model was designed as a celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary, the ‘V-10’ sneakers utilise ecological and sustainable materials to create a sleek upper made from low-chrome leather.

SDU Running Style

In a commitment to be kinder to the planet, the mesh uppers on Veja’s SDU trainers are crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Perfect for paring up with jeans for the weekend or keeping your workwear wardrobe casual and comfortable.

Condor 2 Running Trainers

Veja’s Condor 2 trainers capture the label’s sustainable outlook with Alveomesh uppers that are derived entirely from plastic bottles. Comfortably lightweight, they’re crafted with L-Foam cushioning and set on an Amazonian rubber sole that’s enriched with rice waste fibres.

Watch our video below, to see the style differences from their most popular styles.

#10 Do VEJA do children’s styles?

Yes, you can now get your favourite VEJA styles in children’s sizes!

Core styles including the V-1O, Esplar and V-12 shapes are available in kids and toddler sizes so you can match with your little one and get them introduced to the brand from an early age.