Veja Sneakers Review

About Veja 

Founded in Paris in 2005 by Sebastian Kopp and Francois-Ghislain Morillion, Veja is premised on the idea that high-quality footwear can be created in an ecologically conscious manner.

According to recent research, the major pollutants in the footwear industry are leather, synthetic materials and textiles. Fortunately, Veja employs raw materials from organic farming and eschewing the use of chemicals or polluting manufacturing processes. 

The brand’s products are manufactured in Brazil and France, and the company claims that it adheres to internationally recognized fair-trade conditions.

In this Veja Sneakers review, I will delve deep into the brand and its products, as well as customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if this is the environmentally friendly footwear you’ve been looking for. 

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Pros and Cons

Before this Veja sneakers review really gets up and running, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent pros and cons of the brand. 

Pros

• Environmentally friendly shoes and accessories with many styles to choose from
• All products made from ethically and sustainably sourced materials and manufactured under fair-trade work conditions 
• Fast shipping with some orders arriving within 24 hours 
• Free shipping and returns in France/Europe
• Free shipping and returns for US orders of $100 and up

Cons

• Customers have cited problems with customer service, shipping, and returns, as well as issues with obtaining refunds 

Features

Below, I’ll go over some features of the brand and its footwear:

1. Organic Cotton: Veja uses organic cotton in the construction of their shoes, which is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. This helps reduce the environmental impact of cotton production.
2. Wild Rubber: Veja sources wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest, working directly with local communities. The use of wild rubber helps to preserve the rainforest ecosystem and supports sustainable livelihoods for rubber tappers.
3. Chrome-Free Leather: Veja uses chrome-free leather in their shoe production. Chrome tanning is a process that can be environmentally harmful, and Veja’s use of chrome-free leather reduces the potential negative impact on the environment.
4. Recycled Materials: Some Veja shoes incorporate recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and recycled polyester. This helps reduce waste and gives a second life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
5. Socially Responsible Production: Veja works directly with small-scale producers and cooperatives in Brazil, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. They prioritize long-term partnerships and support local communities through their production process.
6. Minimalist Design: Veja sneakers often feature a minimalist design aesthetic, with clean lines and simple color combinations. This design approach appeals to those who prefer a more understated and versatile style.
7. Comfort and Fit: Veja shoes are designed to be comfortable for everyday wear. They provide cushioning and support, making them suitable for various activities and lifestyles.
8. Transparency and Traceability: Veja is transparent about their supply chain and production process, allowing customers to trace the origin of their shoes. They provide information about the materials used, the factories involved, and their commitment to sustainability and fair trade.
9. Collaboration with Artists: Veja collaborates with various artists and designers to create limited-edition shoe collections. These collaborations add unique and artistic elements to their shoe designs.

Materials

As I mentioned in this Veja sneakers review, the brand is known for using sustainable and ethically sourced materials. Here are the main elements commonly used in the production:

1. Organic Cotton: Veja utilizes organic cotton in the upper part of their sneakers. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, reducing the environmental impact of cotton production.
2. Wild Rubber: Veja sources wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. They work directly with rubber tappers, supporting sustainable livelihoods and helping to protect the rainforest ecosystem.
3. Chrome-Free Leather: Veja uses leather in some of their shoe designs. However, they opt for chrome-free leather, which eliminates the use of chromium salts in the tanning process. This reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional chrome tanning.
4. Recycled Materials: Veja incorporates recycled materials into some of their shoe styles. This may include recycled plastic bottles, which are transformed into polyester for the shoe uppers, and recycled polyester for linings and other components.
5. Vegetable-Tanned Leather: In addition to chrome-free leather, Veja also offers sneakers made with vegetable-tanned leather. Vegetable tanning involves using tannins derived from tree bark or other plant sources instead of chemicals, resulting in a more environmentally friendly tanning process.
6. Mesh: Veja uses mesh fabric made from various materials, such as recycled polyester or organic cotton, in the construction of their shoe uppers. Mesh provides breathability and adds to the overall comfort of the shoes.
7. Soles: The soles of Veja shoes are typically made from natural rubber. This rubber is sourced from the Amazon rainforest, contributing to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities.

6 Bestselling Veja Sneakers

Whether you’re running, walking, jogging, or just kicking back and inviting admiring looks at your kicks, Veja shoes offer both function and fashion. Up ahead in this Veja sneakers review, I will now take a look at some of the bestselling items for women, men, and kids.  

Veja Campo Chromefree White Matcha 

Get your guilty pleasures guilt-free with the eco-friendly Campo Chromefree White Matcha. The leather of these Veja Campo sneakers is tanned without the use of chrome, metals, or acids, which dramatically reduces the use of chemicals, energy, and water in the manufacturing process.

These great everyday Vejas can complement pretty much any outfit you can envision with their clean, minimalist design, which combines a pristine white exterior with teal offsetting and the iconic Veja logo in suede. Get the Campo Chromefree White Matcha for $145. 

Veja Esplar Leather White Orange-Fluo 

The combination of classic simplicity with trendy but subtle detailing is what makes the Esplar Leather White Orange-Fluo a must-have in any shoe collection. The contrast of the pure white against the vibrant orange of the logo and back tab gives these a visual pop that is sure to garner attention without being ostentatious. 

Try wearing these with a pair of shorts for a summery look, or just toss them on with a pair of jeans to run some errands—whatever you get up to, these shoes go with anything and everything and will last you a long time. The Esplar Leather White Orange-Fluo are $120.

Veja Rio Branco Hexamesh Gravel Nautico Oxford-Grey 

Comfort, style, and function all come together in the Rio Branco Hexamesh Gravel Nautico Oxford-Grey sneakers. These shoes are made for adventures big and small, and they’ll give some pep to your step with their cushioned soles. 

Lightweight and breathable, the Rio Branco Hexamesh Gravel Nautico Oxford-Grey have multiple color swatches that’ll draw the eyes of passersby. Whether you’re running errands or taking a midnight stroll, throw these on and prepare to conquer the day (or night). Grab a pair for $140. 

Veja V-12 Leather White Cyprus

 The V-12 Leather White Cyprus will become your favorite pair of varsity sneakers. The white leather exterior with green velvet accents gives these a clean-cut, preppy aesthetic that’s versatile enough to go with shorts, skinny jeans, or even chinos.

Bring these versatile sneakers along for a weekend away, or throw them on for a day on the town. Wherever you take them, they’re sure to become your go-to shoe for day or night. Upgrade your shoe game with the V-12 Leather White Cyprus for $150.

Veja Esplar Suede Pouille Pierre 

Any kid will be a hit on the playground with the Esplar Suede Pouille Pierre. With their playful and vibrant blood-orange color, these shoes are sure to stand out—just make sure that there’s no mud around!

Teach chic in your kid’s formative years with the Esplar Suede Pouille Pierre, and inspire them to start their own shoe collection (on your dime). You can currently pick up these eye-catchers for $60.

Veja V-10 MID CWL White Cobalt Orange-Fluo 

The high-top V-10 MID CWL White Cobalt Orange-Fluo shoes have a cool, new-gen basketball-shoe vibe. The Velcro snaps allow your kid to easily slip them on and fly out the door, ready to take on the day and anything it throws their way. The orange and blue accents offset the shoe’s simple design, and the mesh panelling makes them breathable and comfortable. 

Pair these with jeans and a hoodie for a back-to-school outfit, or add a jersey for game night. The V-10 MID CWL White Cobalt Orange-Fluo are $120. 

Veja Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

It’s time for the part you’ve been waiting for: what do customers honestly think of this brand? Well fear not, because in this Veja sneakers review I aim to reveal all, the good and the bad. 

As the brand website doesn’t post customer reviews itself, for my Veja sneakers review, I jhad to seek out third-party sites to fill in the blanks. On the whole, the positive customer reviews tend to applaud Veja for its transparency and dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. 

At WorthEPenny, where the V-10 B-Mesh White Nautico scores 5/5 stars (though admittedly based on only 3 reviews), one buyer singled out the brand’s social consciousness for praise:

“I bought a pair of V-10s about a month ago, and I’m very happy with them so far! Most shoe companies’ ethics and sustainability are questionable at best, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn about Veja’s business model… My partner ordered a pair of Veja’s a few weeks before me and she loves hers too.”

Of course, ethics wouldn’t mean much if the products weren’t up to snuff. But many customers are delighted with the shoes’ high quality, comfort, and stylishness. In a Veja sneakers women review at Zappos, one commenter raved about the snug and comfortable fit of the V-10 B-Mesh White Nautico:

One customer commented on the comfort, saying, “I saw the pictures of Meagan Markle wearing these in Australia and knew that I had to have them! I usually wear a women’s 10 to 11, so I ordered the 42, and they fit perfectly.”

The V-10s also get some shine over at Amazon, where they pull in 4.5/5 stars based on 219 global ratings. While the comments here are generally glowing, they also frequently mention one aspect of these shoes that are mentioned most often in negative reviews: the shoes’ “break-in” time.

Is Veja Worth It?

So, what is the verdict? Are Veja sneakers worth it? To wrap up this Veja sneakers review, I’d say that the brand is worth buying from. 

Veja is a brand that offers an alternate vision of what footwear fashion should be. Its manufacturing process factors in fair trade and ecological considerations by way of ethically sourced materials and non-exploitative labor practices. For its accomplishments in this area, Veja has been recognized as a Certified B Corporation brand.

When you factor that in along with the classic and timeless design of the shoes themselves, you have a company that shows it cares about the planet as much as it cares about the consumer. And that, in my opinion, is a killer combination.

Veja sneakers may take time to break in and can be uncomfortable at first, but the same goes for shoes from many other brands. After a couple of days of wearing them, your feet, and your fashion sense, will thank you. (And anyway, what’s that old saying—“Beauty is pain?”)

Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Veja shoes, there are several brands that offer high-quality, comfortable footwear made from sustainable materials. Here are some options to consider:

1. Nisolo – This Nashville-based brand offers a wide variety of handcrafted leather footwear, including sandals, boots, sneakers, and oxfords. They emphasize timeless design and everyday function, making them a great option for those looking for more style variety than Allbirds offers.
2. Tropicfeel – This brand’s Monsoon shoe is made from recycled plastic and natural cork, making it a sustainable alternative to Allbirds. The shoe is also waterproof and features a slip-resistant sole, making it great for outdoor activities.
3. Emu Australia – For a lower-priced alternative to Allbirds, Emu Australia’s Barkly shoes are visually similar to Allbirds Wool Mizzles, but at just over half the price.

Veja Promotions & Discounts 

Unfortunately, at present there is no Veja sneakers sale or Veja discount code available. Keep checking the brand website though, as there was recently a 30% off sale going on.

Where to Buy Veja 

Veja shoes are available in over 1,800 retailers in 45 countries around the world, as well as in dedicated Veja stores in New York, Paris, and Bordeaux. Go to the “Store Locator” section of the Veja site to find the retailer closest to you. (We can tell you right now though, thanks to a gift search for a relative, that the biggest Veja sneakers Australia stockist is Hype DC.)

There are also well-stocked Veja sneakers Nordstrom and Amazon stores, but you’re always going to get the best selection at the Veja site itself, veja-store.com.

FAQ

Why are Veja Sneakers so popular? 

Perhaps because Veja was the first truly sustainable sneaker brand in the world? The shoes are made with high-quality recycled materials, organic cotton, and sustainably sourced leather, so buyers can look good and feel guilt-free at the same time. 

Are Veja Sneakers vegan?

Veja is a vegan-friendly brand, but it is not 100% vegan. Leather and suede are used in many of the brand’s products. 

Are Veja shoes good quality?

Well, if Veja shoes are good enough for a Duchess, that speaks volumes to their quality. Short answer: yes, Veja shoes are good quality. 

Are Veja Sneakers waterproof?

Veja uses a material called B-mesh, which is made of recycled polyester. The fabric is waterproof, ergo, yes, the shoes are waterproof. 

What is Veja sizing like?  

According to reviews, Veja sneakers fit true to size for the most part. Some styles do run a bit large, though, so it is recommended that you size down if you’re between sizes. 

How long does Veja take to ship?

Veja ships worldwide. For France, Veja free shipping is available on orders over $79; there is a $6 shipping fee for any order below that amount. Items will take 72 hours to arrive. 

Standard shipping to the UK is $13, or free on orders of $120 and up. Delivery will take 5-8 business days. 

For countries in the Europe zone, shipping is $18 or free for orders of $152 or more, and orders will arrive in 14-21 business days. All other international orders entail a $30 shipping fee (or free for orders of $182 and above), and will arrive in 14-21 business days.

Express shipping options are as follows: 

1. France—$9 (arrives in 24 hours) 
2. UK—$18 (arrives in 24 hours)
3. Europe—$14 (arrives in 24 hours)
4. International—$36 (arrives in 2-5 business days)

Once the order has been shipped, Veja will send an email with a link so that you can track your package. You can also view the progress of your order at the French postal service website or through UPS. 

Orders to countries outside the EU are subject to the taxes and customs charges of the destination country. These costs are the responsibility of the customer. 

What is Veja’s Return Policy?

Veja products are eligible for return within 28 days after delivery. They must be in new condition, with the original packaging, and accompanied by the completed Return Request. 

For more information, go to the “Returns and Refunds” section of the Veja site. 

Returns should be sent to: 

VEJA chez LOG’INS

Rue des 44 Arpents

91100 Villabé

France

In France, returns are free for orders of $79 or more. European orders of $97 or more are also eligible for free returns.

Veja doesn’t offer regular exchanges via the site. If you need a different size or another style, you will need to place a new order. Visit the “Returns and Refunds” section of the Veja site for more information. 

How to Contact Veja 

To contact Veja Sneakers customer service, you can use the contact form or the “Help” button on the brand website. Customer service will respond within 72 hours.

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Looking for more options? Check out some other top shoe brands:

Rothy’s

People Footwear

Native Shoes

Cariuma

GREATS