It is a high possibility that you came across them while on the streets, becoming familiar with their distinctive “V” signature. Otherwise, you probably met them in stores or on your regular scroll down on Instagram. Perhaps you are already a follower since the brand counts up to 1.100.000 followers at the time being. Even if none of the assumptions above is valid, you have seen Emmanuel Macron, Scarlett Johansson, or the Princess of Wales choosing the French label on social, less formal appearances or the much talented Eddie Redmayne waving happy wearing them. The point is, either way, you definitely know Veja.
It wasn’t until the last months of 2016 that the “V” shoes gained such widespread popularity. According to the global fashion search platform Lyst, the searches for the conscious footwear label has increased 113 percent year over year, while in 2018 topped the “Insta Brand We Want to Wear” category. Thus, it is no exaggeration to say that Veja is the sneaker that everyone wore in 2019. Let’s find out why these seemingly simple lace-ups rapidly became a staple for both men and women wardrobe.
‘I think fashion is often comparable to cooking. If you choose each ingredient with care, and you are patient, and you make things carefully, it’s going to be a good meal. It’s the same with developing a brand. This is one of the Sébastien Kopp, the co-founder of Veja, rules of style. And this is easily noticed on the French trainer label that approves to be quite different from the pile.
Francois Ghislain Morillion and Parisian Sébastien Kopp envisioned the idea for Veja sneakers while working with an NGO in Brazil. Their commitment to sustainability began there, and Brazil remains a central hub for Veja's sneaker production. The shoes incorporate eco-conscious materials like recycled plastic bottles, upcycled tilapia skins, fair-trade cotton, and sustainably harvested rubber for the soles. However, since 2023, Veja has also expanded its production into Europe through The Aegean Project. This initiative focuses on producing sneakers locally for the European market—most notably the V-90 model—with over 80,000 pairs already manufactured in Portugal using Portuguese-tanned leather and Italian suede.
Created in 2005, Veja breaks the mold when it comes to stylish and comfortable from one hand and conscious footwear on the other. Ensuring all that they do has a positive impact, Veja ensures that the production of their sneakers from start to finish is ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Read on to find out more about this innovative brand and our top styles to invest in.
Getting to know Veja shoes
Known for ‘reinventing the sneaker’ Veja state that they have one foot in design and the other in responsibility. As a 21st century brand, Veja decided to focus on sneakers as they represent our generation. The final result is a vast collection of diverse and stylish footwear, with the signature Veja style, all made responsibly and providing a positive impact.
The brand took it upon themselves to start from scratch, taking things right back and doing things differently. Sneakers are well known to be made unethically, and so Veja had to find another way to create high quality and on-trend styles. The brand ‘makes what they want the world to become’ - honest, ethical, and durable.
Veja takes time over each and every design, with the end goal being that each pair would still be wearable in ten years' time – while the sneakers are on-trend, they are also timeless and simple.
Each material used in production is ethically sourced, with fair trade being at the heart of all that Veja does. The brand works directly with the producers to have a positive impact. Veja also makes vegan sneakers too, with 1 in 4 styles being vegan-friendly.
Shop Veja
With so many unique and iconic styles, it can be tricky to choose just one pair from Veja.
Veja V-90 California Sneakers
The Veja V-90 sneakers reinterpret classic tennis style through a modern, sustainable perspective. Crafted from supple white leather with light blue accents, they embody understated luxury and everyday ease.
Made entirely from ethically sourced and ecological materials, the V-90 continues Veja’s commitment to conscious craftsmanship. The soles and the iconic V logo are produced from wild rubber sourced responsibly from the Amazonian forest, ensuring both durability and minimal environmental impact.
Timeless and versatile, these sneakers are designed for those who appreciate refined simplicity and lasting comfort. Veja V-90 is a clean essential that pairs effortlessly with denim, chinos, or relaxed tailoring.
Veja Rio Branco Alveomesh Sneakers
The Veja Rio Branco perfectly blends retro athletic design with modern sustainable innovation. Lightweight, versatile, and effortlessly stylish, it’s a sneaker made for those who appreciate both performance and purpose.
Crafted from Alveomesh — a technical fabric made entirely from recycled polyester — the Rio Branco Black White Oxford Grey offers breathability, flexibility, and everyday comfort. Contrasting suede panels and the signature rubber V logo add a refined edge, while the sole, made from wild Amazonian rubber, ensures long-lasting wear with minimal environmental impact.
A contemporary essential that transitions seamlessly from city streets to weekend escapes, the Rio Branco embodies Veja’s commitment to timeless design and responsible craftsmanship.
Veja SDU Alveomesh Light Grey Butter Sneakers
The Veja SDU combines sporty minimalism with eco-conscious design, offering a versatile sneaker that balances comfort, function, and effortless style. Designed with Veja’s signature sustainable approach, it’s perfect for those who appreciate understated sophistication with a modern edge.
Crafted from Alveomesh — a lightweight and breathable technical fabric made entirely from recycled polyester — the SDU Light Grey Butter ensures all-day comfort and durability. Soft suede overlays, a contrasting V logo, and the signature sole made from wild Amazonian rubber highlight Veja’s commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.
A refined take on retro running style, this neutral-toned pair transitions seamlessly from day to night, making it a timeless addition to any contemporary wardrobe.
Veja V-12 B-Mesh Olive
With the highest percentage made from totally recycled and sustainable materials, like all Veja, Veja V-12 B-Mesh Olive is the dream sneaker for the supporters of a more conscious and ecological way of living. The upper is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the inner soles are from recycled cotton and recycled polyester. Panels and logos are made out of leather and wild rubber, and the inner sole is made of recycled cotton.
Made in Brazil, all Veja sneakers are of premium quality, meaning they are made to last. We think what Veja is doing is impressive, and we know you will too.
