If you pay attention to people’s feet as you traverse your daily life, you’ve likely seen the sneakers with the big “V” on the sides. And you’ve probably seen them more and more as the years progress. The sneakers in question are from Veja, a French footwear brand known and loved for its clean styles and sustainable practices. Founded in 2005, Veja has gained popularity recently for its premium, sustainable materials and versatile designs.
If you're new to Veja and considering purchasing a pair, this buyer’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about the brand, including sizing, key styles, and more.
How do you pronounce Veja?
First, let’s make sure you know how to pronounce the name correctly. The sneaker brand’s name is pronounced “vay-ja.”
Veja’s Sustainable Practices
One of the key selling points of Veja sneakers is their commitment to sustainability. They use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, chrome-free leather, natural rubber from the Amazon rainforest, and recycled plastic bottles. If being eco-conscious is essential to you, Veja is a great choice.
Clean, Versatile Sneaker Designs
Veja offers a variety of styles, from classic lace-up sneakers to slip-ons and high-tops. Consider what style suits your wardrobe and personal preferences. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or bold colors and patterns, there’s likely a Veja sneaker that fits your style.
Popular Veja Sneaker Styles
V-10
The popular Veja V-10 features a look somewhere in between a classic tennis shoe and a skate shoe. Most V-10s are constructed with either leather or vegan materials.
Campo
Arguably Veja’s most iconic style, the Campo is a clean and simple, low-profile sneaker similar to an Adidas Stan Smith or other classic tennis shoes.
Nova
The Nova can be considered Veja’s answer to the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star. The slim, deconstructed sneaker is usually made of canvas and comes in both low-top and high-top options.
Rio Branco
The Veja Rio Branco is modeled after the 1970s and early ‘80s running shoe styles for a sporty, vintage look.
How do Veja sneakers fit?
Veja sneakers are generally known to fit true to size, so go with your standard shoe size when purchasing a pair. Veja sneakers come in European sizing, so consult the sizing chart to ensure you purchase the correct size.
How to clean Veja sneakers
Veja sneakers are known for their durability, thanks to their high-quality materials and construction. With normal wear, they should last you longer than many sneakers from other brands. If you get your Veja sneakers dirty, pairs constructed in leather or vegan materials are easy to clean with a damp cloth and a touch of dish soap or a sneaker cleaner solution. Suede is a little trickier to clean, as you won’t want to get it wet. Using a soft brush or suede-specific cleaners is suggested to ensure you don’t ruin the material.
