Veja sneakers combine transparency with style to create conscious footwear
It may not be the first thing you think of, but the sneaker industry is actually rife with waste. High demand, mass production and loads of unsustainable rubber that refuses to break down make for a pretty toxic cocktail, don’t you think? Luckily, the ethical sneaker movement is really taking off – and you need only look to Veja as an example. The European sneaker brand is taking over the style scene with its conscious footwear, offering a range of sustainable and vegan alternatives for the market.
Let’s take it back to the beginning of the Veja story – it’s 2004 and French entrepreneurs Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion have taken a trip to Brazil to tap into the burgeoning cotton and rubber plantation industry. The pair became fixated on creating sneakers that would be a complete departure from the industry at the time, utilising slow-fashion principles and sustainable materials to bring the vision to life. Fast-forward to now and Veja has earned itself a cult following amongst sneaker-heads and fashion-conscious folk alike, with its classic silhouettes and distinctive ‘V’ branding instantly recognisable. The brand also has a seriously high-end celebrity following, countingthe likes of Meghan Markle, Emma Watson and Lucy Williams as fans.
When it comes to ethics, Veja really does walk the talk – of its 19 styles, more than half are vegan and all are made ethically from sustainable materials. Each style is meticulously designed to remain timeless – a simple silhouette combined with high-quality materials mean that Veja sneakers are made to last. Everything in the brand is made from organic and fairtrade materials, with the latest vegan drop – the Campo – utilising corn waste that comes from the food industry. As if that’s not enough goodness, the brand’s website outlines (in detail) its production processes, including all charity contributions and fair work efforts.
Want to treat your feet to some ethical kicks? You can shop the whole range of Veja sneakers through the brand’s online store or head to Hype DC for an Australian stockist.