Cheryl Shops

I've never been a sneakerhead, but in the last several years, sneakers have become my most-worn type of shoes. Since I don't go into an office every day anymore—and since I spend most of my day at home, inside—my style has definitely become a little more casual. Thankfully I'm not alone; there seem to be more sneakers on the market than ever, at every price point (even by luxury brands like Dior and Chanel). I've been slowly building up quite a wardrobe of sneakers—everything from classic Vans and New Balance to higher-end designers like Isabel Marant and Chloe—but I hadn't considered Veja until someone in one of my subreddits declared that Golden Goose sneakers were out and Veja sneakers were in. All of a sudden, I kept spotting Veja everywhere, so I decided to see what the hype was all about. Read on for my honest and unfiltered thoughts on the brand. 

What's the deal with Veja?

Veja (pronounced VAY-zhah) is a French brand that's been around since 2005, but they've become more popular in recent years for their eco-conscious practices. Their shoes are produced in Brazil, using organic cotton, Amazonian rubber, and recycled materials; the company is super transparent about their production chain (you can read all about it here) and social responsibility initiatives. Unlike nearly every other brand out there, they don't advertise or work with influencers, which is really remarkable when you consider how popular their sneakers have become, solely by word of mouth. Design-wise, the sneakers are very timeless—their aesthetic is classic by intention, so that they last for years—and are available in women's, men's, and kids' sizes. You can find them on Veja's site, as well as Nordstrom, Zappos, Madewell, Bloomingdale's, and a bunch of other specialty retail sites. 

Why I bought Veja V-10 sneakers

Based on my observations, I see most people wearing the Campo, which is a classic white sneaker with a colorful V logo. I decided against this style because it's a little too basic for me (I already own several pairs of white leather sneakers) and I read that the leather can take awhile to break in. The Esplar is very similar to the Campo, but with an even more streamlined, minimal vibe, and is available with a tonal logo for the most low-profile look. Another popular style is the V-12, which is basically the Campo with a chunkier (and more comfortable), often contrasting sole; word is that this style runs a little snug and the long tongue can rub against your ankle. For me, the winner was the V-10, a throwback style that the brand introduced for its 10th anniversary. I loved all of the contrasting color combinations available, the mesh detail at the toe box, and the thicker sole, because first and foremost, I need my sneakers to be comfy. 

How they feel

Another factor that convinced me to buy the V-10 is that they reportedly run a little wide, and I wanted to make sure I'd have room for comfy socks. Veja shoes come in whole sizes, and while I'm almost always a US 8.5, I ordered my usual sneaker size, a US 8 (39 EU/6UK), and was surprised that I had even a little extra room at the toe. A US 7 definitely would have been too small, so I'm happy with the size I ordered; I can wear everything from thinner no-show socks to thicker athletic socks without any rubbing or pinching. The leather did feel a bit stiff at first but definitely relaxed after I wore them a few times. The sole is cushy but not super-bouncy; I comfortably wore these for most of my NYC trip when I was logging 20,000 steps a day. The arch support is not as good as my New Balance sneakers (literally the comfiest pair I own), but I appreciate the width of the sole, which leaves space for my feet to expand a bit as the day goes on. One thing to note: the shoes are delivered unlaced, so there may be an adjustment period at first as you figure out how to properly loosen or tighten the laces to fit your feet. 

My honest review

I was not expecting to love these sneakers so much, but they've quickly become my go-to pair. The colors I chose—mine are the extra white/black/sahara V-10—go with nearly everything in my wardrobe, and the vibe of the sneakers feels timeless, but with enough personality to make them stand out. I've found they miraculously don't get very dirty, although the suede at the toe is starting to wear off already (I had dinner at a wooden sushi bar a few weeks ago, which I think was the culprit). I will admit, I was a little skeptical of such a trendy brand, but the design is great, the comfort is there, and all of the company's eco-conscious practices are icing on the cake. While I haven't tried on any of Veja's other sneakers, I'd definitely recommend the V-10 if you're looking for a comfy retro classic that you can dress up or down. They're worth the investment!

OUTFIT DETAILS: old Uniqlo double-faced coat (similar here) | Everlane alpaca sweater | Old Navy Stevie crop flare pants | Veja V-10 sneakers | Celine Romy bag