Veja Trainers Size Guide & FAQ

The height of fashion and sustainability, Veja trainers are hard to ignore. While the brand doesn’t advertise anywhere, the trainer models have fast become some of the most popular in the fashion world.

That in itself is a testament to the quiet, unassuming elegance of each of them. Let’s take a quick look at the trainer range and some frequently asked questions.

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Which Veja trainers should you buy?

Are you on the hunt for a brand new pair of trainers? The en vogue Veja brand is certainly worth your time. The company has a whole host of fashion-forward, eco-conscious shoe models, from the retro to the minimalist; each of which screams style.

If you’re not sure which trainers you should buy, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some of your options here, alongside our Veja trainers sizing reviews.

Are Veja true to size?

A frequents question is whether or not Veja are true to size and whether or not you should size up or down. We understand that this can be a bit tricky, but as a general rule of thumb, these are the size recommendations for each style:

    • V10 & V12: comes up larger. We recommend going down a size, especially if you are in between sizes.
    • Esplar: runs true to size.
    • Condor 2: comes up small in fit, we recommend choosing a size up from your usual size, especially if you are in between sizes.
    • Campo: is true to size but has a wider fit. We recommend choosing your regular size.
    • SDU: runs true to size.
    • Rio Branco: has a regular fit but if you are in between sizes, we recommend going up a size.
    • Recife: runs true to size.
    • Venturi: runs true to size.
    • Dekkan: comes up small in fit, we recommend choosing a size up from your usual size, especially if you are in between sizes.
    • Marlin: runs true to size.
    • Impala: comes up small in fit, we recommend choosing a size up from your usual size, especially if you are in between sizes.

If you're still not sure about your Veja size, we recommend having a look at our Veja size chart.

Vendor: Veja V-10 B-Mesh - White Nautico
Sale price
£82.00
Regular price
£117.00

Veja V10 and V12

Veja V10

Designed to celebrate the French label's tenth anniversary, the Veja V10 trainers are a stunning option for any sports lover. The shoes are a combination of responsibly sourced leather and organic cotton.

They also feature a leather upper, panels made out of leather, a rubber logo V, plus lining in jersey which is 33% organic and 67% recycled polyester.

The sole is made from wild rubber harvested from the Amazon rainforest, while lining and laces are made from organic cotton and recycled polyester.

When it comes to the fit, some people may find that the Veja V10 trainers are a little on the heavy and wider side. So, going down a size is suggested, especially if you are in between sizes.

Veja V12

Offering a completely sustainable and ecological approach, the Veja V12 trainers are both smart and breathable options. These sporty shoes are made from recycled bottles also feature a unique water resistant upper.

Much like the V10 trainers, these ones also feature a leather upper, leather panels, and a rubber logo V. The lining is made from both organic cotton and recycled polyester, while the sole is made of wild rubber from the Amazonian forest.

This trainer also runs on the large side, although it does have a narrow fit. So you should always opt for the size down.

V10 vs. V12?

Wondering whether you should buy the Veja V10 or V12 trainers? In terms of Veja V10 vs V12, the truth of the matter is that the two types of shoes are quite similar. Both of the models are made from the same ecological and sustainable materials.

However, the main difference here is that the V12 shoes tend to run a little narrower than the V10s. So, if you prefer a tighter fit, they are right for you.

Veja Esplar and Campo

Esplar

The Veja Esplar trainers offer a classic low-top design. These shoes have become popular thanks to its soft leather upper, breathable organic cotton lining and simple V-stitch design.

The trainers have both a paired-back, minimalistic look. Plus, Esplar sneakers boast rubber from the Amazonian rainforest which makes up the cream, springy sole.

They also get their name from the Brazilian NGO which supports the company's organic cotton farmers and their families. The Esplar trainers tend to run true to size.

Campo

Want a pair of trainers that are chic and super eco-friendly? The Veja Campo trainers feature new gold letter logo detailing and is made from chrome free leather, organic cotton, recycled polyester as well as a vegan suede V-logo.

If you're not sure about your Veja campo sizing, you should opt for your regular size but note that the Veja Campo sneakers have a wider fit, so consider choosing a bigger size if you’re between shoe sizes.

VEJA_2

Esplar vs. Campo

So let's look at Veja campo vs esplar, which should you choose? The Veja Esplar and Veja Campo trainers are quite similar in style, but with a chunkier sole and wider fit on the Campo.

However, the materials they use is one of the key differences: The Campo comes in chrome free leather, while the Esplar is made with regular leather. Hopefully we've answered must of your questions on Veja Esplar vs Campo.

Rio Branco and SDU

SDU

With a B-mesh upper, which is made from recycled bottles, and vegan suede panels, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Veja SDU trainers. These feature a wild Amazonian rubber sole, jersey lining and a rubber logo V on the side.

If you’re worried about sizing, you needn’t be. The SDU models tend to be true to size. With that in mind, you should choose the same size that usually fits you.

Rio Branco

Sporting the super soft and resilient Hexamesh fabric, the ‘retro running’ Rio Branco trainers offer an at once cool and dynamic design. The Hexamesh is composed of 70% organic cotton and 30% recycled plastic bottles.

The lining features 33% organic cotton and 67% recycled polyester while there’s the classic logo V on the side of the shoes. The suede outer material is 100% vegan while the outsoles have been improved thanks to 20% wild rubber from the Amazonian forest.

When it comes to the fit, the brand recommends opting for your regular size but suggests going one size up if you’re in between sizes.

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SDU vs. Rio Branco

Trying to decide between the Veja SDU trainers and the Rio Branco trainers? Both of these models are made from the signature vegan suede fabric. However, only the Rio Branco trainers feature the brand new Hexamesh material.

If you’re looking for a powerful pair of trainers, opting for these could be the way to go.

Veja Recife

The Veja Recife low-top trainers are made from ethically-sourced beautiful white leather. There’s a cool contrasting design here too with the midnight-blue heel tabs alongside a bright-orange logo V.

Moreover, the Velcro straps mean that the trainers are easy to slip on and off. Of course, the Recife trainers are also sustainable.

These shoes feature materials including organic Cotton, recycled E.V.A. and even wild rubber from Amazon forest. For a perfect fit, you should opt for your regular size.

Veja Venturi

The Veja Venturi is a perfect blend of style and sustainability. Made from organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled polyester, these trainers are not only good for the environment but also extremely comfortable to wear. The chunky outsole gives it an outdoors-inspired aesthetic while improving the shoe's durability and support underfoot.

The design is simple yet sleek, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you're running errands or going for a casual lunch, these sneakers will keep your feet feeling fresh and stylish.

veja condor 2
veja condor 2

Featured:

Veja Condor 2

The first post-petroleum running shoe to hit the market, Veja's updated Condor 2 trainer is ideal for challenging road runs, thanks to its grippy Amazonian rubber sole, L-Foam cushioning and Pebax RNew heel support.

The new Condor 2 is now even more sustainable, with 58% natural-based and recycled materials, and is also a lighter shoe than the original.

Veja sizing can be a bit tricky sometime, so worth knowing is that the Condor fit comes up small. We recommend that you take a size up from your usual size.

Veja Condor vs. Veja Condor 2

The second iteration of Veja’s running shoes hit the stores earlier this year. So, what’s the difference between the initial Veja Condor and the Veja Condor 2?

If you’re uncertain which of these shoes will suit you, understanding what you can expect will help you make your decision.

The first thing that you will notice about the Veja Condor 2 is that it is 15g lighter than the original Condor trainers. The latest editions come in at 301g, which could make a major difference when you’re out on a run.

After all, the lighter your running shoes, the better.

When it comes to sustainability, there’s a whole lot to love about the Veja Condor 2 shoes. The upper part of these trainers is made from Alveomesh, i.e.100% recycled bottles.

This material is woven together to create a breathable effect that is also supportive when you’re on the move. Another major difference between the Veja Condor and Veja Condor 2 is the sole and flex grooves.

On the latter, this has been completely redesigned to give you extra support and more durability—both of which will increase your overall performance.

However, it’s worth noting that some things have remained the same here. The look is relatively similar while the rubber outsole and L-Foam in the midsole are still present.

That means that you get a high level of stability when you’re wearing the Veja Condor 2 shoes.

Veja Marlin

Of course, the Veja Condors aren’t the brand’s only running shoes. Sporting a unique shape and attractive look, the Veja Marlins are fittingly named after the most athletic fish in the ocean.

With a style that runners will instantly recognise, the trainers have a mesh upper along with a heel drop. It doesn’t end there.

What makes these truly special is the combination of their Pebax and flared outer-sole. These two features work in sync to help you get precise food lands.

When it comes to weight, the Veja Marlins come in at 288g—that’s less than both the Veja Condor and Veja Condor 2. So, if you’re looking for the lightest pair of Veja running shoes, it’s worth giving these a shot.

The shoes also take a leap when it comes to sustainability, featuring a mixture of recycled bottles and sustainable rubber. Add that to the fact that they offer an excellent level of performance and you might just have a recipe for running success.

veja dekkan
veja dekkan

Featured:

Veja Dekkan

With its Vibram outsole, the Veja Dekkan is inspired by the outdoors. It's a call to explore and is one of the brand's technical models suitable for performance activities such as light hiking. It's a stylish and functional option for any adventure.

Ultilising Veja running technology and Vibram know-how, it offers support, protection, and waterproofing around the perimeter of the sole, making it a handy option for everyday life as well as hiking.

The Dekkan features Thermo Plastic Polyurethane, a lightweight film that reinforces its durability and provides extra support on rough terrain. It also incorporates Alveomesh, a technical fabric made exclusively from recycled polyester, offering breathability, flexibility, and lightness to the shoe. This sustainable material makes the Dekkan trainer eco-friendly and perfect for outdoor activities.

veja impala
veja impala

Featured:

Veja Impala

The Impala is Veja's first gym training shoe, and the lightest the brand has developed. It was designed for all types of sports exercises, such as gym sessions and treadmill runs.

They're a classic choice for anyone who wants a timeless design that never goes out of style. And their functional features make them a comfortable and supportive option that will take you from the gym to life on the go whether you're dressing up or down.

As with other Veja styles, they're made from organic cotton and sustainably sourced wild rubber, so you can feel good knowing these trainers are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.

Veja recommends going up one size for the Impala sneakers as they tend to fit snugly. So, if you're usually a size 6, it's best to order a size 7. The sneakers also come with a spare pair of laces, allowing you to switch up the look whenever you want.

Veja Trainers FAQ

Now that we’ve taken a brief look at some of the best Veja models on the market, let’s get down to the frequently asked questions. The following answers should give you all the information you need when you invest in your first pair of these trainers.

How to break in Vejas?

One of the things that you will notice when you get your first pair of Veja trainers is that the tongue is a little stiff. For this reason, many of the Veja models take some time to break in.

However, they are uber worth softening up as they fast become your most comfy shoes. It should only take a few wears to see the fabric start to become less and less hard.

A quick tip that you should keep in mind is to always wear socks with these trainers. Doing so will prevent chafing from the tongue and make you more comfortable.

Are Veja trainers vegan?

A quarter of the current Veja trainer models are now vegan, moving to 40% by the end of 2019. The vegan options include the Campo, Rio Branco, Nova and the B-Mesh models.

However, unlike lesser brands, their vegan options are not made out of virgin plastic as that is not an eco-friendly solution. Instead, the company worked hard for five years to develop a fully biodegradable material for its vegan shoes.

For example, the Campo trainer line, which is made out of chic waxed canvas, or used 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles in B-Mesh and Hexamesh fabrics. Shop our Veja Vegan Edit

Is Veja sustainable?

The short answer is yes. Wherever possible, the raw materials used to make these trainers comes from within the country’s borders, which reduces transportation.

The eco-conscious products also feature organic cotton and B-Mesh, made from recycled plastic bottles.

On the sole of all Veja shoes, you will find wild Amazonian rubber. The brand has purchased 195 tons of wild rubber from Seringueiro communities In the Amazon since in 2004.

The move has allowed them to preserve 120,000 hectares of the forest environment.

The leather used for these trainers comes from southern Brazil and is also environmentally friendly. The brand tracks the material to absolutely ensure that it doesn’t come from an area that was deforested for cattle farming purposes.

The company uses a tannery that is certified Gold by the Leather Working Group. They also perform random checks on a regular basis to monitor the level of chrome in the leather and ensure they meet REACH standards.

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Are Veja trainers ethical?

The Veja brand has a beating ethical heart. The company is vigalent, banning child labour, forced labour and discrimination. The team also stands up for work safety, fair wages and the right to union-trade.

Monitoring these aspects of the business part of the brand’s ethos, which is why they have regular external social audits as well as internal reporting.

Another ethical step that the brand has taken is to pre-finance harvests by up to 40%. In simple terms, that means that they buy organic cotton a year before they need it to make the sustainable Veja trainers.

Producers get a fair deal too, since there is a mutually agreed market-decorrelated price in place for one-to-three years. This measure allows them to know how much they will earn before they start production.

Why are Veja shoes so expensive?

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Veja shoes surrounds the price. We won’t beat around the bush–these are not cheap shoes. However, what you’re paying for here is quality, eco-friendliness and sustainability.

It costs around five to seven times as much to produce Veja trainers as it does a standard pair of shoes. That is because the trainers use raw materials which are environmentally friendly and purchased according to fair trade principles.

To keep costs to a minimum, Veja has cut out its advertising budget. That means that you, the customer, gets the high-quality trainers for a similar price to other leading brands.

Are Veja trainers worth it?

When you’re in the market for a new pair of trainers, you certainly shouldn’t overlook the Veja brand. Stylish, eco-conscious, vibrant and durable – these trainers pack a serious punch when it comes to whether they are worth it or not.

Aside from being fashion-forward and effortlessly sophisticated, the trainers also have a sustainable undertone to them. If you’re looking for a pair of trainers that will last and last, you can’t go far wrong with a Veja pair.

One of the highlights from the brand is the Veja Esplar trainers, which include beautifully shaped and smooth leather, and cost under £100. Think of these trainers as a long-term investment, not merely a piece of fashion clothing, because that’s what they are.

How to clean your Veja trainers

Wondering how to clean Veja trainers? Before you slip on a brand new pair, you should waterproof your shoes. Doing so will mean that they last longer than they usually would.

If your trainers are a canvas pair, this involves brushing them with cold water and Marseille soap. If you have leather shoes, you should use a damp cloth and a specific product spray or cream.

You should also dry brush the leather inserts regularly. In both cases, it’s important to repeat the cleaning process on a regular basis.

Finally, the brand states that you should avoid putting them in the washing machine at all costs as it may damage the shoes. Instead, you need to stick to hand cleaning them.

Where are Veja shoes made?

Veja trainers are produced in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil. However, the designs and ideas for each of the unique pairs of trainers takes place in Paris, France.

Conclusion

Investing in a stunning pair of Veja sneakers is certain to be one of the smartest moves you make. These shoes last and last, while also looking fantastic and being eco-friendly.

With any luck, this guide should have helped you decide which shoe models are right for you. Why not take that step today and treat yourself to a pair of trainers that you will love?

Head over to our Veja sizing guide to find your perfect size.

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