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Are Veja sneakers worth the hype? Here’s my honest review

These might be the ultimate cool-kid shoe.

Two models seated, wearing Veja sneakers. On the right are two Veja sneakers against a green background. Credit: Reviewed / Veja

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At Reviewed, it's our job to stay on top of the latest styles. The one footwear trend I've loved is the rise of the casual sneaker, especially the cult-favorite Veja sneakers. After seeing a slew of Instagram ads for the French sneaker brand, I finally broke down and got two pairs for myself—the best-selling Esplar sneakers and the V-10 Sneakers—to see what the hype was all about. Here's my honest review of the Veja shoes that everyone's obsessed with, and whether or not they're worth the money.

Product image of Veja Esplar Sneaker (Women)
Veja Esplar Sneaker (Women)

The Esplar design has a lower profile and slightly less support than the V-10s.

$150 at Nordstrom
Product image of Veja V-10 Sneaker (Women)
Veja V-10 Sneaker (Women)

The V-10s have that classic sneaker look that can be worn with virtually anything

From $165 at Nordstrom
On the left is a pair of Veja sneakers against a pink background, on the right is a model wearing a pair of yellow high-top Veja sneakers.
Credit: Reviewed / Veja

This celebrity-loved sneaker brand is the ultimate cool-kid shoe.

There's no denying that the French footwear brand—which sells over two million pairs of sneakers per year—has quite the cult following. Some of its most famous fans include the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Meghan Markle, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Garner.

Maybe it's the sleek white design or the iconic "V" logo stitched on the side, available in every color from basic black to neon yellow, that keeps bringing back fans of the brand. Or perhaps it's the fact that Veja is considered to be one of the first sustainable sneaker brands in the world, making way for other popular kicks like Allbirds and Cariumas. Veja's shoes are made with high-quality recycled materials, organic cotton, and sustainably-sourced leather. But are they comfortable to wear? And are they really as stylish as they look? I wanted to find out

What I love about Veja sneakers

On the left is a model wearing Veja sneakers while seated on a stoop, on the right is a single Veja sneaker against a pink background.
Credit: Reviewed / Veja

You can wear these Veja sneakers for almost any occasion.

They're endlessly cool

Fact: I've never felt more cool or more trendy than I did when I put on my Vejas. The minimalist aesthetic, accentuated with the bold black "V," has that effortless French je ne sais quoi that I've never been stylish enough to pull off. With these new sneakers, I totally can. They're both subtle and eye-catching, and can instantly elevate even the most casual outfits. I got tons of compliments on them the first time I wore them, even from friends (and my dad!) who had never heard of Veja but liked the look.

They're comfortable

More importantly, the Veja sneakers are surprisingly comfortable. Some customers are split on the comfortability of these shoes, so let me clarify a few things. The sole provides an appropriate amount of cushioning and support so my feet didn't ache after walking in them all day. That being said, they may take some time to break in and should not be expected to feel as comfortable as a regular running shoe right out of the box.

The sizing worked well for my wide feet

Veja only sells shoes in whole sizes, and the brand’s recommendation is to size down if you’re in between sizes. I have wider feet so when it came to sizing I was a little worried, but the Veja sneakers did not disappoint. I wear a size 8 and these fit true to size and were forgiving enough that my foot didn't feel squished. They weren't so big that I felt like I was slipping out of them. However, I’d recommend looking at the specific size chart for the shoe style that you intend to purchase before finalizing your decision.

What I don't like about Veja sneakers

On the left is a Veja sneaker against a cream background, on the right a model wears Veja sneakers with a purple skirt and cardigan.
Credit: Reviewed / Veja

Veja sneakers might take a while to break in, but once you do, they're worth the effort.

They can be stiff at first

As stylish and durable as it may be, leather will never be the most comfortable material for a pair of shoes. Let's be honest: Even the world's highest-quality leather couldn't compete with the worn-in comfort of canvas, cotton, or innovative materials used in athletic sneakers. Veja's offer great support and a well-cushioned footbed, but they're lacking in flexibility and freedom of movement due to the somewhat stiff leather exterior. Even after breaking them in, they still weren't as flexible as I prefer in a pair of walking shoes. This wouldn't deter me from recommending them—but it's something to consider when you're debating buying them for yourself.

They’re not breathable

After wearing them for a few months, I have also learned that Vejas aren’t the most breathable sneakers in the world. My feet get sweaty in them very easily, and if I wear them for a couple of hours, my socks are soaked to the point that I have to change them out for a fresh pair.

Are Veja sneakers worth buying?

Multiple pairs of Veja sneakers on a gray surface.
Credit: Reviewed / Veja

Veja sneakers come in many versatile colorways.

Yes!

If you're willing to spend a little extra on a quality pair of casual shoes, I absolutely recommend Veja sneakers. To be totally honest, I think they're worth the $120 for the brand recognition alone—unlike some shoes that you can easily buy knock-off versions of (ahem, Keds), there is no alternative to the unique design and branding of Veja sneaks. They're also decently comfortable and very versatile, so you'll get a lot of wear out of them.

I wouldn't recommend Veja sneakers for those who want to specifically use them for walking. I can happily wear my Veja kicks for running errands, shopping, or general everyday life, but if you're walking miles and miles every single day, you might want to look elsewhere for a shoe that's heavier duty and flexible, like the very popular Allbirds, which some of our staff own and love.

Shop our top picks from Veja

Veja offers several different styles of women’s shoes, from the V-10 and Esplar designs I tested above, to equally popular styles like the Recife and Campo. The brand also offers styles in men's and children's sizes.

Veja V-10 (Women)

Product image of Veja V-10 Sneaker (Women)
Veja V-10 Sneaker (Women)

The V-10s have that classic sneaker look that can be worn with virtually anything.

$165 at Nordstrom

Veja Esplar Sneaker (Women)

Product image of Veja Esplar Sneaker (Women)
Veja Esplar Sneaker (Women)

The Esplar design has a lower profile and slightly less support than the V-10s.

$150 at Nordstrom

Veja Campo Sneaker (Women)

Product image of Veja Campos Sneaker (Women)
Veja Campos Sneaker (Women)

The Campos run a little wider and have a slightly thicker sole.

$175 at Nordstrom

Veja Recife Sneaker (Women)

Product image of Veja Recife Sneaker (Women)
Veja Recife Sneaker (Women)

The Veja Recife shoes have 3 velcro straps rather than traditional laces.

$185 at Nordstrom

Veja Rio Branco Sneaker (Women)

Product image of Veja Rio Branco Sneaker (Women)
Veja Rio Branco Sneaker (Women)

Available in eight stylish colorways, these Veja sneakers are made from recycled materials and feature mesh inserts.

From $160 at Nordstrom

Veja Wata II High Top Sneaker (Women)

Product image of Veja Wata II High Top Sneaker (Women)
Veja Wata II High Top Sneaker (Women)

Add a pop of color and old school style to any outfit with these statement-making high-tops.

$155 at Nordstrom

Veja Recife Sneaker (Men)

Product image of Veja Recife Sneaker (Men)
Veja Recife Sneaker (Men)

Veja makes men’s sneakers, many of which have equivalent women’s designs. You know what that means—time to plan a matching fit!

$185 at Nordstrom

Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker (Men)

Product image of Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker (Men)
Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker (Men)

This classic style from Veja comes in three colors in men’s shoe sizes 40 to 48.

$180 at Nordstrom

Veja Rio Branco Ripstop Sneaker (Men)

Product image of Veja Rio Branco Ripstop Sneaker (Men)
Veja Rio Branco Ripstop Sneaker (Men)

In recent years, Veja has updated its offerings to include colorful variations of their most popular styles.

$160 at Nordstrom

Veja Venturi Sneaker (Men)

Product image of Veja Venturi Sneaker (Men)
Veja Venturi Sneaker (Men)

Made to help you get your steps in—in style—these sneakers are comfy and loved for their modern design. Reviewers suggest buying them one size up from your normal size.

$205 at Nordstrom

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