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What is VEJA and why is it not an ordinary sneaker brand?
VEJA is a Parisian footwear brand founded in 2004 by former bankers Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion. The brand's name translates from Portuguese as "look" — and this is no coincidence: the founders invite you to look deeper than just the surface of the sneakers. Who made them? From what? Under what conditions?
VEJA does not spend a single euro on traditional advertising, commercials, or ambassadors. Instead, these funds go where they are truly needed: into organic materials, fair wages, and a transparent supply chain. The result: a brand that is trusted, rather than a brand that pays to be trusted.
In 2024, VEJA's turnover exceeded 250 million euros. More than 12 million pairs of sneakers have been sold in over 70 countries since its inception. All this — without billboards, without television advertising, and without celebrity endorsements.
Why VEJA decided not to spend money on advertising
The production of one pair of eco-friendly VEJA sneakers costs five times more than the production of standard mass-market sneakers. Organic materials, fair purchase prices for farmers, and decent wages for factory workers — all of this costs money.
The founders made a simple choice: either spend this money on advertising (to sell a cheaper product) or invest in quality and people. VEJA chose the latter. And this does not hinder the business — on the contrary, VEJA has proven that radical transparency and genuine responsibility are the best marketing strategy.
What VEJA sneakers are made of
- Organic cotton — from farms in Brazil and Peru without pesticides. VEJA pays farmers 50% above the market price.
- Wild Amazonian rubber — harvested by rubber tappers. Standing trees provide income, protecting the forest from deforestation.
- B-Mesh — fabric made from recycled plastic bottles (PET). Plastic is converted into fibers at a Brazilian factory.
- Organic Traced Leather — leather from environmentally certified farms in Uruguay, mechanically treated without chemicals.
- C.W.L. — a vegan alternative to leather based on corn waste.
VEJA has also been B Corp certified since 2018 — an independent audit of everything: from wages to its ecological footprint.
Who wears VEJA
Stars do not receive fees from VEJA. They simply buy and wear them. Among them are Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, and Reese Witherspoon. Not because they were paid, but because the brand aligns with their values and looks good.
VEJA does not chase the hype. The founders say: "We are not fast. We prefer facts. We prefer fieldwork over advertising."
How to compare VEJA models
VEJA models differ in silhouette, detailing and materials. Compare specific versions using the description, size chart and details on each product page.
Find the current range, prices and available sizes in the VEJA sneaker collection.
Why VEJA is not just another "eco" brand
Greenwashing is when a brand adds the word "eco" to its logo and considers the job done. VEJA is the opposite. The brand publishes a complete list of suppliers, chemical test results, factory audits, and even its own shortcomings. VEJA has also launched a network of repair workshops in Paris, Bordeaux, Berlin, Madrid, and New York, where they fix any footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions about VEJA (FAQ)
Where are VEJA sneakers produced?
Primarily in Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state). Part of the production for the European market is in Portugal.
Why are VEJA more expensive than Nike or Adidas?
Nike and Adidas spend billions on advertising. VEJA, on the other hand, invests that money into materials and labor conditions. The production of one pair of VEJA costs 5 times more — but the shelf price is comparable precisely because of the lack of an advertising budget.
Is VEJA truly sustainable?
VEJA has been B Corp certified since 2018. The brand publishes its own shortcomings in annual reports — a rare honesty in the industry.
Where can I check current VEJA models and sizes?
Browse the VEJA sneaker collection for current models, prices and available sizes on each product page.
Where to buy VEJA in Kyiv?
NEWBORN K — a concept store on Velyka Zhytomyrska St., 20. Online: newbornk.com/collections/veja.
Summary
VEJA is a brand that has proven a simple thing: you can make beautiful things without destroying the planet or exploiting people. At NEWBORN K, we select brands with their own perspective and values. VEJA is one of those that appeared back when "sustainability" wasn't a buzzword.
