If you’ve been shopping for white sneakers, you probably came across Veja, a French sneaker company popularized by celebrities like Meghan Markle and known for its signature ‘V’ logo.
I always get asked, “Are Vejas worth it?” and my response is “Which pair!?” I own four Veja sneakers in four different styles, and they’re not created equal.
The main things I want out of sneakers are style, comfort, and versatility, so I put together this Veja sneakers review ranking my pairs.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know before you purchase Vejas, including pros and cons, comfort levels, sizing, and alternatives.
About Veja
Veja is a French sneaker company founded in 2004 with a focus on transparency, fair trade, and sustainability.
The shoes are manufactured in Brazil, and they source materials from communities in the Amazon rainforest. Shoes are often made with organic cotton, rubber, plastic bottles, and chrome-free leather.
Veja offers dozens of styles in both neutral and bright colorways.
Neiman Marcus, Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Net-A-Porter have the best selection.
Veja Sneaker Reviews
I own the Veja Esplar, Veja V-10, Veja Campo, and Veja V-Lock Velcro sneakers. Here’s my review of each.
Veja Campo Review
My Veja Campos are everything I want in an everyday sneaker—comfortable, casual, and stylish!
Here’s my exact pair, but if you prefer neutrals, they come in black and beige.
They offer a wider shape than other Veja styles that looks cute on and helps them feel casual.
People often confuse Campos and Esplars, and Campos are more textured and have a higher footbed.
If you’re going to get just one pair of Veja sneakers, I recommend Campos.
Veja Esplar Review
If you like a slightly lower profile shoe with a narrow silhouette, the Veja Esplar is going to be your pair.
Their shape looks amazing with jeans, shorts, leggings, and dresses. I have this color.
I find the slim appearance to be lengthening.
The only drawback is that they don’t have much arch support, so I don’t recommend them for hours of walking.
Veja V10 Review
My Veja V-10 sneakers have a slightly sportier feel.
Admittedly, I wear them the least. However, I think they’re perfect for anyone who primarily wears denim/pants in casual looks.
They’re comfortable right away except for the tongue. It softens over time, and I just slid it to the side for my initial wears.
The heel of the shoe is slightly elevated, which helps flatter the legs.
Once broken in, you can walk in them for a few hours.
Veja Velcro Sneaker Review
My Veja V-Lock sneakers (now available as Veja Recife) are a casual, easy pair.
I love the look of velcro sneakers as they’re not something you see every day, and they bring a playful feel to any outfit.
They’re simple to slip on and off, and I like how they look with jeans, shorts, joggers, and casual dresses.
These take some time to break in.
Once broken in, they’re comfortable for several hours of walking.
Veja Sneakers Sizing: Do Vejas Run Big or Small?
All my Veja sneakers run true to size. For reference, I’m a size 10 and have purchased all my Veja sneakers in EU size 40.
However, many retailers and fashion bloggers suggest sizing down a half-size to a full-size in Vejas.
I recommend reading sizing reviews for the Veja style you plan to purchase.
Are Veja Sneakers Comfortable?
There’s debate about the comfort level of Vejas. My sister has high arches (needs inserts) and doesn’t think they have enough support.
I have “normal” arches and find that all styles are sufficiently comfortable. However, some take longer to break in.
Here’s my comfort rating for each pair:
- Campo Sneakers: Required no breaking in at all. My most comfortable pair.
- Esplar Sneakers: Comfortable from first wear, but not as comfortable as Campos.
- V-10 Sneakers: Comfortable from first wear other than the tongue (rigid but softens in 1-2 weeks).
- Velcro Sneakers: Uncomfortable at first but soften with wear around the house in 1-2 weeks.
Veja Sneaker Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sustainable: Veja’s focus on environmental responsibility is appealing.
- Stylish: Every pair of Veja I’ve tried looks great on.
- Options: They offer neutrals (white, navy, tan, black) and brights (blue, green, yellow, red).
- Price: Cost $100–$200 (less than other trending styles like Golden Goose and Common Projects).
Cons:
- Sizing Variation: Although I get my true size, I know many find sizing variation. This can be a pain if you’re shopping online.
- Initial Comfort: It’s not fun to buy a shoe that’s uncomfortable out of the box. Some styles take several wears to break in, even if you purchase your best size.
Are Veja Sneakers Worth It?
I own 4 pairs of Veja sneakers and 100% think they are worth it.
Not only are they sustainable, but they come in many styles and colors to suit your preferences.
If you’re looking for a casual shoe that is stylish and durable, I highly recommend Veja sneakers.
Veja Sneaker Style Options
Veja sells a wide variety of styles but the Veja Esplar, Veja Campo, and Veja V-10 are the most popular.
Other styles include the Recife, Rio Branco, Nova, Condor Alveomesh, Condor 2, Nautico Pekin, B-Mesh, Nova HT, Urca, Venturi, and V-12 sneakers.
Here’s a look at more best sellers in each style.
Veja FAQs
Which Veja sneakers should I buy?
It depends! Here’s what I recommend:
- Veja Campo: You want a casual yet classic low top that goes with everything.
- Veja Esplar: You like a slimmer silhouette low top that goes with everything.
- Veja V-10: You want a sporty lace up feel with a lifted heel.
- Veja Velcro: You want a playful, laid-back style with easy on/off for quick trips.
Which Veja sneakers are the most comfortable?
They are all comfortable with time. Campos are the most comfortable for long days.
Are Veja sneakers leather?
Yes. The company uses vegetable-tanned leather for its leather sneakers, which is sourced in southern Brazil.
Are Veja sneakers vegan?
Some, but not all. 20 out of 81 styles made by Veja are completely vegan sneakers according to this article. All Veja sneakers are made with responsibly sourced and sustainable materials.
Do Veja sneakers soften?
Yes, I found that any tough or rigid part of my Veja sneakers softened with wear. For example, the tongue on the V-10 shoes softened within 5–10 wears, and my velcro Veja shoes became less stiff overall over time.
How do I clean Veja sneakers?
To clean lightly dirty sneakers, I remove the laces, dampen a sneaker cloth, and wipe my sneakers down, avoiding any suede material.
If they’re really dirty, I follow the same steps but use a sneaker cleaner, wipe with a microfiber towel, and allow them to dry completely.
How do I lace Veja sneakers?
All Vejas come laced, but I like to tie mine in small knots on each side of the top eyelet rather than into a traditional sneaker bow. It’s a little more chic!
How do I style Veja sneakers?
There are so many stylish ways to wear Veja sneakers, and I think the “best” way will depend on the pair you purchase.
I’ve worn them in the winter, spring, and summer, and I share Veja sneaker outfits often in my LTK Shop, but here’s a great post on 30 ways to style sneakers to get your wheels turning.
I always wear no show socks.
What does Veja mean?
Veja means “look” in Portuguese-Brazilian, which the founders chose to inspire customers to look beyond the sneakers to how they are made, according to an interview with French founder François Morillion.
I hope this Veja sneakers review was helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram. I love chatting with you!
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Great and thorough review! I love the idea about knotting the laces. Do you use shorter laces? And if so which brand and length do you recommend for laces?
Hi Lisa! I use the laces that come with the GGs. The length works just fine for me, although it does take a little effort to get them in the knots the first time around (they’re not very long). Once they’re knotted, though, I just leave them be! Hope that helps.
Hi Natalie, Which style would you say are the widest for those with wide feet? Thanks!
Hi Jackie! I have wide feet and they all feel great over time, but if I had to choose I’d say the V-10 or Campo styles. They have that little extra bit of room that makes them comfortable from the get go.
So much has been written about Vejas but nothing about the fact that some are labeled “white” and others are “extra white”. This is my experience: I bought a pair of Campos in extra white (this was clearly noted in the box) and a pair of Esplars in white. The leather in the extra white Campos had a bit of texture and was of a color that I would call off-white or cream. The Esplars were definitely white. I have seen some Esplars online in extra white as well as white. Do you know what the deal is with this? I wouldn’t mind having a pair of Esplars in a creamy white. The Campos are a bit chunky for me.
That’s a great point, and to be honest, I’ve never noticed that so I’m glad you brought it up! I’d have to take a look back at my pairs to see if I have any in the extra white vs. white colors. I’m not sure what the deal is. It’s possible it could have to do with vegan vs. non-vegan leathers and/or supply chain issues, but I’m not sure.
Thank you for this post!
Hi Natalie! I have the black Campos and love them! I’m going to try knotting the laces, but they are already a little loose. I hope it works.
I wanted to ask where you got the jeans you’re wearing in the picture of the Recifes.
Thanks!!!
Hi Amy! They are FRAME Le Original from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale a few years ago. I don’t think they’re available anymore, but this pair is somewhat similar: https://rstyle.me/+fjTbrD5r21JZcxlhJAlQAA
Hi Natalie! I love your reviews ! I just got Veja Recife, I’m usually size 7.5 and all of my shoes are EU 38. So i got size EU 38. When i put it on with no show socks, it’s feels okay, little bit tight. But when i took off the inserts, the size is perfect! With or without socks, fits right! I’ve never break in yet, but do you think i should get 39? Or should i wait until it breaks in?
Hi Carla! I would wait until it breaks in (wearing around the house, of course) to see if that’s the right size for you.
Hey girl! Thank you so much for the article. Just a little correction: Veja is a Brazilian brand, not French. Its from Rio Grande do Sul. Names like “Campo” and “Recife” are all Brazilian cities. Just thought I would let you know 🙂
I wear orthotics and braces. Does the insole pop out on the campos?
I love the look.
I’d have to check, but I don’t believe so!