Feel Good Feet

So, here’s the post I attempted to write a couple of weeks ago, from a PC at the public library…failed miserably.

But I have my own laptop at home now, so better late than never though, right?

I’m talking feel good footwear.

And I don’t just mean footwear that’s pretty or comfortable or makes you smile when you catch sight of them.

Nope, this brand will make you feel all those things *as well as* giving you a little “whoop! I love my shoes AND something good came from buying them!” kind of feeling!

An extra zing, if you will.

I’m talking Veja trainers.

Last Autumn I was in the market for a new pair of Trainers.

My brain was addled with far too many classic brands; leather vs suede? Regular or gum soles? Which “it” trainers to get?

I just couldn’t seem to make a decision.

It took me a couple of months before I settled on a pair of sneakers from the French brand, Veja.

Some Veja Esplar’s in White Leather and Oxford Grey to be exact:

I was (still am) following Veja on Instagram (fab feed, with lots of outfit inspo!) and for me, their styling is spot on, and so very me.

Or at least, their aesthetic is what appeals to me, even if it’s not my own exact style.

But more than that… it’s their ethos: VEJA are an ethical sneaker, with a minimalist aesthetic, but scratch beyond the superficial looks & you’ll find they use upcycled plastic bottles & wild rubber as the materials from which their cool trainers are made… and as a brand, they work in partnership with Atelier Sans Frontières.

What does that even mean?

Well, they employ people facing social exclusion, using recycled organic cotton, liquid rubber, fish skin and natural silk – just a few of the innovative materials used by the brand to ensure the sustainability and functionality of their sneakers.

The brand’s collaboration with Fairtrade factories in Brazil means their workers rights are protected and the local communities are not only employed, but the communities are strengthened from this very employment being available.

I wear my Veja sneakers A LOT:

Knowing that the brand put so much back into the local communities in Brazil where the rubber is sourced, and just their sustainability efforts… I can’t help but feel extra good about wearing my ethical Veja’s.

Plus, there are vegan models in the range… as in vegan sneakers (rather than the dietary requirements of the model’s veja use in their advertising! G’ah! You know what I mean!!)

AND, and… it would appear (from magazines & my Instagram feed) that Veja’s popularity is on the rise.

Not because I’m wearing and photographing myself in them.

Ha!

No… but I have seen Veja creeping into the Instagram feeds of a few Influential bloggers such as Fran, Kat and Julia… which is great news for the brand as these stylish ladies really do inspire and influence their massive followers shopping choices.

As for me?

Well, I many not have *that* much clout, but in my own small way, I did manage to talk my very own Mr T into making a Veja purchase.

I didn’t however need to go into too much about the brand’s ethos with him though – it was a much easier sell.

I just mentioned to my half-French husband that the brand is French and he was sold!

They also do kids sneakers, and my 8 (going-on-13) year old has already asked for a pair… so how long before the 4 year old asks for some as well?!

Plus, how cute would it be for all 3 of my boys to have the same sneakers?!

No?

Oops! Guess that’s just me then!

So have I persuaded you to go take a peek at the Veja website?

I’m desperate for another pair, but there are far too many cool colours and styles to choose from – so here’s my short-list:

These are the Wata Canvas Pierre’s in Black and cost €75 and are for both men & women….

I know, I know… these Taua White Nautico’s are very similar to my current pair… but the V is in beautiful blue!  Again, these are €75.

And finally, possibly my favourite, but being the fickle sort that I am, I should say ‘current favourite’.  In reality, favourite’s are a wheel in motion for me….

I’m drawn to these V-10’s in Extra White because they are that bit chunkier, are in a classic red, white and blue… AND, they have a perforated section… and I do love perfs in trainers!

These are the most expensive of my top 3, coming in at €120, but look at them: how beautiful are they?!

If you are in the market for a pair of Veja’s… I bought mine from Sarenza and got a 10% discount for signing up to their emails; I can vouch for excellent delivery service from them.

Although there are plenty of UK stockists, including Selfridges where Mr T bought his pair.

So it’s probably worth shopping around.

Before I leave you, here’s a snap of me with my love… and when you’re some 14 inches shorter than your fella, you have to get on your tip-toes for a kiss!

Yes, I persuaded my partner in crime to come to the roof of my local multi-storey carpark and pose for a pic with me.

It’s our 12th anniversary on Saturday, so I guess he still loves me, eh?!

(Just as an aside: in the interest of transparency – this post is NOT sponsored, but I just wanted to share my love for Veja’s sneakers.)

As well as my admiration for Veja’s ethical & sustainability credentials.

How about you… would you think about buying a pair?  Or do you already own some?  And which of my top 3 should I be ordering next?!

As ever, thank you for reading… I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Bx