AG Tomboy cropped jeans (different wash) | old, purchased summer 2013
Zady linen tee | gift to review from Zady, size medium
Veja sneakers | organic cotton/sustainable rubber/veg-tanned leather. true to size
*use code GRECHEN15 at Zady for 15% off your order*
Admonish leather tote
I had quietly been thinking about adding another pair of sneakers to my wardrobe for a while before I ordered this Veja pair a couple weeks ago. Yes, I do already have four pairs of sneakers, two slip-ins by Vince, one CdG Play X Converse and the Everlane street shoe. I love them all, and will wear them much more frequently in cooler weather (I HATE to cover my feet during summer), but sort of wanted to try a lace-up, more “streamlined” pair, like the Nike Internationalist, but more sustainable/eco-friendly. When this Veja pair popped up on Zady, I jumped.
I wore them “out” for the first time yesterday since it was raining and slightly cooler. I took my true size (8) and they fit very well. They’re quite snug at first, and definitely needed some wear to stretch out a little and form to my foot. They did loosen up a bit with a day’s wear, but they’re still “fitted” – and I DO NOT wear socks; I hate socks. I do think they’ll stretch with more wear, but since the shoe is basically cotton canvas, I’m not sure how much. If you like to wear thick socks, it might be worth it to size up? Especially if you’re a half-size already.
Anyway, I didn’t think I’d love the way these looked on me, because I tend to prefer shoes with a lower vamp to show more of my foot, but the slightly tapered toe and slimmer look of the shoe is very nice I think, even with my sausage legs (LOL). I think they’ll be a great shoe for travel, and city-walking, and just otherwise running around, but I wouldn’t wear them for anything more substantial, like running, etc. But that’s mostly because I tend to need more stability in a running shoe. If you’re good with a lightweight, simple shoe, then these could work for exercise. Otherwise, they’re just a really cool, casual shoe.
I highly recommend these shoes, and am really pleased to be finding more sustainable, eco-friendlier shoe brands. There are lots of options out there (will do a post soon!), including some GREAT vegan brands, but man…are they spendy!
Have a great weekend!!
I think you look great in those shoes and I have to say, you’re the only person I’ve ever known who also HATES to cover their feet and HATES socks. I tell people this and they think I’m crazy. Thank you for saying that, at least I know I’m not alone. 🙂
Looking forward to your sustainable shoe post, Nike is definitely not one of those.
I’ve been obsessed with one particular pair of Veja kicks for months—to the extent that I tried to track them down while visiting London for the first time (no dice). If anyone ever sees the Volley style in the white-white combo (http://www.veja-store.com/en/men/531-volley-white-white.html) for sale in the US, please do let me know!
With that out of the way: Grechen, can you elaborate on sizing? Does your foot run narrow, medium, wide? (In case I decide to take the plunge and place an international order!)
Thanks very, very much!
my feet are pretty “normal” i think – i never stray too far from a size 8 and have never had to take a wide or narrow style.
veja seems to be popping up here and there online – kaightshop.com has one style for sale, and i’m sure other places will start carrying them. i’ll keep an eye out for you, definitely 🙂
How funny…I live in my slip on wedge sandals. When it is cooler I do sometimes wear socks and boots, but the fall/winter season in Northern California is short so I can get away with my sandals for most of the year. For me, the issue is finding shoes since my feet have a difference of half a shoe size. Sandals just make it so much easier.
Hey – I tried to grab those runners too but too late. And enough with the “sausage legs” – think elegant and sporty!
Agreeing with Chris – no more mentioning about sausage legs, even as a passing joke. You’ve already spent too much time and energy on that comment.
You look awesome, you are a beautiful woman from head to toe.
Oh and those sneakers look super comfy.
point taken 🙂
Thanks so much, Grechen—for both the info and the “eye out”!
i saw on reformation’s social media that they carry veja in their NY and LA stores. i don’t know if you’re anywhere close…
also kaightshop.com has one style, a high-top though, but they might bring in other styles.
These are cu-ute!!! And grey, and Eco-friendly…what more could you ask for?
I was in a bind last week since we were about to head to Boston on a college search road trip and I didn’t have a comfy pair of sneakers to wear. I had taken my daughter school shopping, so while she was busy in “Finally 22” or whatever it’s called, I slipped over to the Nike store to see if I could find a pair of black & white “perfectly street-styled” sneaks. Bingo! I found a pair of 10.5’s for $59. That NEVER happens! I was comfy and stylish on the trip. Not Eco-friendly or made in the U.S., but I love them.
I 3rd this! <3
I’m actually going to New York next month and was planning to stop by Kaight to see what they have—I’ll now add Reformation to the list! Thanks again.
(And thanks for the daily inspiration toward a better closet: in both an aesthetic and ethical sense.)
oh, nice!! please report back on kaight if you try anything on/find anything interesting 🙂
IF YOU WANT AN ADVISE, DON’T BUY VEJA SNEAKERS
I’m completely disappointed by the brand’s quality and by the low interest and care that shows the brand for their consumers. It’s offensive.
I bought a pair of VEJA Sneakers and after 6 months of very occasional use, the sneakers starts to tear apart.
As you can see in the image, the leather was short and not properly stitched or stuck to the rubber sole. There’s no way to repair them. The tear is not caused by misuse. It just unglued due to lack of proper contact space. It is a clean tear.
The unbelievable thing is that although it is clearly a quality issue, the brand shows no interest at all in its costumers. Their answer was that the responsible is the shop were I bought the sneakers….
I think it is the first time that a manufacturer is not responsible of the quality of its own products, and charges its duty to the one who only acts as an intermediary. Unbelievable.
You convinced me to never buy a Veja product again.
Gretchen,
You look great here and I love the sneakers!
I too HATE wearing socks with a passion and am always looking for cute sneakers that feel good sockless. I thought I was alone Lol but it seems not 🙂