Skip to main content

VEJA drops new line of 100% organic cotton sneakers

The new VEJA sneakers are made with organic cotton. Here's why that matters.

Veja Wata II
Image used with permission by copyright holder

VEJA is giving you a chance to wear your love for the planet on your feet.

The French footwear brand that counts Princess Beatrice and Meghan Markle as fans and once made a shoe from food waste is at it again. This time, VEJA has created a sneaker made from 100% organic cotton. The WATA II launched earlier this month. Organic cotton isn’t new for VEJA sneakers. The brand has been purchasing organic cotton, which it poses as the “raw material of the future,” for nearly two decades.

Veja Wata II
Image used with permission by copyright holder

VEJA’s organic cotton is produced by Brazilian and Peruvian farmers’ associations that adhere to fair trade principles. Essentially, these practices mean the farmers keep people and the environment in mind when harvesting and cultivating cotton.

Recommended Videos

Sustainable everything is all the rage these days. What sets VEJA shoes apart from other products from brands that claim to be green is that it purchases its cotton at an “uncorrelated price.” VEJA pays top dollar for its organic cotton, currently shelling out $24.77 per kilo, about 50% higher than the market price. Why pay so much, especially with economic doom and gloom looming? According to the brand’s website, VEJA agrees on a price with farmers in advance, giving them clarity into how much they’ll make. VEJA also provides financial security to the producers by signing a two-year contract at the beginning of the deal, guaranteeing they’ll purchase the cotton at a specific price. After that, they agree on a price annually.

The high fee pays for the cotton production costs and — here’s the feel-good kicker — takes care of the cotton producers. They earn a living, can support their families, and invest in their businesses and community. No middle person is setting up the deal, cutting out another person to pay and upping the producers’ income.

VEJA takes it a step further by paying 50% of the harvest in advance to lift the community. The brand didn’t change its tune during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VEJA bought around 1,400 tons of organic cotton between 2004 and 2022. Most recently, the brand has used that cotton to design the WATA II. VEJA weaves the organic cotton into the canvas, layers, and uppers of its royally famous kicks, creating shoes that look and feel good.

The WATA II adds to this lineage of VEJA sneakers. The story behind the new VEJA shoes can make you feel good about wearing them. However, the shoes also look good. You can snag them in high or low tops. High tops come in cream, black, bright yellow, navy, and brown. Shoppers can purchase low-top styles in green, blue, orange, white, and black.

The laces are all white—Ditto for the soles. As for the breakdown of materials, the canvas and lining are entirely organic cotton. The outsole consists of 40% Amazonian rubber and 10% rubber, while the insole is 75% bio-based and recycled.

And, frankly, the shoe is 100% stylish.

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Loro Piana, New Balance join forces to create your new favorite sneaker
What you need to know about New Balance's new sneaker
New balance shoes on shelves

When the dad shoe trend came into the spotlight, New Balance’s sneakers became the most iconic shoe at the moment. Not only did the brand’s chunky design provide ample focus but it proved that comfort could be chic. However, these ‘dad’ shoes didn’t provide the luxury or sophistication needed to qualify under the ‘quiet luxury’ trend. However, Loro Piana is taking the famed New Balance sneaker and giving it an Italian leather makeover. With the 990v6, Loro Piana and New Balance are making the chunky shoe into a classic and luxurious design with craftsmanship and quality to prove it. While this partnership is on-trend and modern, it comes with quality that spans years. 
Loro Piana and New Balance’s casual luxury

Unlike your regular New Balance sneakers, the 990v6 is made of premium Italian materials that make it worth the $1500 price tag. A soft grey nubuck and tonal mesh panels outline the shoe, providing a soft tactile material and breathability for the user. Providing a splash of color are burgundy accents of Loro Piana’s rare Pecora Nool along the heel and tongue, giving the design a moody and luxurious feel. On the inside, the shoe doesn’t lose value as it comes ready with New Balance’s ENCAP midsole technology. 

Read more
You can finally get these marathon sneakers thanks to a Wales Bonner, Adidas collaboration
You'll want to snap these up
person taking off adidas neftenga shoe in dark,

If there’s one collaboration that’s delivered time after time, it’s the partnership between Grace Wales Bonner and Adidas. The brains behind the revival of the Samba sneakers, Wales Bonner is once again bringing an iconic Adidas design into the mainstream. This time around, the British designer is taking on the Adios Neftenga, one of Adidas’ most iconic shoes that was never released to the public. First seen in 2008, the Adios Neftenga was introduced to audiences when worn by Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie during the Berlin Marathon of that year. When Gebrselassie took first place, the Adios Neftenga officially became one of the fastest running shoes in the world. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, the shoe was never released to the public. 
Adidas’ Adios Neftenga 

With Wales Bonner’s help, Adidas is releasing the Adios Neftenga for the first time to audiences in a reboot that’s almost exact to the original. In this iteration, the Adios Neftenga comes equipped with the brand’s famed Adiprene foam midsole, an exceptional feature that helps against bounce and adds comfort. Added features include suede piping along the front and Wales Bonner’s labeling on the tongue. Rounding out this release, the Adios Neftenga comes in the iconic yellow and black colorway that Gabrselassie first wore. A faithful redesign, this new sneaker is a great chance for those who wished for a release in 2008. 

Read more
The best dress sneakers for men to up the business casual style game in 2024
Stay casual and comfortable while still looking great
Man in dress pants and sneakers

Whether you wear a suit every day or are deeply entrenched in the business casual dress code, the world of dress shoes can be overwhelming, expensive, and unfortunately, uncomfortable. Lucky for you, the rapid casualization of our professional world has led many brands to develop something a little more conducive to staying stylish and elevated at the same time you are comfortable and mobile.

Dress sneakers are the perfect hybrid between elevated dress shoes and casual sneakers. With uppers (everything above the soles) that resemble dress shoes, you can wear one of these with suits, chinos, and jeans. With soles that rival your favorite sneakers, you can feel comfortable all day, and even run to get out of the rain without being afraid you'll eat it. But what are the best dress sneakers for men? You know we at The Manual have opinions on this, and we put together a list of the perfect choices, no matter what your wardrobe needs.
For comfort: Johnston & Murphy Uptown GL1 Luxe Hybrid

Read more