These are not just your average white kicks, folks! VEJA was founded in Paris and make eco-friendly sneakers. Yes, you read that right! Who doesn't like anything that's eco-friendly AND that looks good on your feet!? These sleek shoes are made in Brazil from sustainable materials, including organic cotton lining, and the soles are made of wild rubber from the Amazonian rain forest. Because white sneakers are a staple in our closets year-round, we couldn't add these to our collections fast enough! I bought them in the white/black combination and Tieneke got the white/navy. They actually make these Esplar sneakers in quite a few different colorways (and also in all-white), so you're sure to find the look that suits your wardrobe best!
SIZING
The VEJA Esplar sneakers run true to size. Tieneke and I both wear UK5 / US7 / EU38 and purchased these in our true size. VEJA does not offer half sizes, so if you are usually between sizes, it's better to size up.
COMFORT
When I first tried them on, I was surprised at how stiff the leather of the "tongue" of the shoe was. This part of the shoe hits right on the arch of the foot, and I initially found them to be quite uncomfortable. (The first few times I wore it, I had actual bruises on those areas of my feet!) But, I gave them some time to "break in", and now the leather is softer and they don't cause any discomfort anymore. If you have a higher arched foot, these shoes might hurt you in the beginning, too. Luckily, the leather will indeed soften with wear, and now they are some of my most comfortable sneakers and I can wear them all day!
HOW TO WEAR
We are both such big fans of white sneakers and wear them all the time; with jeans, dresses, shorts and jumpsuits. The "V" design on these sneakers are quite subtle and that means that they can be worn with almost any outfit and won't look too "busy". I always wear "secret socks" with my sneakers, but I'm yet to find the perfect pair that doesn't slip halfway down my foot within the first hour of wearing them. (Would love your recommendations!).
PRICE & WHERE TO BUY
The VEJA Esplar sneakers retail for about $120 (99€ / 3800TWD), but the price differs from shop to shop, and you can buy them online at a bunch of different websites. I bought mine at a boutique in Taipei (inside the new Breeze Nan Shan 微風南山 accross from Taipei 101), and another place you can buy them in a physical shop in Taiwan is at Marais 瑪黑家居選物 x P&T 柏林茶館.
BUY ONLINE:
BUY IN TAIPEI CITY:
Breeze Nan Shan 微風南山
No. 17號, Songzhi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110
110台北市信義區松智路17號
Marais 瑪黑家居選物 x P&T 柏林茶館
No. 18, Lane 36, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District
台北市中山區中山北路二段36巷18號
If you have any questions about these VEJA Esplar sneakers, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, let us know if you're interested in us doing a post on how we manage to keep our collection of white sneakers clean and looking fresh!
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