My Veja Esplar Sneakers Review

The shoes you’ll find me wearing all year around! I recently hopped on the Veja Esplar bandwagon and won’t be getting off anytime soon. I wear my Esplar sneakers so often, that I snagged another pair/color way on sale earlier this month. I’ve been promising a Veja Esplar sneakers review, and I’ve finally put all my thoughts together in one spot.

I’ve been pairing sneakers more often with my daily outfits, for both comfort and wearability when I visit job sites for my husband’s remodeling business. I wanted a pair of sleek and chic sneakers that could be worn with basically my entire closet. Enter the Veja Esplar.

Veja Esplar Sneakers Review

Created in 2005, the French-born Veja’s goal remains simple, create sneakers that stand the test of time. Veja means “look” in Brazilian, and the brand is extremely dedicated to being transparent with their consumers. The brand creates sneakers with an ethos of sustainability, environmental friendliness and social initiatives.

I’ve seen Veja sneakers for years, but honestly, I never pulled the trigger due to their price. I felt like they looked like simple sneakers, that weren’t worth the expense. However, after doing some research on the brand (especially after seeing Meghan Markle wear her pairs often), I quickly learned that the brand’s mission and purpose to create sneakers that last, along with their sustainable practices, justified the price point.

Initial thoughts

Before you open the box, the packaging is sleek and simple. Out of the box the Veja Esplar sneakers are total classics. My first pair were the Veja Esplar extra white/menthol color combination.

I’d read tons of Veja Esplar sneakers reviews along with Tretorn reviews (I’d been deciding between the two), and one of the reoccurring observations in a variety of reviews was how the Veja sneakers felt more substantial. I’d have to agree. When I say substantial, they just didn’t feel flimsy and the quality of craftsmanship was there over the Tretorn pair I ordered, and returned.

Shoe construction & fit

Veja sneakers are all made in a high-standard factory in Brazil. With both pairs I’ve ordered, I’ve been impressed that the packaging looked absolutely similar inside and out. The shoes themselves were meticulously wrapped inside and packaged pristinely.

I’m personally a huge fan of leather sneakers over canvas. Why? Because I’m hard on my sneakers, and canvas just doesn’t withstand. I have a pair of canvas Gola sneakers, that were super cute on the first day I wore them, but by the third wear they were dirty and dingy looking. But what about my Veja Esplar sneakers? They’re still looking pretty good after multiple wears! Again, I just feel like leather holds up much better.

In reviews, I’d read that the Esplar needed to be broken in, and some complained that the tongue was super stiff. Personally, I didn’t experience this issue. With both my pairs of Esplar sneakers, I was able to put them on and wear them with no issue on the first go. No blisters, no rubbing. That’s a win in my book. But again, do remember all our feet our different, and what worked for me simply might not be as simple for you!

The rubber sole on the Esplar feels strong and able to withstand a variety of surfaces. With that said, they’re white sneakers, so I wouldn’t go hiking in them, and I wouldn’t wear them to a muddy dog park.

As far as fit, again a variety of reviews. Personally I know that I’m a true US 6.5 and I almost always size down versus up in shoes. So I went with my gut on these ones and sized down to a 36 EU, since they only come in whole sizes. They fit perfectly! I’d say with any pair of leather shoes, they can feel a little tight in the toe box, but trust me, leather gives and loosens with wear, so you shouldn’t experience that feeling for too long.

Worth the hype?

I love my Esplar sneakers. Are they worth the hype? I guess that’s probably just dependent on the wearer? Just like Golden Goose popularity – more often things in life are loved for certain reasons by some, that could be the exact reason why another doesn’t like them. I personally don’t like Golden Goose, I just think it’s entirely silly to be purchasing a pair of ‘dirty’ sneakers. Plus, they’re a bit too flashy for my style, but then I have friends who swear by their GG sneakers and have multiple pairs. To that I say, to each their own!

Based off trying both the Veja Esplar sneakers and Tretorn sneakers, I’d say the Esplar is worth the hype. If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality, timeless sneakers, that will last, go with the Esplar. I wear my pairs multiple times a week, paired with jeans or dresses, and they’re super comfortable and chic.

For my preppy style, the white leather sneaker goes well with almost all my closet. I love the light blue pop on my one pair and the neon orange pop on my second pair. Just enough color to make them a fun pop, but nothing too wild.

A few things to note: I personally wear no-show socks with my Esplar sneakers. I just like the look better. These New Balance no-show socks are my favorite. Also, I treat all my sneakers with this waterproof and stain protectant. I don’t expect it to work 100%, but it does help! I also try not to wear mine when it’s pouring rain. Again, for me, I just want to keep them looking newer, longer.

Do you have a pair of Esplar sneakers? Do you love them? Tell me below! And if you’re looking for other reviews, you can check our my Sarah Flint Natalie Flats review here.