New Balance and Veja are two of the most well-known shoe brands. But which one is better? Both are known for making modern, classic shoes in an ethical way.
If you want to buy nice shoes but don’t know which brand to choose, this article can help! We’ll compare New Balance and Veja so you can find the best shoes for you.
The Rise of Veja Shoes:
If you’ve been keeping tabs on the fashion industry lately, you may have heard about a brand called Veja.
Sébastien Kopp and Francois-Ghislain Morillion began the company in 2004. This brand of shoes that cares about ethics has made waves in the fashion world.
In 2018, they gained worldwide recognition when their V-10 leather trainers were seen on the feet of Meghan Markle.
But what is it that sets Veja shoes apart from other brands? Let’s take a look at their history and how they got to where they are today.
Veja’s Ethical Practices:
One of the things that sets Veja apart from other footwear brands is its commitment to ethical practices.
All of their shoes are made in Brazil. And use recycled or environmentally friendly materials like organic cotton and Amazonian wild rubber.
They also cooperate with small local producers to ensure that their materials are sourced ethically. This makes them one of the few truly sustainable shoe companies on the market today.
The Darwin Project:
In 2020, Veja launched The Darwin Project—a program aimed at combating climate change by planting trees throughout Brazil.
The Darwin Project receives funds from customers who buy specially marked sneakers or donate directly to its GoFundMe page.
To date, over 22 million trees have been planted in collaboration with local communities and NGOs across Brazil.
Becoming an Instagram Phenomenon:
Due to its fashionable, comfortable, and eco-friendly designs, Veja topped Lyst’s Instagram brand “we want to wear” category in 2019.
Celebrities like Meghan Markle, Rihanna, and Selena Gomez have all been spotted sporting a pair of these sustainable sneakers too!
New Balance’s History:
Since its start in 1906, the New Balance Arch Support Company has grown. And grow to be one of the world’s largest sportswear companies.
Today, you can find New Balance products made both in the United States and abroad. But what’s the story behind this iconic brand?
Let’s take a look at the history of New Balance. How it grew from an arch support company to a global sportswear giant.
The Early Years:
In 1906, William J. Riley started The New Balance Arch Support Company, which was the first part of what is now New Balance.
From day one, Riley focused on creating high-quality arch supports for shoes. That would provide comfort and stability for customers with foot problems.
He quickly established himself as a leader in his field. Becoming the driving force behind many groundbreaking innovations related to arch support design.
His products were so successful that by 1934. He had hundreds of stores selling his products throughout the United States and Europe.
The Age of Athletic Shoes:
In 1972, Jim Davis purchased New Balance from Riley’s grandson and shifted its focus towards athletic shoes.
Davis recognized that there was an untapped market for athletic shoes designed with comfort and stability in mind—something that many other brands lacked at the time.
He began producing running shoes designed specifically for athletes. Who needed more support and cushioning while they trained or ran races.
This shift toward athletic shoes paid off. In just 5 years, sales almost tripled because of how well these new products did.
Growth & Expansion:
As demand for their products continued to grow, so too did their reach across the United States and abroad.
By 1979, New Balance had opened up its first international office in Tokyo, Japan. And expanded its product line to include tennis shoes, baseball cleats, basketball sneakers, football boots, and more!
In 1982, they released their iconic 990 model, which is still popular today. It was even inducted into the Design Museum of London’s permanent collection in 2011!
By 1985, they had opened offices all over Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. And making them a true global powerhouse when it comes to sportswear manufacturing.
Over the years, as the demand for their products grew, so did their presence around the world.
Today you can find New Balance stores all over North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific regions, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, etc.,
It’s one of the things that makes them one of the most well-known sports brands on every continent.
Veja Vs. New Balance: Head-To-Head Comparisons
Veja and New Balance are two of the most popular brands on the market right now. Both are known for their quality and style, but which one is best for you?
Let’s talk about how Veja and New Balance shoes are different in terms of comfort, availability, popularity, target market, price, and style.
Comfort:
When shopping for shoes, comfort is often top priority. Veja shoes are made with high-quality materials that provide maximum comfort while wearing them all day long.
They also feature a rubber sole that helps keep your feet firmly planted on any surface while providing extra cushioning.
New Balance shoes are designed with the same level of comfort in mind.
They are lightweight and have good cushioning and breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable all day.
Availability:
Veja shoes are available online through their official website as well as various retailers worldwide.
In addition to this, they have recently opened up several stores across Europe and North America where customers can purchase their products in person.
On the other hand, New Balance has an extensive distribution network with stores located around the world.
Their shoes are also available online through various retailers, including Amazon and Zappos.
Popularity:
Veja has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years due to its eco-friendly production process and stylish designs that appeal to younger generations looking for sustainable fashion choices.
New Balance, on the other hand, has been around for a long time. Many people consider to be a trustworthy brand with high-quality products.
Anyone who cares about comfort and durability in their shoes will like this style.
Target Market:
Veja targets young adults who value sustainability in their fashion choices as well as people who appreciate unique designs with an urban edge.
On the other hand, New Balance targets people of all ages who want reliable footwear that offers maximum comfort without sacrificing style or durability.
Overall, New Balance and Veja are aimed at the same kind of people. Both stores sell shoes and sneakers to men, women, and children between the ages of 14 and 44.
Price:
Veja shoes tend to be more expensive than New Balance, but both offer a range of prices depending on the model you choose from each brand’s collection of products.
Generally speaking, though, Vejas will cost more due to their higher-end materials used during production. New Balances, on the other hand, are more affordable due to the mass-production methods used in their manufacturing processes.
Design:
Finally, there is a difference between Veja’s designs and those offered by New Balance; Veja tends to focus on bold colors combined with intricate detailing.
New Balance, on the other hand, focuses on simple silhouettes with muted colors that can easily fit any wardrobe without making too much of an impact on personal style preferences.
Conclusion:
When it comes down to it, deciding which brand is better really comes down to personal preference based on factors such as budget constraints or lifestyle needs (i.e., if you need something more durable).
Both brands offer great quality products at an affordable price point, so it really just depends on what you’re looking for in terms of style and functionality when it comes time to pick out your new pair of kicks!
And remember: no matter which brand you go with, always prioritize quality over quantity! That way, you’ll get more bang for your buck!
Read also: Lems Vs Vivobarefoot: Who Makes The Best Barefoot Shoes?
FAQ’S
Are Veja Still Trendy?
Veja sneakers have been a popular staple of fashion for some time now. Although they initially gained traction among eco-conscious shoppers due to their commitment to sustainability, they have become mainstream in the years since.
Over time, Veja has released a variety of styles and colors, allowing those with an eye for fashion to stand out with their unique choices.
While classic black and white are always on trend, bolder colors such as yellow or green offer a change from the average sneaker design.
While it remains to be seen whether the popularity of Veja shoes will hold strong over the next few seasons, you can still feel good about wearing these fashionable yet sustainable shoes.
Do Celebrities Wear Veja?
Recently, it seems that more and more celebrities are rocking ethical fashion brand Veja.
Whether it’s in a red carpet photoshoot or on their Instagram feed, famous faces around the world have been spotted sporting different styles from the ethically conscious, eco-friendly vegan footwear company.
Veja has gained so many celebrity fans that it wouldn’t be surprising if there was a surge in demand from everyday shoppers looking to get their hands on some of the full range.
After all, if it’s good enough for celebrities, it must be worth trying!
What Shoes Similar To Veja?
There are many shoes similar to Veja that offer the same combination of style, comfort, and sustainability.
Allbirds, Nike Considered Line, Terra Plana, and Soludos are some of the brands that offer shoes crafted with minimal environmental impact.
The styles offered range from classic sneakers to espadrilles, sandals and more.
Allbirds has a wide range of beautiful, comfortable shoes made from natural fibers like wool and eucalyptus.
While Nike’s Considered Line utilizes materials like hemp, plant-based textile dyes, surface treatments free of harmful chemicals and ecologically sensitive rubber sources.
Terra Plana makes stylish vegan shoes by using injection molding instead of glue or other harsh chemicals to hold the shoes together.
And lastly, Soludos attempts to make a positive environmental impact with their use of post-consumer waste fabrics from plastic bottles along with pigment-free dyes.
These brands represent just a few examples of what is out there. When searching for shoes similar to Veja—all providing stylish alternatives that minimize our environmental footprint.
Are New Balance A Good Brand?
New Balance is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable staple for their wardrobe that is both comfortable and long-lasting.
With a long history in business since 1906 and a wide range of products, customers can find pieces that can be used in many ways at prices that are easy on the wallet.
New Balance shoes are on the cutting edge of fashion, and they also use the latest technology. Such as rubber outsoles that grip well and cushioned insoles that are durable, flexible, absorb shock, and keep the foot in place.
The company is committed to making shoes that are made in an ethical way and meet the highest standards for sustainability, worker rights, and protecting the environment.
With all of these benefits, it’s clear that New Balance is a brand that caters to stylish people who want high-quality products that have been made in an ethical way.
Why Do Podiatrists Recommend New Balance?
Podiatrists have long recommended New Balance shoes for their superior support and comfort.
For decades, the company has consistently provided high quality products with the latest technological advances to protect and support feet in a range of activities, providing enhanced stability and shock absorption while keeping feet comfortable no matter what a person is doing.
From jogging to walking to playing sports, New Balance features unique technologies, like dual density midsole inserts and absorb cushioning foam, which help reduce stress on feet while providing superior lightweight cushioning.
With supportive sole construction and strong materials, New Balance offers great flexibility while walking or running that other brands cannot match—something podiatrists know will make a real difference in foot health over time.
Are New Balance Shoes For Older People?
Whether you are a marathon runner or a senior citizen looking for a comfortable shoe to walk in, New Balance has you covered.
With iconic designs that never go out of style, and reliable cushioning that supports feet and joints, these shoes provide comfort and durability throughout life’s changing stages.
Available in an array of styles to suit any taste or lifestyle, New Balance shoes don’t discriminate based on age; feel the difference these shoes offer regardless of your age.
Rest easy knowing you will be provided with great value from a brand crafted from quality materials by professionals who understand the needs of your feet throughout life.
Whether young or old, make New Balance your go-to for supportive, dynamic footwear.