Veja Rio Branco trainers

Brand History and Ethos

Veja is a French footwear and accessories brand founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion. The brand is renowned for its commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. From its inception, Veja has focused on creating sneakers with a positive impact at every stage of production, which includes working directly with small-scale producers in South America.

Manufacturing and Sourcing

Unlike many footwear brands that mass-produce in Asia, Veja has centralized its manufacturing in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Southern Brazil. This location was chosen due to its high standard of social rights and labor conditions. The materials used are also sourced ethically, involving organic cotton from Northeast Brazil and wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest to create their signature sneaker soles.

Ownership and Global Presence

Veja remains an independent company, owned by its original founders. By avoiding traditional advertising budgets, the brand reinvests its resources into premium materials and fair wages for its workers. Today, it stands as a global leader in sustainable fashion, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and its manufacturing firmly rooted in Brazil.