Back in February, I had documented in my one week money diary that I had purchased these Veja Esplar Bastille sneakers from TheRealReal (cost on site $60, retails $165, but since I had TRR credit from selling it was $0—score right?). And I was soooooo excited to add them to my shoe collection because who wouldn’t want to wear stylish ethical sneakers? But unfortunately these did not work out for me—at all.

First a note on sizing, I got them in my usual shoe size of 8 (I used to think of myself as 7.5 because I was 7.5 in TOMS, but have come to realize that I’m pretty much an 8 and this is especially true after pregnancy). And they fit fine in both the length and width so I would say they are true to size.

I loooove that this company tries their best to make an ethical sneaker with the utmost transparency. They are very conscious about the materials they use and where they source it from. Their leather “doesn't come from the Amazon nor from an area that was deforested for cattle farming purposes” and their tanning is done under strict EU REACH regulations. The interesting detail on the heels are actually tilapia fish scales! And their rubber for the soles of their shoes are made of 20% natural rubber allowing them to help preserve the wild rubber trees in the Amazon (though I guess the other 80% is synthetic?). {Side note: I watched a pretty interesting documentary episode (episode 3) about rubber on Amazon show The Beast That Is The Global Economy.} . But this is all to say that Veja is really trying to make the most ethical sneaker out there.

Now if only they were comfortable.

Well this is just to say this particular model, The Esplar, is not. My main problem with the shoe is that the leather tongue is so stiff that it pokes into the tops of my feet. I’ve tried to bend it back or break it in, but to no avail. Also the sneaker is heavy, like the heaviest sneaker I’ve ever worn. I have to say Nike, Adidas, and a lot of other sneaker companies may not be ethical, but they know how to make a comfortable sneaker. Sadly, this Veja one might be the most uncomfortable sneaker I’ve ever worn. And there’s no point in buying something just because it’s ethical. It needs to be a good product as well.

But I’m not willing to give up on them yet. Their vegan models look more promising, at least the ones that look like classic New Balance shoes. Has anyone else tried these shoes or other Veja styles? Did you like them and would you recommend it?