It’s honestly a little exhausting being that friend—the one everyone turns to for “casual but smart” outfit inspiration, or the one who somehow makes grocery shopping look like a street style moment. I mean, I never try to draw attention. It just happens. Maybe it’s the understated elegance of my Veja sneakers NZ—clean lines, quiet details, and just enough French charm to make people assume I studied abroad in Paris (I didn’t, but thank you for asking).
I remember the first time I saw a pair of Vejas in the wild. It was in Copenhagen, where everyone somehow looks like they walked off a minimalist mood board. I discreetly Googled the “V” logo and went down a rabbit hole that ended with me adding three pairs to cart. Of course, I only checked out with one (restraint is chic), but let me tell you: that first pair made me rethink everything I knew about sneakers.
The trick, I’ve discovered, is not just owning Veja—it’s owning the right Veja. And since I’ve now had to walk my friends (and let’s be honest, half of Instagram) through the selection process, I’ll share my not-so-secret tips. First, go for neutral tones if you want them to match everything from slip skirts to linen trousers. But if you, like me, have a talent for making beige feel boring, opt for a pop of soft sage or clay pink—enough to catch the eye, but still oh-so-European.
What most people don’t realize is that Veja NZ has quietly become the insider’s choice here. While others are chasing hyped drops, I’m ordering my pairs from an elegant little corner of the internet that never disappoints in stock or sizing. Plus, they ship in packaging that doesn’t scream “I shop online too much,” which is crucial when you live in an apartment with nosy neighbors.
Let’s talk comfort. I wore my Vejas to a weekend retreat in Queenstown—hiking in the morning, wine tasting by late afternoon—and they didn’t just survive the itinerary, they elevated it. The soles have that supportive-but-not-bulky feel, and somehow my feet weren’t throbbing by the time I got to the vineyard (unlike my friend Emma, who wore “fashion sneakers” and spent most of lunch barefoot under the table).
And don’t even get me started on the compliments. I’ve had baristas, strangers on the tram, and even a retired art professor ask me where I got my shoes. There’s something about Vejas that says “I care, but not too much,” which—if you know me—is exactly the vibe I strive for. You can keep your shouty logos; I’ll take quiet elegance any day.
For the record, I recently added a second pair—because obviously one needs a backup when the first is perpetually on rotation. This time, I went straight to Veja shoes NZ and picked a low-profile silhouette that slips effortlessly into my carry-on. (Yes, I travel light. No, I don’t check bags. Yes, I have a capsule wardrobe. I know—it’s a burden.)
So if you’ve ever admired a woman at the market who somehow makes oat milk and kale look fashionable… chances are, she’s wearing Veja. And if she gives you a knowing smile as you pass by, well, maybe she recognizes a fellow believer in beautiful basics. Just make sure you don’t wait too long—the good sizes always go first.