The fashion world is continuously evolving with the latest and upcoming trends not only in the clothing market but also in the footwear market. So, to go through the flowing trends, we need to follow the market and the fashion world.
When we talk about the footwear market, the fame of two brands are on hype, New Balance and Veja. With their sustainable practices and incorporation of the latest technologies, both brands ensure you a comfortable yet functional feet.
What do both brands offer to customers? Let’s have a detailed look at this aspect.
Comparison Table Between New Balance and Veja:
| New Balance | Veja |
|---|---|
| 1906 | 2004 |
| Comfortable and supportive | Transparent and cool |
| Sustainable | More sustainable because of no use of animal products |
| Casual, sportswear and athletic shoes | Sneakers, tennis shoes, and running shoe |
| Suitable for everyday wear, running, walking and training | Suitable for casual wear, light exercise and gym, travel and outdoor activities |
| True to size | Veja runs slightly large |
| Available in more widths from X narrow to XX wide | Available in widths from narrow to wide |
| Highly recommended by podiatrist | Not much recommended by podiatrists |
| Breathable | More breathable |
| Heavier | Lightweight |
| Affordable | Slightly costly |
| 6-month NDurance rubber outsole limited warranty | 2 years warranty |
Overview of New Balance:
In 1906, New Balance Arch Support multinational Company was founded by William J. Riley in Boston.
William was inspired by how chickens balanced their body on three divided feet, so he decided to manufacture his first footwear product called “flexible arch support” with three support points to enhance the balance and comfort of shoes.
The brand is different from other brands because of the adaptation of technical features such as a heel counter, a wide range of sizes and a blended gel insert, which make New Balance shoes slightly more expensive than other companies.
New Balance sponsors sports teams, leagues, New York Road Runners, the Basketball Association and the Boston Red Sox. Besides, the company has collaborated with Aimé Dore, Norse Projects, NBA star Leonard and Paul Smith.
Regardless of many other world-renowned brands such as Adidas and Nike, New Balance kept itself as the best brand that has been working for almost 100 years in the manufacturing of quality and exceptional sneakers and shoes with utmost comfort for athletes.
New Balance manufactured the globe’s first running shoe with a ragged sole named Trackster in various widths and styles. Mostly, New Balance used the term ‘Dad shoe” to describe highly performing models.
New Balance mainly manufactures shoes in the US, while some famous models, such as 990, are manufactured in the UK. Some other countries where these shoes are manufactured:
- Vietnam
- United Kingdom
- United States
- China
- Thailand
- Indonesia
New Balance has introduced many sneakers and shoes that are famous among many customers but the best seller product is the New Balance 990V5 Core with classic outlines and premium leather that make shoes ideal for an active lifestyle because they offer cushioning and support.
Overview of Veja:
Veja is a famous French footwear brand founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion and has headquarters in France and Paris.
As Veja was founded in 2004 but its official launch was done in 2005 at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris.
The brand is well known because of its commitment to sustainability and ethical ethos for manufacturing high-quality and sustainable shoes.
Veja also collaborated with French designer Agnes B. In 2006, Veja introduced its first tanned leather product with innovative technologies.
The brand has minimalist and simple design shoes equipped with the latest technologies and sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and rubber.
The brand also works with fair trade companies to ensure that its employees are treated fairly. Veja mainly uses waterproof recycled bottles gathered from the streets of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on the soles of shoes.
As Veja shoes are expensive compared to other companion footwear brands, but this company believes that quality matters rather than price.
Veja has also won The Guardian Sustainable Business Award and The Observer Ethical Award.
Veja shoes are manufactured in Brazil because of the long history of Brazil in manufacturing shoes and a strong environmental record.
Among many footwear products of Veja, the best-selling product is Esplar, which is a simple and minimalist design shoe made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, rubber, and organic cotton.
It has vibrant colors and is equipped with vulcanized soles, round toes, padded tongue and rubber toe cap that make these shoes durable, lightweight and breathable. So these are the perfect shoes for casual wear and occasions.
Differences Between The Brands
Veja and New Balance are two main shoe brands with a lot of fan following and product lines, but these may be different in some aspects, which I will explore here:
1) Comfort
Veja shoes are not only a commitment to sustainability, but these are a testament to the natural feel of your feet. Due to unlined shoes, Veja keeps the feet breathable and ventilated along with the use of organic materials that enhance soft and flexible fit.
Veja shoes have durable soles made with wild rubber and recyclable materials that not only enhance flexibility while allow the shoes to mold according to the feet contour.
New Balance comfort is planned with a multi-faceted style along with the incorporation of technologies such as Fresh Foam midsole that enhance cushioning and offer a plush feel to your feet.
Due to the flexibility of foam, shoes can adapt according to the foot shape and offer a more personalized look and enhance shock absorption. Some other technologies, such as ENCAP and ABZORB, are involved in enhancing cushioning and stability and minimizing stress on joints in New Balance shoes.
The Ortholite insoles, along with the mesh upper in New Balance shoes, are also the key factors for improved cushioning, long-lasting comfort and moisture-absorbing properties.
2) Flat Feet:
Both New Balance and Veja offer arch support that makes them suitable for normal arches or feet. While when it comes to flat feet, New Balance is the winner because of superior arch support and comfort that makes it highly recommended by podiatrists.
With the use of super-quality products and incorporation of the latest technologies, these shoes enhance protection and support to feet while improving stability and shock absorption, which make them super comfortable for jogging, walking, and playing sports.
3) Popularity
Veja’s fame has been seen in recent years, and it is continuously increasing because of the brand’s commitment to sustainable yet stylish shoes that cater to the needs of the young generation while minimizing the impact on the planet.
Many celebrities have been seen wearing the famous brand Veja either in red carpet photo-shoot or Instagram feeds.
However, New Balance has been in the footwear market for a long time and has earned a huge fan base because of its super-quality products.
4) Target Market
New Balance’s target market lies around people of all ages and genders, such as men, women and even kids, because of the brand’s reliability, style and durability.
Veja mainly targets young adults because of sustainable shoes and users who prefer unique designs in their footwear.
5) Price
For New Balance shoes, you have to invest at least $100, but some models can go upto $200.
However, Veja shoes ask you to pay $100-$200 but some costly shoes are available at $240.
6) Design
Veja shoes are minimalist with clean lines and a modest look. Due to the simplicity of each shoe, Veja enhances the shine of natural materials and craftsmanship.
With ethically sourced leather and other sustainable materials, the upper of Veja shoes offers refined and timeless quality while allowing breathability to feet.
The midsole incorporates cushioning technologies and Amazonian rubber for enhanced shock absorption and a comfortable walking experience.
The fusion of recycled materials with wild rubber in the outsole of Veja shoes results in durability and flexibility while providing enough support.
New Balance shoes are equipped with sporty materials such as N logos, vibrant colors, and a retro-inspired look, along with a classic feel that caters to the needs of all users.
The use of breathable mesh and synthetic overlays in the upper of New Balance provides much support, breathability and stability.
With the incorporation of innovative technologies such as Fresh Foam in the midsole allows the shoes to adapt according to feet contour.
The well-crafted durable rubber is used in the New Balance outsole that enhances better grip and traction on different types of surfaces.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
At the end of the article about which brand is better for you, either Veja or New Balance, I came to know that Veja is somehow expensive but is better in terms of designs, styles, construction and materials.
On the other hand, New Balance shoes are affordable with brilliant designs along with their suitability for flat feet.