There are multiple Veja styles to shop with different material options, in which if you take a glance at their popular Veja Campo sneakers it may be hard to distinguish them from the Esplar.
They greatly resemble one another, but they do have a few key differences and most of you might wonder which of them is best.
Hence, we’ve made this guide to help you better understand how these two sneakers are different, and provide our final opinion on which of the two we consider is the best.
Similarities and Differences between Veja Campo and Esplar:
| Features | Veja Campo | Veja Esplar |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2006 | 2011 |
| Stability | More Stable | Stable |
| Flexibility | More flexible | Flexible |
| Sizing | 7-13.5 for men4-10.5 for women | 7-12.5 for men4-10 for women |
| Weight | 15 oz. | Almost 15 oz. |
| Cushion | Moderately Cushioned | Less Cushioning |
| Outsole | Amazonian rubber (31%), rice waste (22%), and recycled rubber (12%) | Amazonian rubber (31%), rice waste (22%), and recycled rubber (12%) |
| Insole | Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled E.V.A., and organic cotton | Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled E.V.A., and organic cotton |
| Upper | Chrome-free leather/Suede/ NubuckOptions | Leather and canvas options |
| Retail Price | $175 | $130 |
Veja Campo Vs Veja Esplar: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
When we compare the features of Esplar with Campo, you will see some significant differences. Without further wait, let’s begin;
1) Comfort:
There is a similarity in the insole construction of the Veja Esplar and the Campo, thus these two shoes should provide the almost same amount of comfort. The EVA and organic cotton insoles made them more flexible and cushioned, so these shoes are a better option for long periods of wear and have shock absorption properties.
Moreover, leather is used in the construction of Veja Esplar, which can feel rigid at first and necessitates a period for break-in, you also have to wear socks with them. Additionally, during early use, you may experience stiffness from the tongue as well, but after some time, they will become comfortable.
On the other hand, The Veja Campo is considered the comfiest Veja model, and the valid reason behind that is it has a relatively high footbed and added support, which makes them incredibly comfortable. The Chrome-free leather used in most of their shoe options is thinner and softer than the leather used in Esplar and requires little to no break-in period.
2) Popularity:
Veja Campo and Esplar both are the most popular sneaker styles offered by Veja.
However, in the early year of the brand’s establishment, Veja introduced their sustainable footwear option, represented in their white “Campo sneakers”. This is their first model to be released which is crafted with Chromefree leather that has been tanned without the use of toxic chemicals come from tanneries and certified Gold by the “Leather Working Group”.
Then in 2011, the brand introduced Esplar which also gained a lot of popularity among many Hollywood celebrities. Some of the celebrities who have been spotted wearing Veja sneakers (including the Esplar model) include:
- Emma Watson – A known advocate for sustainable fashion, Emma has frequently been seen wearing Veja sneakers, including the Esplar.
- Meghan Markle – The Duchess of Sussex helped catapult the brand’s fame when she was seen wearing Veja sneakers during a royal tour.
- Emily Ratajkowski – Often seen in street style looks featuring Veja sneakers.
- Reese Witherspoon – Known for her chic, casual style, Reese has been spotted wearing Veja Esplar sneakers.
- Katie Holmes – Another celebrity who often includes Veja sneakers in her everyday wardrobe.
- Chloë Grace Moretz – Often seen wearing sustainable fashion brands like Veja.
- Lily Allen – A fan of Veja, she has been spotted with different sneaker models from the brand.
These celebrities’ endorsement of the brand significantly contributed to Veja’s growing popularity, especially in the sustainable fashion scene.
3) Running:
Veja Campo and Esplar are meant for casual use and they don’t seem bouncy and highly supportive like athletic footwear. The heel feels soft, but the sole is more flat and rigid, it is recommended for runners to wear shoes with a modest heel lift and not with a completely flat sole. Also, these shoes are not very cushioned, so both of these did not meet the criteria for running-specific shoes.
4) Walking:
The soles of Veja campo shoes are thicker and comparatively supportive than those of Esplar, and their cushioned insoles provide a more comfortable walking experience. However, when walking outside on uneven surfaces they might feel flat on the bottom but these are the perfect daily shoes for short walks, traveling, and daily activities.
Initially, Veja Esplar would feel stiffer than campo and offers slightly less support against the impact of body weight but with some use, they will soften up, so this model is more suitable for streetwear than for exercise or long-distance walking.
5) Flat feet:
Flat-footed people should generally avoid wearing shoes with a pointy or narrow toe box as shoes with a wide toe box provide the toes plenty of room to move.
So, it is the Veja Campo that runs a little wider and has high arch support as compared to the narrow design of the Veja Esplar. For that reason, we believe the Veja Campo could be a better option for your flat feet.
6) Design:
The Veja Esplar has a classic low-top design that makes them sleek and modern at the same time. The smooth leather upper, organic cotton interior, and classic V-stitch style of these shoes have made them a hit.
In addition, the expert craftsmanship ensures a trendy appearance with its perfect blend of color and innovative look. You may wear these shoes with a variety of outfits for your daily errands; no matter what you do, and they will last a long period.
Likewise, The Campo looks a lot like the classic Esplar sneaker, it has a simple minimalist design, but the sole is thicker and they fit more securely, so they can easily conform to the shape of your foot.
Also, the leather of Veja Campo sneakers is tanned without chrome, metals, or acids, which drastically decreases the use of chemicals, energy, and water during manufacturing, which feels textured rather than smooth. Moreover, Water-repellent coatings are applied to Campo suede which will keep the shoes and feet dry during light rain.
What do customers think?
In general, good customer reviews tend to praise Veja for being authentic and for mentioning all the materials they use in both of the models and people also like the looks of these two.
Some buyers commented that after more than a year of use, Veja Campo Sneakers are still in excellent condition. Many also appreciate the versatility of these shoes, which complement a variety of casual outfits. However, a few customers claim that after wearing Veja Campo sneakers in summer, they realized that they are not breathable at all, and wearing them for a couple of hours of walking on hot area trips is not a wise choice since their feet sweat a lot.
Overall so many customers are delighted with Veja Campo and are happy with its excellent comfort, and style.
On the other hand, customers rave about the appearance and smooth texture of Veja Esplar, and some have noted that the shoes fit wonderfully and suit their casual and office use. However, many critics remarked that the Veja Esplar soles are more rigid and provide less support, causing foot problems.
Also, there are comments regarding the design and issues of sizes for small feet, and they are not good enough to wear for long periods. Additionally, some reviewers indicated they would not purchase them again because, even after months of use, they remain stiff and uncomfortable.
In the end, a few customers have issues with the quality of both models and expressed that they are a bit pricey compared to sneakers in the market with the same features.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
If you are looking for more casual, stylish, everyday shoes, I would recommend both Veja Campo and Esplar.
One notable distinction between the two is the materials used in their construction; the Esplar is crafted from standard leather, while most Campo variants are available in chrome-free leather. Campo also offers a few models with suede or Nubuck uppers, likewise, Esplar offers only two styles with canvas uppers instead of leather.
Moreover, The Veja Campo is best if you want a supportive and cushioned pair of shoes for walking, on the other hand, Esplar is more favored for your small tasks of daily routine, and if you are vegan you can opt for their canvas alternatives.
Lastly, the Veja Campo is more expensive than Esplar but not by a huge margin, however, they provide excellent value for money.
We hope that most of your queries about Veja Esplar and Campo have been answered. What is your favorite one between the two? Let us know down below.