Veja & Baserange

The collaboration between VEJA x Baserange grew from conversations about the imprint we leave behind, following one’s own pace and path and being grounded. We worked together to understand what kind of shoe sole would help in grounding to the earth beneath us. Allowing us to be aware of the impact of our steps, so that every step is taken with intention. This led us to look at shapes, materials, and designs that support natural walking patterns and imitate the feeling of walking barefoot. Walking barefoot enhances our innate sense of our body, strengthens intrinsic foot muscles, promotes natural walking patterns, reduces the impact of heel strike, and may lower the risk of injury by encouraging efficient biomechanics and posture.

VEJA buys rubber directly from cooperatives, formed by families of seringueiros (rubber tappers) from the Amazon. In the heart of the Amazonian Forest, the seringueiros harvest rubber from the trees using a traditional technique that allows the trees to regenerate. This activity contributes to the protection of the forest by avoiding deforestation and intensive cattle breeding. In 2024, VEJA paid 4 times the average market price for the rubber. This Amazonian rubber is used in every VEJA sole, and is certified Fair Trade, improving the livelihoods of rubber tappers, helping social community projects and empowerment. We chose a shoe sole that is crafted from recycled old VEJA soles, giving discarded footwear a second life: old VEJA soles are collected and ground into rubber granules, allowing us to reuse old soles instead of throwing them away while keeping the same durability and quality. We also partner with Virgocoop, a cooperative based in Toulouse. Founded in 2018 to revive the local textile industry, it works with local farmers and artisans to produce hemp and Lacaune sheep wool. The textured panels on the shoe are made of this material.