Long before the minimalist trainer trend of the past few years, there were Veja trainers. Simple, with a white base, squash-shoe-style sole, and that iconic V logo on the side, they are now instantly recognisable. And it’s the kind of pared-back aesthetic that appeals to us, because we want to be comfortable – but not at the expense of style. Veja is the ultimate (and rare) example of a fashion brand that manages to be sustainable and cool at the same time. There’s not a hint of crunchy granola in this slick operation.

All Veja shoes are made from materials ethically sourced from small producers in Brazil. The founders, who had travelled the world together, chose this location because there was a good supply of wild rubber, organic cotton and factories where 80% of workers are unionised and pay is above minimum wage. And while Veja uses vegetable-tanned leather, it offers vegan alternatives too, including uppers made from recycled plastic bottles. To this day, the brand is still aligned with those early values. It doesn’t advertise. It still works with the same producers in Brazil. And it only produces what has been ordered, so that no materials are ever wasted.

We love that these chic, minimal trainers work with everything from boyfriend jeans to floral dresses, all while making us feel good about our choice to consume a product that champions ethical values every step of the way.