VEERAH is a Fully Vegan Brand

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VEERAH Brand Overview

Based in New York city and founded in 2016 by Stacey Chang, VEERAH is an ethically vegan/cruelty-free brand that also supports initiatives to empower women - with both causes being built into the ethos of the brand. VEERAH also sits on the cutting edge of material innovation, and claims to have launched the world’s first shoe collection from apple peel leather.

About VEERAH

"VEERAH reimagines how vegan shoes can look and feel when driven by innovation and thoughtful design. We launched the world’s first shoe collection from apple peel leather and crafted unbelievably cushioned insoles from algae blooms. Each pair is transformative with interchangeable shoe accessories to create more looks with less fashion footprint. Sustainable. Comfortable. Versatile." - VEERAH team

Is VEERAH a charitable company?

Yes! According to the brand, "As a public benefit corporation and a female-led organization, we support causes that are aligned with our values and echo the message that companies can be instruments of positive change. We pledge our commitment to give back to our community." Some of their commitments include donating at least 1% of their revenue directly to social impact causes, and offering 10 paid hours per quarter to their employees for volunteering or taking self-improvement courses. The brand also says that for every 100 customer feedback surveys they receive, they sponsor a one-year scholarship for a She’s the First girl scholar. 

What materials are used to make VEERAH shoes?

Within each shoe's description on their website it will give a detailed breakdown of the materials used to make that shoe. For example, their FRIDA Vegan Pumps description lists the following materials:
• High-gloss neo-patent leather upper
• Soft & breathable microfiber lining
• Rubber outsole
With additional digging, we found that some models use organic cotton linings, APEEL apple-based leather, or recycled plastic leather. You can learn more about the specific materials VEERAH uses here.

Are VEERAH shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, their shoes could be considered quite eco-friendly (at least as far as leather-look/dress footwear is concerned, as there isn’t yet a 100% bio-based, biodegradable material in the market to satisfy its specific characteristics), as they incorporate mostly plant-based leathers and/or recycled material-based leather alternatives into their designs. These materials, while not perfect, are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal-derived leathers (due to the inclusion of various toxic chemicals used in the tanning process, among other reasons). This is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside of it. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.

Does production of VEERAH shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that VEERAH has, and what they do to remediate it. The brand does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas. Regarding their main neo-patent vegan leather material, however, VEERAH states that, "Neo-patent leather is an innovative, glossy material that is soft yet durable and lightweight. It uses 92% less water, 80% less energy, and emits 93% less VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) than traditional synthetic leather." And regarding their algae-based insoles, "Each pair of algae insoles replaces more than 30% of petroleum used in traditional foam. It contributes to 4 liters of clean water returned to the habitat and 3 cubic meters of clean air."

Does VEERAH use ‘green’ shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if they use net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does VEERAH use eco-friendly packaging?

We've reached out to the VEERAH team to get further details on this, and they told us that, "We currently give the options to our customers during checkout to ship their order in a gently used shipping box. All of our shoe packaging are eco friendly, its 85% post consumer material and 71% recyclable. Our shoe boxes are made from 80% post consumer chipboard, our shoe dust bags are made from 4 to 5- 500ml bottles, our stuffing paper is made from post-consumer paper, and our INK is soy in contrast to traditional petroleum-based ink."

Which stores can I buy their shoes from?

VEERAH shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. They also have a showroom in New York City, USA.

Are VEERAH shoes recyclable or compostable?

VEERAH shoes are not recyclable (as a whole - parts of them, such as the soles, might be) or compostable. The brand's main approach to sustainability when it comes to footwear disposal, is to focus on creating high-quality, durable footwear that doesn't often need replacing. According to the brand, "With care, the best pair of shoes should last a very long time, so we invest in only quality vegan, recycled and up-cycled materials that will NOT decompose in rain, snow or other extreme weather conditions."

How should I dispose of my old VEERAH shoes?

According to the brand, "If after many years of wear you find it's time to dispose of your VEERAHs, we recommend researching local shoe recycling programs in your area. When you're ready to part with your VEERAHs, we recommend dropping them off at local donation center or shoe recycling program in your area.”

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Sale” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 66% when we visited. There is also a 10% discount code available if you subscribe to their newsletter.

Where are their shoes made?

VEERAH shoes are handcrafted in New Taipei City of Taiwan and Guangdong Province of China. According to the brand, "These third-generation highly-skilled footwear artisans have passed down their trade to become the leading experts of shoe craftsmanship in the modern world."

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Being that their shoes are made in Taiwan and China, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not VEERAH ensures its factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. According to the brand, "Unlike other large-scale factories, we are on a first-name basis and able to closely collaborate with VEERAH’s craftsmen in order to express our exact needs and ultimate goals to. We wouldn’t have it any other way." They also say that the VEERAH team spends a 'tremendous amount of time' on the factory grounds to manage product quality, working conditions, and relationships with the workers.

Does VEERAH promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

VEERAH incorporates some elements of a circular economy (several if you take into consideration the fact that they make dress shoes, which don't easily lend themselves to sustainability), such as: using high-quality materials; using plant-based leathers; using recycled plastic; making timeless styles; having their adornments be optional, and sold separately; avoiding fast fashion-level pricing; making their products by hand; using eco-friendly packaging; and contributing to female empowerment and employee growth.

Is VEERAH an ethically vegan brand?

VEERAH is an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "(Founder) Stacey Chang knew fashion could be cruelty-free and beautiful shoes could be made sustainably."

VEERAH Footwear Range

VEERAH makes women's heels, pumps, loafers, boots, and sandals using innovative plant-based leathers and recycled materials, and sells them at a premium price point. The brand's leather-look style can be described as classic silhouettes that are transformed with fully removable jewel-like accessories, giving customers a way to personalize multiples looks with one pair of shoes. Their current range includes: