Bye Bye, Buy: New Balance vs. VEJA
Bye Bye: New Balance
Buy: VEJA
Ugly Sneakers, Uglier Politics
Did you know your favorite dad sneakers may have your uncle's opinions on rights in America? Privately held with an estimated $4.4 billion in revenue in 2021, $5.3 billion in 2022, and $6.5 billion in 2023, owner and Chairman Jim Davis has seemingly directed some of the profit to causes and organizations that don’t align with many millennial and gen Z shoppers. He was described by the Boston Globe as “a Republican as big as they come around here,” with a cool $500,000 to Mitt RoMney’s Super PAC, $400,000 to Trump’s Victory Committee.
Your Ugly Sneaker Alternative
You know who doesn’t suck? VEJA. They have the same chunky vibe and letter logo. And they’re B Corp certified with an excellent track record from people to planet. While the price point is higher, ranging from $150-$200 for popular athletic styles, VEJA admits their sneakers cost 30% more to produce compared to other brands manufactured in East Asia, “This is due to our use of fair trade and organic raw materials, ensuring a more equitable economic approach at every step of the production chain.” Meaning your dollars are going to impact communities in a positive way, rather than potentially being used to lobby for legislation that prioritizes profit at the expense of its patrons and the planet.
Sources
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/new-balance-stop-funding-right-wing-candidates-and-organizations
https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/veja
https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-sustainable-running-shoes/