Updated
VAER
VAER makes sneakers out of textile waste: jeans from the Salvation Army, decommissioned workwear from Elis and Europcar, and hotel tablecloths past their prime. The Copenhagen brand produces with a family-owned factory near Porto, Portugal, designs its shoes to be recyclable and takes them back to turn into new soles.
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Image: VAER
What they make, where they make it
- Products
- Sneakers
- Works with
- Denim, recycled cotton, rubber
- Based in
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Made in
- Portugal
Who it's for, how to get it
- For
- Unisex
- Typical pricing
- Up to 200€
- Ships to
- Worldwide
“We use waste to make fashion. Today less than 1% of the discarded textiles are being recirculated into new fashion products. We are here to change this statistic and unlock the superpowers of upcycling to give a new life to as many imperfect textiles as possible.”
Source: VAER, Our Story
Notes from Lisa · 20.08.2026
Upcycled Sneakers that can be recycled
If you are looking for upcycled sneakers, VAER is the brand. I did not know upcycling could look that cool until I saw their sneakers. Every pair starts as discarded jeans, overalls or tablecloths. All of them are made by a family-owned factory near Porto in Portugal. I love the sneak peek video of how the sneakers are made. Go and watch it. Also their suppliers are from Portugal, besides the laces from Italy.
You get to learn about the founders story and their beliefs. They care about the impact they make: sustainability is a core value.
The sneakers can be recycled through their take-back program. You can return your old pair, which is turned into new sole by shredding the entire shoe. On top you get a voucher for a new pair of Vaer sneakers.
If I were to pick a pair, I would take the Phoenix in light jeans blue, or the new pastel one, which I love even more.
Lisa Walter, Editor