Victoria Trainers | Victoria Shoes Ireland

As a relatively new brand at Sheneil Shoes, Victoria is quickly emerging as a strong contender for those who love a contemporary, casual edge. There's so much to learn about the brand and the history behind it. Victoria was founded in 1915 in La Rioja, Northern Spain. The founder Gregorio named his first pair after his wife Victoria... and so the story begins. 

Victoria Brand

How did Victoria emerge from its humble beginnings in rural Spain to its now almost global distribution?

When asked, the Victoria brand credited its results to its traditional manufacturing methods along with its core values of innovation, design and sustainability. Each Victoria runner is made by hand one at a time, they're a testament to quality in a world of fast fashion. 

Victoria Trainers: A Brief History

Starting out determined to improve the traditional espadrille common in his area, owner Gregorio used innovative techniques and new technologies to give his shoes a major upgrade. This included switching from a plain rubber sole to a vulcanised technique. This improved resilience, reduced water absorption and helped with maintaining the shape of the sneakers. 

Gregorio's canvas sneaker creations were quick to to gain popularity and were said to be the "it" trainer of the 80's, no small feat for a company of such humble beginnings.

It's interesting to note that the now Iconic V symbol has been used by the brand since 1977, long before the Veja brand even existed. Victoria was the first brand to use the V symbol on footwear over 50 years ago.

But dear reader the story does not stop there. A brand with big ambitions, Victoria launched an initiative in 2004 to expand further afield. The results? Today they export to more than 50 countries.

Is Victoria A Sustainable Brand?

Such dramatic expansion often comes at a cost of sustainability and quality. Is that the case? Far from it, Victoria is a brand with a conscience. The brand has worked tirelessly to ensure they interfere with the environment as little as possible. Que their 'Dear World' initiative. To date, the brand has hit many of its key milestones in working towards sustainability, see what they have to say below.

WE WORK FROM PASSIVE HOUSE OFFICES, WHICH PRODUCE MORE ENERGY THAN THEY CONSUME

MORE THAN HALF OF OUR COLLECTION IS MANUFACTURED LESS THAN 50KM FROM OUR CENTRAL WAREHOUSE

ALL OUR PACKAGING IS RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE

THE COTTON IN OUR BASICS IS ECO: GROWN, SPUN AND WOVEN IN SPAIN WITHOUT GMOS OR PESTICIDES

ALL OUR DYED COTTONS ARE DREC® RECYCLED COTTON

OUR LEATHERS ARE CERTIFIED WITH A SILVER MEDAL BY Leather Working Group or LWG.

OUR VULCANISED SOLES ARE MADE WITH RUBBER FROM THE HEVEA TREE

WE HAVE REPLACED THE MINERAL OILS IN OUR PVC SOLES WITH VEGETABLE OILS MAKING THEM MORE BIODEGRADABLE

MANY OF OUR SOLES ARE MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL

Victoria Women's Trainers Ireland

Cool, casual trainers available from Spanish brand Victoria at Sheneil Shoes in Galway, Ireland. We love these minimal contemporary styles just in for the new season. Victoria trainers offer everyday comfort with a little something extra. They're the perfect dressy "going out" trainer. We have plenty of white and off-white sneakers available.

Victoria Trainers FAQ's

Are Victoria trainers good?

Victoria trainers are great quality, chic and sustainable. They give an edgy, cool look to any outfit with their low-cut design and bold V detail. Every pair is handmade from 100% organic Spanish-grown cotton. The soles of Victoria trainers are natural vulcanised rubber which gives extra grip.

Why do Victoria trainers smell so good?

One trademark of Victoria trainers is their signature strawberry scent. After World War 2 materials were in short supply, so Victoria sought to use recycled tyres to source the rubber for their shoes. The perfumed strawberry scent was added and has been used by the company ever since!

Can you wash Victoria trainers?

Yes, some of the Victoria canvas styles can be washed in a washing machine. See the video tutorial. However, not all Victoria trainers are suitable for washing machine cleaning. This is indicated in the product descriptions. For best results, we recommend pre-treating with a suitable protector spray and regular spot cleaning with a damp microfiber cloth or trainer cleaner solution.

Are Victoria trainers comfortable for walking?

Victoria's trainers come in many different colour-ways and styles making them the perfect trainer for either trousers or dresses. They have a thicker flat-form rubber sole which is perfect for walking. As they are made from vulcanised rubber, they have a low water absorption level.

Are Victoria shoes comfortable?

Yes, Victoria shoes are stylish and comfortable. They use vulcanised rubber to manufacture canvas shoes from natural rubber and 100% cotton. This process gives the sole more grip than leather. As well as a rubber sole, many styles also have a rubber toe cap. Many Victoria trainers have a removable insole for added support where required. Victoria's trainers are also suitable for everyday wear.

Where are Victoria trainers made?

The popular Spanish brand Victoria hand-crafts its trainers in the region between Alicante and La Rioja which is traditionally a shoe-making region. Their manufacturing facilities allow them to create around 300 different shoe styles each season in Spain.

Are Victoria trainers the same as Veja?

Victoria trainers are similar to Veja at a cheaper price point. They also have a great rubber sole and padded footbeds for added comfort. Many customers comment that the leather in Victoria trainers is softer and requires less breaking in than the Veja's.

Are Victoria Trainers true-to-size?

Yes, our customers and staff find Victoria trainers true to size. The only exception to this seems to be in the platform version of the Berlin trainers - where almost everyone had to size up. The cosmos sneakers can feel snug initially but they soften with wear for a comfortable fit.

How do Victoria Shoes fit?

As a brand Victoria sizing is generally very accurate and most customers stick with their regular size for the optimum fit. Refer to out Victoria Size guide for more information.

Are Victoria trainers comfortable for walking?

Yes, Victoria trainers are extremely comfortable. They have a thicker flatform rubber sole for added comfort. The footbeds are cushioned and adapt to the shape of your foot over time. They are made from 100% natural cotton which is breathable.

Are Victoria Trainers vegan?

Victoria does produce some vegan trainers including the Berlin model. However some of their designs include leather and suede. If you're searching for a Vegan trainer option from Victoria we recommend checking the composition panel to be sure its Vegan friendly.

What is Vegan leather made from?

Vegan leather is an animal-free alternative made from sustainable materials that haven't been tested on animals. Vegan leather is commonly made from polyurethane (often referred to as PU). Many designers are innovating vegan leather products from more sustainable materials including pineapple leaves, grape skins, corn husks and other natural sources. These vegan leathers mimic the look and feel of real leather while remaining breathable.

Not what you're looking for? Shop the full Women's Trainer collection.