Veja takes us to Sicily for the presentation of Etna, the brand's first sandal

Whether you're part of the extreme traveler team, a Sunday walker, or even a beach stroller, Veja has something to satisfy your desires. After its iconic model the Campo, the sportier Fitz-Roy Trek-Shel, or even the Rio Branco suitable for any everyday situation, Veja is once again innovating today with the Etna, its very first sandal model. In a balanced mix between the Brazilian origins of the shoe and the bubbling energy of Sicily and its volcano to which the model owes its name, the sandal is simply an invitation to exploration and travel. To present it to us properly, Veja took us all the way to Taormina, to the model launch party at the Feliciotto concept store. Now it’s our turn to present it to you.

Surrounded by delicious Sicilian granita and to the rhythm of a DJ set, Veja’s Etna sandal was unveiled to the public on Wednesday evening, in the historic center of the bustling city of Taormina, in western Sicily. While Veja has already offered a wide selection of unique sneakers since 2005, it was only natural for the brand to expand its horizons after 20 years of experience in sneakers to now offer a sandal equally suited for a stroll through the historic center of a small Sicilian town with steep streets or for climbing a volcano. To do this, the brand decided to reconnect with its roots: Brazil. A staple of the Brazilian wardrobe, the sandal features a thick, lightweight, grippy sole made of Amazonian rubber and two O.T. (Organic Traced) leather straps with two Velcro fasteners featuring the VEJA logo and four embroidered crosses, available in various colors, from the most understated to the most vibrant.

Perfect for both the city and nature, for a leisurely stroll or to rush toward adventure, the Etna sandal is already emerging—without any pretense—as a must-have in the face of climate hazards, rising temperatures, and scorching summers that force us to rethink how we select our clothes, and no longer allow us to wear sneakers all year round. With this new model, Veja keeps its promise to diversify our shoe wardrobe in an original and ethical way, strictly respecting manufacturing methods without dangerous or banned chemicals and in accordance with regulations. One thing is certain: this summer, you’ll see the Etna sandal everywhere—from the winding streets of Taormina to the top of the volcano that majestically overlooks the city and gave the sandal its name.