Kids' fashion has moved beyond just cute looks — today’s parents and brands want pieces that teach and tell a story. French sneaker label VEJA tapped the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle to create Esplar Kids, a dinosaur-themed sneaker line designed to spark curiosity while staying faithful to scientific detail. It’s a playful, smarter take on kids' sneakers.
Built on VEJA's popular Esplar silhouette, the Esplar Kids range features finely rendered illustrations of five dinosaurs—Triceratops, Diplodocus, Pteranodon, Stegosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus rex. In collaboration with the museum, VEJA translated anatomical specifics—tail angles, nostril placement, and other features—into a look that nods to scientific illustration rather than cartoonish depictions.
Each dinosaur's name appears as a caption, so the shoes become a subtle learning tool. The typography borrows from handwritten museum labels, merging a vintage calligraphic feel with the authority of a researcher's notes. Functionally, the shoes are kid-friendly: Velcro straps make them easy to take on and off, and a brown outsole boosts durability while hiding scuffs and stains.
Beyond eye-catching design, parents increasingly seek educational features and eco-conscious materials in children's footwear. With Esplar Kids, VEJA brings its sustainability credentials and attention to scientific accuracy into its kids' line, meeting those expectations. Amid a wave of brand collaborations, this partnership with a respected institution gives the collection extra depth and credibility.
VEJA prioritized eco-friendly materials for Esplar Kids: the upper and panels use O.T. leather (Organic Traced Leather), the insole is made of 62% bio-based E.V.A. and 25% organic cotton, and the outsole contains 35% Amazon natural rubber. The lining is 100% recycled polyester. The shoes are manufactured in Brazil.
The VEJA x Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Esplar Kids collection is available on VEJA’s official online store. Since launching in 2005, VEJA has aimed to produce ethical sneakers by selecting materials that reflect social responsibility, economic justice, and ecosystem preservation. The brand has won global fans with fair pricing and solid quality, all without heavy advertising budgets.
