Our Fondness For Vellies
Posted on August 31 2020
Since 2013 we have been producing our version of South Africa's most iconic shoe, the Velskoen. Every year they evolve slightly in style and colour but their spirit remains the same.
A bit of history...
The Dutch settlers who arrived in South Africa in the 17th Century are believed to be the first to make Velskoene based on the traditional Khoisan footwear. A strong suede or leather shoe or boot, the footwear was later embedded into the Afrikaaner culture when Velskoene were used for the Great Trek.
More recently they were worn without socks and favoured by students, farmers and safari guides. Now, this quirky fashion choice has become much more mainstream and are favoured by anyone from hipsters to trendy baby boomers. These light-weight and very tough desert boots have stood the test of time!
Vellies received high profile exposure from Ashton Kutcher, who loved them so much he bought a stake in an SA company and introduced our local heritage to the US. They are on their way to becoming a global phenomenon and another proud moment for South Africa.
There is something about them, they are more than just another pair of shoes. Could it be their abundance of character and history?
What ever it is, we will always be extremely fond of our Vellies.
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