Veldskoen were first made in the 17th century. The name Veldskoen (pronounced "FELL-skoons") comes from Afrikaans meaning "field shoe" and is based on the traditional Khoisan (indigenous peoples of Southern Africa) footwear observed by the first Dutch settlers in South Africa.
Easy to make, lightweight and extremely tough wearing the Veldskoen could withstand the harsh conditions of the great migration north. Since those days the Veldskoen (or much easier to say - "vellie") has become a huge part of South African and Namibian society, worn by all classes and professions.
As with most legends there are many amazing story behind it and Veldskoen are no different. This is just one of them. “The year was 1941, and the soldier, well he wasn't just any infantryman, he was Nathan Clark, and he'd been sent to war with two missions. First and foremost to protect his country, and, secondly, to discover some new shoe designs for his family's company (Clarks). He noticed that the officers in his formation were wearing these strange, sand colored chukkas during their downtime. Clark investigated the shoes and learned that they had originally been commissioned to Cairo cobblers by South African soldiers whose old-military issue boots had failed them out on the desert terrain. (They wanted their original Veldskoen) that were both lightweight and grippy which led to the creation of a boot with a suede upper on a crepe sole"
Jake Gallagher, GQ
We think its safe to say that your Vellies are the Original Chukka Desert Boot
All of our shoes are designed in Cape Town, South Africa and manufactured in Durban, where we employ some of the finest shoemakers in the country. Each Veldskoen is hand stitched. This means care and attention is given to every shoe. The result a one of the very finest leather shoes available.
We have a strict no-nasties policy here at VELDSKOEN, meaning our leathers are free of harmful or toxic substances and are earth-friendly.
VeldSkoen is built on the back of the amazing culture and diversity of South Africa, with the injection of youth, energy, and fun. We respect our past and look forward to our future.
We use only the finest Rawhide suede leather. Did you know not all leather is created the same, and in many cases, it is made of a mix of different leather compressed to form one piece, Think chip-board. The leather we use is from one single piece of the rawhide, Think a beautiful piece of oak. This means no cracking and off the charts durability and comfort.
Handmade the hard way with love in South africa
Designed for farmers - Made tough and made to last
Super Comfy soft and snug
Flexible - Molds to your foot with every stride
HOT or COLD foot temperature is naturally regulated
Reduces odor even when sockless
Super easy to clean
Rain and weather resistant
