Vellies

Vellies rose rapidly in popularity because they were crafted with such ingenuity and became incredibly common within the Dutch colony. The veldskoen boasted resilience and longevity, and in turn was worn by the Dutch migrating North, in the Great Trek. Subsequently, the veldskoen has been recognised as an integral part of Afrikaans heritage.

The Brits were faced with a similar dilemma to that of the Dutch when they arrived in South Africa. The English soon found that their footwear was better suited to the cobbled streets of London, than the unforgiving veld. And in turn, they too chose the lightweight vellie as the practical shoe of the day. This extended to Queen Victoria’s soldiers throughout South Africa, who opted to trade in their uniform boots for veldskoen. Local vellies offered unrivalled comfort and support, therefore proving to be far more practical than combat boots.

Vellies proved their resourcefulness under the scorched earth tactics of the British during the Anglo-Boer war. The shoes continued to be favoured across Africa, from the Rhodesian war to the Egyptian bazaars. The design even inspired C & J Clark’s ‘desert boot’ which remains an immensely popular style worldwide.

THE FASHION OF THE DAY

In contemporary times vellies are commonly made from a soft rawhide upper stitched to a rubber sole without tacks. The veldskoen is an iconic South African shoe that boast both durability and comfort, in a stylish manner. Proving themselves as practical shoes for everyday activities means that they’re still a popular choice amongst society. The veldskoen is robust and steadfast, and can be seen bridging the gap in fashion, between casual wear and formal wear.