Unisex Freestyle Size - Note: Women take 1 size smaller than their normal shoe size. If you are between sizes, male or female, you take the smaller of the two.
An unpretentious, stylish, multi-purpose, superbly comfortable, yet elegant enough for a casual wear shoe, built on a durable, non-marking crepe sole.
Also known as desert boots, chukka boot, safari boots, veldtschoen, velskoen and affectionately in Southern Africa as “vellies”.
They were originally made in the 17th century by the first Dutch settlers in South Africa. The design is believed to be based on the traditional Khoisan footwear observed by the settlers. Later the veldskoen were exported to Egypt from South Africa and developed into military-style desert boots on the souks of North Africa and supplied to the British Army during the World War II Desert War. Veldskoene were also used by the Rhodesian Army, during the Rhodesian Bush War, as a tough light-weight boot.
Lightweight and extremely tough, the vellie could withstand the harsh African conditions and terrain. The vellie has become part of South African, Zimbabwean (previously Rhodesian) and Namibian society and culture, worn by all classes and professions.
Colour variation, scars, veins, tick marks and neck grooves are inherent to and evidence of natural leather.
Kudu Leather has been used for footwear in Africa for over two thousand years, due to its unbelievably hard-wearing qualities, softness and a subtle sheen which helps to illuminate the rich, pebbled texture of the hide. Due to the grazing habits of the kudu, mainly amongst thorn trees and predators such as leopards, lions, African wild dogs, hyenas - Kudu leather is one of the most unique options as it features some scratches and scars – which immediately gives the leather its inimitable character to produce one-of-a-kind boots and shoes.Even though Kudu leather is tough and strong it ages gracefully thanks to its malleable composition. With enough wear, Kudu leather develops a rich, rugged patina while you add your own battle scars next to those naturally formed in the African bush. When treated correctly, Kudu leather is soft to the touch, kind to your feet with slipper-like comfort and is extremely stylish.
