Veldskoen Shoes

Veldskoen Shoes was founded in 2016 by friends Nick Dreyer and Ross Zondagh. After watching the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,[1] Brazil, it is believed that the pair held the viewpoint that the South African athletes had an opportunity to express their national heritage more profoundly through their attire at the opening ceremony. The two started envisioning the kind of outfits that could have more aptly embodied the essence of South Africa. While discussing options, Ross Zondagh proposed the idea of incorporating a pair of leather Veldskoen, citing their iconic status as South African shoes. However, Dreyer expressed scepticism, noting that Veldskoen was no longer considered fashionable. Their conversation delved into strategies for enhancing the shoe's appeal, infusing it with a sense of fashion-forwardness, and fostering a sense of unity among South Africans. The end product was in the form of brightly coloured soles and laces representing South Africa's flag and rainbow nation; which is Veldskoen Shoes trademark look.[2] The name Veldskoene comes from Afrikaans vel ("skin"), later assimilated with veldt ("field"), and skoene ("shoes"). Their design is based on the traditional Khoisan footwear observed by these settlers and was adopted in the 17th century by the first Dutch settlers in South Africa.

Veldskoen Shoes exports products to 32 countries. This included the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, China, the Nordic countries, Canada, the entire Europe, and parts of Africa.[3] [4]

All Veldskoen Shoes raw materials are sourced locally, from South African businesses. From the leather to the thread and the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) components. Indirectly Veldskoen Shoes supports close to 100 people across the different factories and tanneries in South Africa. In 2019 businessman Mark Cuban[5] and celebrity Ashton Kutcher acquired a 50% ownership stake in Veldskoen Shoes USA business.[6] [4]

In 2021 Veldskoen was named the official off-field shoe of South African athletes at the Olympic Games in Tokyo by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).[7][8] In 2020 Veldskoen Shoes collaborated with DHL to launch a limited edition sneaker in London called "Dear Everyone".[9] In June 2023 Valor Hospitality Partners and Veldskoen Shoes launched a strategic initiative to provide vellies to their Hotel Staff across the United States.[10]

2021 Veldskoen Shoes (Pty) Ltd was the winner in the small enterprises category at the South African AGOA Exporter of the Year Awards.[11][12]

• Veldskoen Shoes
• Vellie revolution: Local manufacturer strikes it big with US partner deal
• Vellie revolution: Local manufacturer strikes it big with US partner deal