Once a humble, practical leather shoe, veldskoen—or “vellies”—have become a global fashion icon, spotted on the likes of actor Matthew McConaughey and Prince Harry. Behind this remarkable transformation are South African entrepreneurs Nick Dreyer and Ross Zondagh, who turned setbacks into a story of innovation and pride.
The duo reimagined veldskoen in 2016 after being inspired by South Africa’s lackluster athlete uniforms at the Rio Olympics. Drawing from the shoes’ 1,500-year-old roots with the Khoisan and their later reinvention by Dutch settlers, Dreyer and Zondagh introduced bold, colorful soles and laces to modernize the traditional design.
Their venture, launched with a basic website and a single Photoshopped mock-up, quickly gained traction after a Facebook ad drew orders before production even began. Committed to authenticity, the shoes are made exclusively in South Africa using local materials and craftsmanship.
Veldskoen’s big break came in 2021 when South Africa’s Olympic team donned the shoes at the Tokyo Games. Since then, celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, who helped launch the brand in the U.S., have championed the footwear. Today, Veldskoen produces 8,000 pairs monthly, employs 36 staff directly, and supports hundreds more through its supply chain.
With over one million pairs sold, Dreyer and Zondagh remain steadfast in their commitment to South Africa. “Veldskoen will never be made overseas,” they insist. Looking ahead, the brand plans to outfit Team South Africa for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, promising a show-stopping design for the global stage.
From a local tradition to a worldwide phenomenon, Veldskoen’s journey is a testament to South African ingenuity and pride.
Source: African Publicity
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