Some boots are made to be worn. Ours are made to be lived in.

Every Van Velze & Smith boot begins with a story — a chance meeting between two founders from different worlds: one South African, one English. Two perspectives, two cultures, and one shared belief: that true style should be timeless, personal, and built to last.

From the very first conversation, the vision was clear. We wanted to create boots that would not only look exceptional, but feel like a natural extension of who you are. Boots that carry the spirit of adventure and the elegance of craftsmanship in equal measure.

Our workshop is where that vision comes to life. From the moment the finest cuts of leather arrive, nothing is left to chance. We study the grain, select only the most resilient hides, and work them with a precision that comes from years of dedicated practice. The smell of that leather fills the room — rich, earthy, unmistakable. Every seam is hand-finished, every detail considered. It’s a slower way of working, but for us, there is no other way.

When you slip your feet into a pair of Van Velze & Smith boots for the first time, something changes. There’s a weight — not heavy, but reassuring. The fit begins to mould to your stride, shaping itself to your way of walking, until it feels like they’ve always been yours. And from that moment, they start to tell your story.

Perhaps they’ll carry you through the cobbled streets of Bath, where history hums beneath every step. Or across the wide, sun-warmed landscapes of the Karoo, where dust clings to the leather and every crease becomes a memory. Wherever you go, they go with you — and with every mile, they become richer, more yours.

This season, our focus is on our full men’s range and our ladies’ ankle boots — each crafted with the same unwavering commitment to quality. The men’s boots are bold yet refined, ready for both the city and the open road. The ladies’ ankle boots are elegant, versatile, and unapologetically confident — perfect for days that move effortlessly from work to weekend.

We believe the best boots don’t just take you places. They keep pace with you, weathering the elements, holding their shape, and carrying the marks of your adventures with pride. They are the boots you reach for without thinking, because you know they’ll never let you down.

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, we choose a different path. A slower one. A more deliberate one. Where every stitch matters and every choice is made with purpose. Because we’re not just making boots — we’re crafting companions for life.

Whether you’re stepping into the unknown or simply stepping out for the day, make it in boots that feel like they were made for you. Because they were.