Van Velze & Smith

True luxury does not shout. It is in the weight of real leather, the patience of craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence of something built to last.

The Hands That Make It

Every Van Velze & Smith piece carries more than fine leather and careful stitching. It carries the story of the hands that made it. Each mark, cut and finish reflects skill, patience, and pride...

For Every Season, a Pair That Fits

Life moves in seasons, seasons of building, grounding, and adventure. Through each one, the things we carry tell our story. A well-made pair of boots or a trusted leather bag becomes more than some...

Purpose: More Than Just a Pair of Boots

At Van Velze & Smith, purpose sits at the heart of everything we make. A purposeful product isn’t meant to stay perfect, it is meant to weather, adapt, and carry the marks of your journey. Each...

From Pitch to Startup: Lessons Rugby Taught Me About Business

I never grew up dreaming of owning a business , I dreamt of playing rugby. After 17 years on the pitch, I found the same lessons shaping Van Velze & Smith: consistency beats intensity, teamwork...

How to Travel Well: Boots, Bags, and the Miles Between

Travel tests everything. The wrong boots or bags make the miles heavier; the right ones make the journey lighter. Strong leather that adapts to your stride. Simple bags that carry more than weight ...

Slow Fashion, Fast World: Why We Choose the Harder Road

The world rewards speed — fast food, fast fashion, fast wins. But at Van Velze & Smith, we’ve chosen the slower road. It isn’t easier, and it certainly isn’t faster, but it’s the only way to cr...

Boots That Tell Stories: Why Every Mark Matters

At Van Velze & Smith, we believe the perfect boot isn’t meant to stay flawless. Every scuff, crease, and mark tells a story — from rain-soaked streets in Bath to dusty roads in the Karoo. Our h...

A Heartfelt Look Back at 2024

As 2024 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been for Van Velze & Smith. There’s so much to celebrate, and I wanted to share some highlights with you personall...

Meet Our Co-Founder: Gerrit-Jan van Velze (GJ)

Hi, I’m Gerrit-Jan van Velze, but most people just call me GJ. The nickname started on my very first day in Northamptonshire when I was told, quite bluntly, that “Gerrit-Jan” was a terrible name. ...