Van Velze & Smith

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...

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

Discover Van Velze & Smith — a luxury footwear brand creating handcrafted leather boots that blend British craftsmanship with South African style. Designed for men and women who value quality, ...

The History of Leather in Luxury Fashion

Leather has long been synonymous with luxury and sophistication in the fashion industry. Its rich texture, durability, and versatility make it a perennial favourite among designers and fashion afic...

Leather Care 101: Maintain Your Investment

Imagine this: You've just invested in a sleek pair of leather boots, a classy new handbag, and that wallet that perfectly complements your style. Now, how do you keep them looking as fabulous as th...

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. ...