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. The best alternative? GJ—and it’s stuck ever since!

Before stepping into the world of shoes, I spent 18 years as a professional rugby player. I was lucky enough to play for teams like the Bulls in South Africa, Northampton Saints, Worcester Warriors, and Bath Rugby. It was an incredible journey, but in early 2017, my career took a turn after a year-long injury layoff due to concussion. During that tough period, my close friend and now-business partner, Graham Smith, asked me, “What’s next?” It was a simple question that opened the door to a whole new adventure.

Why boots? Honestly, there’s no deep connection between rugby and bootmaking—just a naïve idea and a lot of determination. We knew next to nothing about boots when we started, but we loved the process, even when it pushed us out of our comfort zones. I’ve always believed that one decision can change your life’s direction, and this was mine. Today, Van Velze & Smith is built on the same values I learned from rugby: resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

We make boots designed to stand the test of time because quality matters. While we create the boots, it’s you who makes the memories in them. My journey from rugby pitch to boot making bench might seem unexpected, but it’s proof that with the right mindset, you can rewrite your story.

Here’s to taking that leap of faith—and to the adventures ahead. Let’s make something amazing together!