Sterk

• Chelsea boot with elasticated side insert
• Hand stitched Yearling leather
• Front and back cotton pull-on tab
• Leather sole with rubber grip sole
• Internal lining for comfort and longevity
• Van Velze & Smith crest on sock and sole

The Story

The Sterk is for the person who gets on with it. Not only is it the Afrikaans word for strong or powerful, it is also the maiden name of the Van Velze matriarch: a woman who isn’t afraid to crack on or get right to the point. Handcrafted with superior comfort features and specialised stitching for prolonged protection, this boot is a fitting salute to a caring mother and family legend. 

Constructed with both practicality and a timeless aesthetic in mind, this shoe’s elastic inserts and leather sole lends to its versatile foundation for occasions of all kinds. Whether you’re navigating the city or at a Braai, the Sterk is an excellent example of a work-meets-weekend shoe. The Yearling leather and elegant contours yield a sleek, yet casual, appeal with a suave mood. 

The Chelsea Boot

The traditional Chelsea boot has been a firm fashion favourite across Britain for many decades and is a recognised wardrobe staple for everyone from country folk to city high-flyers. Its heritage dates to the Victorian era and even after nearly two hundred years, very little alteration has been made to its original design. Characterised by its tapered fit, elastic side panels, ankle height, and pull tabs, contemporary models rarely veer away from the ‘classic look’. Whilst the round toe styles give a more relaxed aesthetic, a pair with a sharp chiselled toe adds a smart allure: perfect for wearing with formalwear.

Care & Repair

Whilst every mark on your VVS boots tells a story, caring for your boots is still important, so that when they’re perfectly moulded to your feet, they are still in great condition.

Boot Care

Use a soft brush to give the leather a light buffing and to remove any loose dirt or salt particles which can cause damage over time.

Whilst visible dirt and salt can harm leather, dry conditions are leather’s ‘silent killer’. When the natural moisture escapes under dry conditions, the fibrous interweave will start to weaken and visible cracks form. By conditioning your boots before use with a good leather conditioner or balm and then always keeping the leather supple, you can avoid this sad tragedy. With the addition of waterproofing spray, this will allow your boots to retain their water resistance.

Delivery & Returns

Delivery

We offer next day delivery on all purchases to mainland UK. Buy before 1pm and we will send your boots on the same day, so you get to wear them the following day. 

Returns

If the boots arrive and aren't quite your size, someone else already bought them for her, or they just aren't quite what you were expecting, we have a 30-day returns policy. Login to your customer account to make your return here. Find out more at vanvelzeandsmith.com/returns.

Questions

If you have any questions on the product, delivery, or our returns policy, please send us an email and we will be sure to help you out. You can email us at hello@vanvelzeandsmith.com.