Sterk
- Chelsea boot with elasticated side insert
- Hand stitched suede leather
- Cotton pull-on tab to back
- 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 flawless suede, elegant contours and red internal lining 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
Suede boots can generally be cleaned by lightly rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or specialist suede brush. Straight motions in different directions are advised to help remove dirt and salt without pushing them deeper into the fibres.
Unlike leather, suede can be easily ruined by water, which causes stains on its surface that are generally irreparable. Use a waterproofing spray after cleaning your boots to allow them to retain their water resistance. It is important to do this frequently to prevent stains, resist scratches, and keep the suede supple.
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.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful and great quality suede leather
Love the chocolate brown. The inner sole is soft and supportive
Look forward wearing them this winter
Still need to test if you can walk for long hours
Thanks so much for the kind words and the awesome 4 stars! We're thrilled you're loving the chocolate brown suede – it's basically the hot cocoa of leathers. When you finally take them out for a long walk, we hope they pass the test with flying colours! Keep us posted – happy strolling!
Choose options
- Chelsea boot with elasticated side insert
- Hand stitched suede leather
- Cotton pull-on tab to back
- 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 flawless suede, elegant contours and red internal lining 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
Suede boots can generally be cleaned by lightly rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or specialist suede brush. Straight motions in different directions are advised to help remove dirt and salt without pushing them deeper into the fibres.
Unlike leather, suede can be easily ruined by water, which causes stains on its surface that are generally irreparable. Use a waterproofing spray after cleaning your boots to allow them to retain their water resistance. It is important to do this frequently to prevent stains, resist scratches, and keep the suede supple.
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.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful and great quality suede leather
Love the chocolate brown. The inner sole is soft and supportive
Look forward wearing them this winter
Still need to test if you can walk for long hours
Thanks so much for the kind words and the awesome 4 stars! We're thrilled you're loving the chocolate brown suede – it's basically the hot cocoa of leathers. When you finally take them out for a long walk, we hope they pass the test with flying colours! Keep us posted – happy strolling!
Beautiful and great quality suede leather
Love the chocolate brown. The inner sole is soft and supportive
Look forward wearing them this winter
Still need to test if you can walk for long hours
Thanks so much for the kind words and the awesome 4 stars! We're thrilled you're loving the chocolate brown suede – it's basically the hot cocoa of leathers. When you finally take them out for a long walk, we hope they pass the test with flying colours! Keep us posted – happy strolling!