Vellies, answered
Everything people ask us about sizing, leather care, delivery and exchanges. If your question is not here, we answer email within one working day.
What are vellies?
Vellies, short for "velskoene" (Afrikaans for "hide shoes"), are traditional South African leather shoes. They are made from a single piece of full-grain or veg-tanned hide stitched to a leather or rubber sole, traditionally without nails or a stiff toe box. The design dates back centuries to the Khoisan and later Voortrekker communities, and is built for soft, unlined comfort in hot, dry conditions. A veldskoen and a vellie are the same shoe; "vellie" is the everyday shortening.
What size vellies should I order?
All our shoes are UK sizes, which is the same system South African sizing follows, so if you know your SA size, order it. If you are between sizes, take the larger one: full-grain leather stretches and moulds to the shape of your foot within the first week of wear, so a snug new pair becomes a perfect fit, while a loose pair stays loose. Converting from US sizing depends on the range: men subtract one (a US 10 is a UK 9), women subtract two (a US 8 is a UK 6). Our size guide has full UK, EU and US tables plus foot lengths in centimetres.
How long do vellies take to break in?
Most people find their vellies are fully broken in after about one week of regular wear. Because the leather is unlined full-grain hide, it softens quickly against body heat and takes the shape of your foot rather than forcing your foot to adapt. Wear them for a few hours a day at first. You should not need plasters or thick socks: if a pair still pinches after two weeks, the size is wrong and we will exchange it.
How do I clean and care for leather vellies?
Wipe the leather with a damp cloth to lift dust and mud, then let them dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Every few months, work a neutral leather balm or dubbin into the hide to keep it supple and water-resistant. Never machine wash vellies, and never dry them on a heater or in front of a fire: rapid heat drying makes the leather crack. Scuffs and darkened patches are normal patina, not damage.
Are vellies waterproof?
Vellies are water-resistant, not waterproof. Full-grain leather that has been fed with a leather balm will shrug off light rain and wet grass, but they are not sealed boots and are not designed for standing water. If they do get soaked, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry slowly at room temperature, then re-feed the leather with balm once dry.
Do you wear socks with vellies?
Both work, and it is genuinely a matter of preference. Traditionally vellies are worn barefoot, which is why the leather is unlined and soft against the skin. Wearing them without socks lets the hide mould more closely to your foot. If you wear socks, a thin pair is best, and you may want to size up if you plan to wear thick socks in winter.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are delivered door to door by The Courier Guy in 2 to 4 working days anywhere in South Africa, after a handling time of one to two working days. Delivery is free on every order, with no minimum spend. You receive a tracking number by email as soon as your parcel is collected.
Can I return or exchange my vellies?
Yes. Unworn pairs can be exchanged or returned within 30 days of delivery, in their original condition and packaging. Size exchanges are the most common request and nothing is deducted when you swap: you cover the courier and the right pair comes back at the full value of what you paid. If a pair is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered, you get a full refund with nothing deducted. If the pair is perfect and you simply change your mind, we refund 90% of the purchase price: the 10% difference is the bank charge we pay on the payment and again on the refund. On a change-of-mind return the courier is also on your account, since we ship every order out free. Swapping for another size keeps the full value of your order, so tell us if you are unsure of your fit. Full details are on our returns page.
Where are your vellies made?
Every pair is made in South Africa from full-grain, vegetable-tanned hide sourced from local tanneries. Panels are cut and skived by hand, the welt is hand-stitched, and each pair is lasted and soled by hand before it ships.
Still stuck?
Email us and a person will answer, usually within one working day. See delivery and shipping, returns and exchanges, or get in touch.