How should vellies fit?

Vellies are meant to feel snug when they are new. Not tight, not pinching, but close enough that your foot does not slide forward when you walk. Full-grain leather has no give at first and then plenty of it, so a pair that feels roomy in the shop will feel loose in a month.

Start with your normal shoe size

Our vellies are made on UK sizing, which is what South African shops use. If you wear a UK 9 in most lace-ups, order a 9. We do not run large or small on purpose, and we would rather you ordered your usual size than guessed.

The exception is half sizes. We make whole sizes only, so if you are a nine and a half, take the 10 and wear a slightly thicker sock for the first week.

How much room at the toe

• About a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe
• Measured standing up, not sitting down
• In the socks you would actually wear them with

Your longest toe is not always your big toe. Check both feet too: most people have one foot slightly larger, and that is the one to fit.

What breaking in actually feels like

The first few wears should feel firm across the top of the foot. That is the leather holding its shape before it learns yours. Within about a week of regular wear it softens and the creases settle where your foot bends.

If a pair still pinches after two weeks, the size is wrong. That is not something to push through.

What you should not feel is pressure on the little toe, or your heel lifting with every step. Snug across the top is right; pinching at the sides is a size too small.

Socks change everything

A thick winter sock can take up most of a half size. If you plan to wear your vellies with proper socks through winter and bare feet in summer, fit them with the socks on. The leather stretches towards the larger fit over time, not the other way.

Still not sure

Send us a message before you order. Tell us your usual size and what you normally wear, and we will tell you honestly which to take. It costs nothing and saves you a return.

Check the full size guide for UK to EU and US conversions, or browse the range if you already know your size.