VELDSKOEN - THE ORIGINAL FIELD SHOE FROM SOUTH AFRICA

[@davidporter2770]

Hi Ash, I am smiling! Yes, you finally found the source of the Veldskoen being South African. And in my 77 years, I have lost count of the Vellies I have owned here in South Africa. And the comfort is next level. Thanks for your research!🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@adrianwalker2833]

While most of the producers of "Vellies" are somewhat difficult to reach if you're living outside South Africa, there is however also JIM GREEN FOOTWEAR who are also obtainable in Europe and the US. They feature (amongst more heavy duty boots) several vellies in their range. They are similarly priced to the "Veldskoen" company, ie. between 130 and 140 Euros. They are rugged, comfortable, have a wide(!) toe box and they can be resoled. And of course, they're also 100% South African made. If you've worn JIM GREEN once you won't look back on your Clark's boots.

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

I'm going to get myself a pair of the Jim greens. Wide toe box did it for me They have the softer ' rambler' sole which is darker than the standard .. is the standard sole a bit hard? Think I will just get the standard

[@adrianwalker2833]

@@DJunclepaul2nd I have the standard sole. It's rugged but not too hard on the foot. But the boots are really long lasting and they are more comfortable than the Clark's.

[@shahirhaffajee3524]

Thanks for introducing veldskoen to the world. I'm South African ,born & raised. The V in veldskoen is pronounced as an F. So you basically pronounce it "feltskoen" singular & "feltskoenner" plural.

[@hpottstock]

Ah... I was looking for this. Wouldn't you also pronounce the 'oe' as an english 'oo' ( as in food)? So veldskoen being pronounced 'feltskoon'? Cheers.

[@shahirhaffajee3524]

@@hpottstock , yes 100%. Afrikaans is quite similiar to Dutch.

[@nickbreedt7762]

Hi Ash, enjoyed your video with a homebrew flavour! Being South African, I must emphasize that these shoes, pronounced "feltskoone" is part of our heritage just like a kilt to the Scottish. Every man in South Africa are familiar with them and everybody wear them, even the "smart shoe" are popular and in South Africa, being quite hot, suits are seldom worn and that's where these play their part. They might be considered "smart" when wearing a outfit not quite very casual eg. Neat cargo pants with the latter instead of the suade version. Keep em coming!!

[@Greg23032]

Thanks to your video Ash, I’ve found the very footwear I’ve been seeking during the past few weeks and just ordered my first pair of Vellies. I was seeking in vain for a Desert Boot style shoe recently and followed the Veldskoen website on your post. Eureka!! For Your Information….Crepe soled desert boots were permitted Army footwear during the ‘Northern Ireland Troubles’ when working in camp between patrols. They were quieter and didn’t disturb sleeping colleagues when moving about inside accommodation buildings. I didn’t wear them again until ten years later on board the QE2 sailing to the Falklands with the Task Force for exactly the same reason. When the RSM spotted them on my feet, before rifting me, he thought “That’s a good idea,” and sent a runner ashore before we sailed to get a pair for himself. Rifting saved.

[@TheChapsGuide]

They are legendary.

[@keithkilpatrick6408]

Had a pair for over a year and they blow my Clark's out of the water! Glad to see we are of a mind on this company/shoe

[@bigbadbith8422]

I have pair of J-Bays (bought for the blue sole) and I love them. Very comfortable and practical, even up here in the Lakes. Many thanks for the excellent review, Ash.

[@np1663]

You’re full of surprises Ash! I didn’t expect to see a pair of these here. My younger days were spent in the bosveld just south of Johannesburg. Vereeniging. Vellies were prized and long lasting. I must get a pair!

[@vincentmartin5046]

Good evening sirs. A great video and thank you for the knowledge, will look them up.

[@marlinspike1235]

Hi, thank you again for an exellent video😊 I have had vellies now for 2 years and couldn't be nore happy with them. Mine are Jim Green, also South African made by South Africans. They are bit more rugged since they have crepe sole, thicker than Clarks and they have 3 eyelets. What I like to these african style when compeared e.g. Clarks is more round bulb toe which is way more comfortable atleast to my toes😂. And then that lower shank, when you wear them with cuffed slack jeans they are perfect. With clarks, cuffs always tend to get on top of the shank and stay stuck there. I was before using Clarks also but not anymore 😁

[@numberstation]

Thanks for the review. Just bought a pair of these for £76, when they arrived I wasn’t sure about them as they are quite “paddle” shaped but the comfort and fit are superb and the suede quality is very good. I tried Clarks in the past but my heel would always lift inside the boot as I walked, they simply aren’t suited to my foot shape. I’ve been wearing the Veldskoen for a few days and I’m really pleased with them, as long as they don’t disintegrate quickly I’ll definitely buy them again.

[@douglasdietz7503]

I have to try them. My Clarks are an old favorite as well. Thanks for the tip Ash. Cheers 🎉

[@johnsinclair2672]

Velly interesting indeed Ash! 🙂 Just checked the site. The crepe sole is £129.00 a tenner more than the Clarks, but if it’s more comfy the extra cost is neither here nor there. They have a great range of styles too. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@e-remes7029]

Ash I too am intrigued and enlightened about these boots. Definitely on my shopping list now :D *salutes

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you like them!

[@e-remes7029]

@@TheChapsGuide swayed by the sole on the VELLIES MARULA (NUDE SOLE) though

[@kumarbeesham6052]

Hi Ash. My name is Sailesh, and I'm from South Africa. I'm a huge fan of your channel and follow it religiously. The "V" in Afrikaans is pronounced as an "F." Veldskoen is pronounced as "Feldskoon. " Anyway, thank you for a fabulous channel, and keeping us motivated on the journey to Chap Nirvana.

[@52Royston]

In the early sixties I served in the Army and did two tours in Kenya. Back at camp at six o’clock in the evening we changed from shorts to long trousers and swapped our Army boots and putties for suede dessert boots. The former change was orders the latter a bit irregular. It started with the officers. Then the senior NCOs and finally us, once we discovered the source. This turned out to be a hut in the local township. The shoemaker traced an outline of your two feet on a piece of card. Then he studied them intently just by looking at them and felt them here and there and in two days I had the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned. Back in the UK dessert boots continued as my footware of choice for a number of years, with a strong leaning towards Hushpuppies. I recently had a yen to go back to them. I had a feeling I would regret it when I found they were priced at only £43.99. They were tight in the toes and loose in the heels. Ether they changed the last or more likely the shape of my feet had altered. So they are going back and I will invest in a pair of Veltskoen. Luckily I am still in the time limit for returns.

[@GeorgevRooyen]

Hi Ash. A couple of interesting facts: Prince Harry has been a big fan of vellies for quite some time and has been photographed in the Veldskoen brand. Also, Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher are investors in Veldskoen. Vellies are fantastic, so I'm glad to see they are making their way to other shores. I'd encourage you to also check out the South Africa brand, Jim Green, especially their "Vellie."

[@TheBritishDapper]

Great video Ash👍

[@albieduplessis6783]

Rarely worn with socks in SA

[@canadafree2087]

Nice review. I have desert boots from Kenya, but I also have other shoes/low boots that have a bit of a heel and are very flexible and I find the flex a bit of a pain at the heel part. I don't get this with trainers that are flexible or Tai Chi style shoes which have full contact with the ground; so I think boots/shoes with a men's heel would do well with a shank in the sole.

[@lynn5447]

Nice. Great video.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Great looking boots. My Clark's don't look as sturdy. Thanks Ash. Best regards Ron

[@NormanF62]

The Afrikaans name was finally trademarked! First time its been done. As they call the vellie there, its a simple, rugged farm shoe, nothing fancy about it and it did its job well for the Boers who originally wore it. There’s the ancestor to the chukka boot we all know and love. 😊

[@arindambasu9850]

Id like to see some Trickers Stows in for review on your channel. The absolute king of country boots.

[@MisterKnightly]

Sadly, no wide sizes. But I quite like these, and I like that there are more options for this kind of shoe. Also, the ethical practices are very appreciated. Thanks for this.

[@keithkilpatrick6408]

Check out Jim Green boots. Also South African and their toe boxes are naturally wide

[@MisterKnightly]

@@keithkilpatrick6408 Yes, I've had my eyes on them too. Are they good?

[@nickduplooy8845]

Neat video! Two small things, though. In Afrikaans, a V is pronounced as a F sound, ie. "(F)eld skoen". Also, whilst "field shoe" is a fair translation, I'd wager that "bush shoe" may fit better in this situation. Regardless, thanks for making the world aware of this amazing shoe!

[@lorettashumate446]

I've never been able to wear Clarks due to their inability to provide EE or EEE sizes. I'll look to see if if these come in wider sizes.

[@jlinscott5174]

Good day, chaps! I'm hoping someone can provide advise on what size to buy. I'm typically a 8.5UK 9.5US, but I see Veldskoen does not do half sizes. Does anyone happen to know if they run large or small? And thank you Mr. Jones for bringing our attention to the brand - I am excited to purchase a pair, and perhaps more in time. Cheers!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Mine are generous in size, but as a rule thumb, I would size up.

[@vrdrew63]

Ahh.. that takes me back a hundred years or so to my school days in the old Transvaal. Great material, as always, Ash. Pronunciation by English-speakers is best done by saying it as if it were spelled: "Felt-Skoon" . It translates from Afrikaans as "field shoe."

[@RemyNiemand]

Nou praat jy! Ek is n ou Transvaler en bly al 21jr in Bangkok. Ek mis die ou Transvaal.

[@np1663]

Transvaal ❤

[@davidporter2770]

@@RemyNiemand En ek mis my ou Blanke Regering. My ou Suid Afrika. Waar alles so mooi gewerk het.🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@ColinLack]

I would love a video on how to style Beatle Boots. I just got myself a pair and have some ideas but I'd love to see your take on it!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great suggestion!

[@ColinLack]

@@TheChapsGuide No problem! The ones I got were the Stacy Adams Santos (I know not the highest quality option but they were what was easily available in my size, a US 6.5 usually I have to size up to a 7. Which is rather annoying. Also, Ash here’s another idea. Brands that cater to smaller and skinnier chaps. I find at 5 ft 6 inches and around 100 pounds that finding clothes in general is rather difficult. I think this would be a valuable guide for a lot of gents in my size range.

[@veldskoenswitzerland4836]

The little flag at the back adds a unique touch. #alwaysinveldskoen

[@noble_wolf]

I've heard this type of shoe referred to as "desert wellies" for a long time

[@british1964]

You should also be worth looking into the Jim Green South African company for their own take on these

[@stevelee7963]

How are the soles joined to the upper Ash? I didn’t see a welt. Sorry if I missed that bit.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Stitched.

[@kennethdiehl9639]

I would be curious in how these compare to the Jim Green Vellie’s? JG is another South African footwear company. I currently own a pair of their African Ranger’s and Numzaan’s and find them to be incredibly well made for the price. Have you tried the JG Vellie? That might make for an interesting video, putting these two South African made Vellie’s head to head.

[@MrBurtonshaw]

Might try a pair one day... as nice as my Cheaney and C&J chukkas are, I don't think the Gower beaches and woods would do them much good! Even in the dry(sic) season. Thanks.

[@kaynejk9629]

Lovely video as always Ash.. would you consider doing a video for winter shoes ? To be worn in the city with the chance of rain and snow.. I am very tempted to invest in a pair of meermins but would love your opinion.. anyone who happens to be reading this comment please do tell me your opinion too

[@TheChapsGuide]

Definitely!

[@shepleonard8695]

Great video. I love my Vellies. Side note though... Veldskoen is pronounced "felt skoon" and quite literally means “field shoe” in Afrikaans; one of South Africa's eleven national languages. If you find it difficult pronouncing the word "Veldskoen", you can also call them "Vellies" (pronounced "Fellies"). This nickname is used by many South African cultures and it seems to roll off the tongue a little easier.

[@verykeen2please]

Interesting, video Travels around the world, missing out Africa, thats a lot missing! But these are well priced and seem more ethical than Made in China Clarks Like they do funky sole colours

[@antonylaing2499]

They look shallow, just like the Clark's which I can't wear because of my high instep. I've a pair of Loake chukka boots that I wear instead, as I wasted time trying the Clark's and have decided that this type of shoe doesn't fit me.

[@ClassicModernGentleman]

Hi Chaps. I purchased a pair of Veldskoen boots a few weeks back which were in stock. Not been delivered or having any response to my emails. Has anybody else had similar experiences ? I purchased after watching this review. Thanks in advance. Russ

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sorry to hear that

[@ClassicModernGentleman]

Thanks Ash. I wait in hope.

[@QV1010]

Hi ash, speaking of more casual wear like the shoes, I was looking at a corduroy suit(well jacket and trousers separated) from a company called Alex mill. I’m turning 21 soon and want to have “small” spending spree that day. I already have a navy suit which I only save for special event’s however I would like a more casual suit for walking around town. What do you think about corduroy suits and should I invest in one this season?

[@TheChapsGuide]

It could work well, be careful with the colour and don't go for anything too garish.

[@QV1010]

@@TheChapsGuide I’m going for a dark olive green colour. If it’s still in stock, they also have a light and darker brown in as well.

[@noble_wolf]

A quick suggestion; have you heard of the shoe brand "Lanx" ? Made in Lancashire, I will be considering these for my next pair

[@TheChapsGuide]

If you like Lanx, you need to look up JADD desert boots. They really are the top bo**ocks!

[@philippedemontauvant5565]

Veldskoene ("FELT-skoona")

[@lorettashumate446]

Just left their websight, they are made on a EE last so wide feet should be no problem.

[@viclucyzia]

So in other words the Clark desert boots are a rip-off of the Veldskoen. And since no-one went to Africa in those days they believed that Mr. Clark truly invented them. If only there were patents in those days Clark would have been sued for infringement (nowadays one is being sued for even the smallest bit of similarity). I will try to look for some. Interesting.

[@egoldstraw6952]

I have rogue desert boots they are the best

[@Bjartone]

Now you can join the South African Olympic Team :-)

[@jankindling3001]

Hey Ash, great video, but it is pronounced felt not welt

[@jennie-d4k]

i find it funny how you pronounce Afrikaans words as a south african also multipul of one feldskoen is feldskoene

[@RemyNiemand]

South African shoes. Vellies (pronounced felly's in Afrikaans)

[@jaredg3152]

i doubt indigenous south africans wore veldskoen before colonizers arrived.

[@AG-rk5hj]

Not everyone wants to be barefoot like indigenous South Africans

[@nickduplooy8845]

Oh please, lol

[@redgimmelman]

Everybody already own a pair of bare soles

[@siphotheguy1870]

10 of 10 for butchering the pronunciation!