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| Image: Jason Eric Harwick |
I'm not too sure about the true history, but Herbert Schier's 74 year old company's hand-crafted Velskoen boots (or "Vellies" for short) claim the title of Original Desert Boot and I wouldn't be surprised if the more well-known boot was inspired by them. Based on the traditional footwear of the local Khoikhoi tribe, these springbok boots are made in a workshop on the Namibian coast. Kudu, the large antelope used to make Vellies are over-populated in the region and Schier works with local farmers to meet the government quotas that are necessary for population control. The boots are cut entirely by hand using a paper pattern and as a result, no two shoes are identical. The two pieces of Kudu hide are then hand-sewn. The resulting boots are comfortable, durable and whimsical.
Schier has recently launched an exclusive collection of Vellies at Opening Ceremony where boots for adults and children are available for purchase.
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| Images: Jason Eric Harwick |
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| Images: Opening Ceremony |
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