It’s Settled: Veldskoen’s Sheepskin Slippers are the GOAT
My desire to appear normal in public took a nosedive about 3 weeks into the absolutely atrocious winter that Cape Town is experiencing this year, and has yet to resurface. Let me just be clear, I have never been known to wear pyjamas to Woolies, nor a questionably clean sweater with “I Have Given Up” splashed across the chest while out running errands. In fact, in the past, I’ve (inwardly) judged people for wearing slippers everywhere they go. Because house slippers have their place… the house.
But that was before. Life was different before a beautiful pair of Veldskoen slippers came into my life. Giddy doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings on the day I visited the Veldskoen store to collect these babies. I was excited about what the future could hold but also a little sceptical because I’d been burned before. The molehill of discarded slippers gathering dust at the back of my cupboard serves as a visual reminder of my constant disappointment in a quest to find the perfect winter slipper.
I’ve tried them all; different iterations of “the best” sheepskin slippers have tried and failed, barely lasting a season before having to be retired to the slipper graveyard to think about what they’ve done — because when you pay several hundred Rands for a pair of slippers, the act of tossing them in the bin would only affirm my inability to make good purchasing decisions.
Fortunately for me, one local brand is doing the most to ensure consumers make great choices with every purchase. I’ve never regretted a product acquired from Veldskoen. From the classic sewn-down Veldkskoen shoes to Langarm Veldskoen sneakers, to Gumboots, and even sandals — built to last, my Veldskoen collection is still going strong season after season.
Now, a few weeks after adding the Veldskoen Slipper to my ever-growing collection, it’s clear that these beauties will be with me for the long haul. Even better, there’s no doubt they’re up for the challenge because I’ve been wearing them everywhere. The slipper looks more like a clog than a traditional slipper, enabling them to trend toward the ok-to-wear-to-town side of slippers.
My Veldskoen slippers have joined the K-Way puffer jacket gang for a quick milk run at Woolies, been for dirty chai dates at Vida, and have even made it to catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen. They’re thriving.
But listen, I also haven’t made it easy on them. It’s not all coffee dates and roses. My faithful Veldskoen slippers have been through a pretty brutal winter with me so far, surviving the ultimate stress tests without falling apart.
They were a reluctant passenger on a panicked rainy morning sprint out the front door when the faint rumble of an unexpected garbage truck could be heard in the distance — because we forgot to put the bin out again and we cannot afford to miss ANOTHER bin day. They have been forced to trudge through piles of wet leaves on an ill-fainted 3 am garden expedition with my middle-aged labrador who needed to use the outside ablution facilities, immediately. Plus, there’s the countless number of Checkers Sixty60 orders they’ve been out to collect. There’s no doubt, these shoes will hold up to heavy use.
Before you call me out for not respecting my beloved slippers, it’s hardly my fault that these are the first shoes I reach for when I get out of bed in the morning. They’re so irresistibly comfortable and if they weren’t so darn resilient I would likely be a lot more careful with them.
But alas, Veldskoen made these slippers like that annoyingly confident friend who is good at everything. The Pieter-Steph du Toit of slippers, these keep going through anything you throw at them. If you haven’t the faintest idea what a PSDT or a Malmesbury Missile is, then just think Chuck Norris, the Energiser Bunny, or Vernon Koekemoer and you’ll be on your way to getting the idea.
The luxury hybrid shoe is proudly made in South Africa and has been crafted with silky, breathable, hydrophobic sustainably sourced Nubuck leather and 100% sheep skin-lined inner. Stepping into the Veldskoen Slipper feels like a warm hug with its soft fleece lining. Not just soft, the shoe offers all-day comfort too. The insole provides enough cushioning and good arch support, even if you’re on your feet for long periods.
The solid TR Veldskoen sole allows you to take that at-home comfort outside, keeping your feet safe from pointy rocks and gravel. The shoe is surprisingly lightweight, despite the thick, firm outer sole, so your feet don’t feel weighed down by the burden of comfort. The grippy sole is ideal for handling all types of surfaces, making these the most versatile pair of slippers you’ll ever own. Built for mischief, the Veldskoen Slipper is the shoe you’ve been waiting for your whole life.
Want to wear your slippers to town? Now you can! The Veldskoen Slipper is perfect for warming up feet by a fireplace on cold winter nights but it’ll be just as comfortable hitting the streets with you for a late-night Engen 1-Stop snack run. After months of wear, these slippers will feel just as comfortable as they did on the first day you took them out of the box.
Of course, they’re supremely warm as well. I’ve been rocking mine without the need for socks and my feet have been nothing but toasty, even on those icy cold Cape Town days when you can see snow atop Table Mountain. I have terrible circulation and these are the only slippers I’ve found that truly keep my feet warm and comfortable all day and night long. If I could sleep in them, I would! The inner lining provides excellent insulation so your feet are kept warm without overheating or sweating, which means no weird smell after a few weeks of wear.
The slipper runs true to size and may feel snug at first but after a short breaking-in period (a few hours to 1 day of wear) it conforms to the shape of your foot.
With its combination of warmth, comfort, and durability, it’s no wonder the Veldskoen Slipper is quickly becoming the must-own slipper for any season. Available in a range of colours, the clog-style slipper is embellished with a thick, shearling collar for that extra cosy look.
The argument is settled; Veldskoen has delivered the Greatest of All Time (The Goat) in sheepskin slippers. The best R1,399 you’ll ever spend, do yourself a favour and invest in comfort for this winter and the next. Whether you plan on wearing them camping, taking the bin out, to the shops, or just around the house, these slippers are up for it all.
Shop online at Veldskoen.com or visit Veldskoen in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town to try on a pair and browse the Veldskoen ‘museum’ experience while you shop. You’ll learn a thing or two about this incredible local company and the history of the South African Veldskoen.
