Scuffed but standing: The Velskoen, The shoe that stood the test of time
South African researcher Emmy Lombard uncovers the fascinating 500-year history of the velskoen shoe. Inspired by her grandfather's decades-long devotion to his "vellies," she explores why these leather boots create lasting emotional bonds. From its Khoesan tribal origins, adopted by South Africa's Voortrekkers, to inspiring Clarks' Desert Boot, discover how this iconic footwear archetype has lasted generations and travelled the world. A compelling story of product attachment, sustainable fashion, and South African heritage.
Reflection on the 10th Shoes and Clothing in History Conference 2024 in Zlín (Czech Republic)
At the 10th Shoes and Clothing in History Conference in Zlín, Charlotte Stachel presented research on "Swissness in a Heritage Fashion Brand—The Case of Bally." The conference, which was held in Bata's hometown and included tours of historic facilities and exhibits, allowed the author to reflect on how different European shoe brands have shaped and preserved their distinct cultural and industrial legacies.
Concealed Shoes revealed
Senior Shoe Curator Rebecca Shawcross explores the significance and mysteries of the Northampton Museum’s concealed shoe collection.
Search the archive for more articles from the Footwear Research Network:
More From the Footwear Research Network…
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![A pair of tan leather Jacoform shoes owned by Footwear Research Network contributor Professor Andrew Groves photographed against a black background.]()
Contributors
Meet our internationally acclaimed network of contributors.
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![A photograph of a shoe gallery at Shoes of No Shoes (SONS), Kruisem, Belgium.]()
Museums & Archives
A list of publicly available museums and archives in alphabetical order by country.
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Reading List
A list of recommended past and present academic texts on footwear.
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![Photograph of shoes on display in 1980s style mock shop front at the Bata Shoe Museum's 'Dressed to Impress' exhibition in Toronto © 2023 Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto, Canada (Photo: Margaret Mulligan)]()
Events
Keep up to date with footwear events and exhibitions worldwide.
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![Collage or different shoes. Artwork by Maximillian Malone for the Footwear Research Network, 2021.]()
Get Involved
Find out how to become a network member, contributor or partner.
If the shoe fits:
FootweaR, Identity & Transition
The Footwear Research Network is an outcome of the ESRC-funded research project If the Shoe Fits: Footwear Identity and Transition at the University of Sheffield (2010-2013). Learn more about the project and research outputs here.
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The Footwear Research Network is an outcome of the ESRC-funded research project If the Shoe Fits: Footwear Identity and Transition at the University of Sheffield (2010-2013).
Learn more here
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Watch the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ documentary to learn more about the research project and the relationship between wearers and their shoes. Filmed and produced by Sheffield Vision.
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Learn more about the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ research team and board of advisors.
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Following the success of the original ITSF project, further funding was secured in 2015 for a follow-on project, ‘If the Shoe Fits: Enabling Patient-Centred Podiatry’.
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A number of papers and publications were produced directly from the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ research and in association with the project. Access the full list here.