Veldskoene ("FELT-skoona") or colloquially vellies ("FELL-ys") are South African walking shoes made from vegetable-tanned leather or soft rawhide uppers attached to a leather footbed and rubber sole by a method known as stitchdown construction, done without tacks or nails.
Clark was inspired by the shape and design of Veldskoene he discovered for sale in the bazars of Cairo, which were imported to Egypt from South Africa.
[1] Veldskoene soles are sometimes cut from old car tyres rather than crepe rubber; the leather used varies with local supply.
[2] Wupperthal shoe factory, 1836, founded by Johann Leipoldt, provided work for many skilled craftsmen.
The Wupperthal handsewn veldskoen (traditional soft suede shoes) were for nearly a century famous across South Africa for their comfort and good craftsmanship.