Welcome to the home of safari clothing, gear & advice.

£ GBP | United Kingdom

Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Veldskoen Shoes

By Rufiji™

£95.00

3 customer reviews

Selected colour:

Kalahari Khaki

Select a size View Size Chart

Please select a colour above to view available sizes

Quantity:

Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Veldskoen Shoes
These shoes are handmade in Africa – and that is the beginning of their adventures. For men and women, this supple, hardy footwear is suited to work, city life, safaris, and outdoor pursuits
Key Features: ⊙ Handmade in Africa ⊙ Suede cow hide upper ⊙ Steel eyelets with antique brass finish ⊙ Thin crepe sole ⊙ Veldskoen design.
Made for: ⊙ Safari✓ ⊙ Outdoor pursuits: Fishing, Hiking, Walking ✓ ⊙ Travel✓ ⊙ Everyday wear ✓ ⊙ Farming✓
More information? Please scroll down.
Please view the size chart before ordering. Our sizes are not US sizes.

Size chart

Back to Product >

Size Chart & Size Guide

Please read the instructions below this size chart before ordering. We have indicated whether this size chart uses body or garment measurements in the notes below the size chart. Allow 1cm variance for all garment measurements (as an example a 56cm garment measurement has a variance of 55-57cm. Please factor that into deciding on the size to order.)

To select cm (cm) or inches (in") please see the top left corner of the size chart table.

cm/ in"	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Length (inside of shoe)	24 cm	24.7 cm	25.5 cm	26.4 cm	27.2 cm	28 cm	28.9 cm	29.7 cm	30.7 cm

Back to Product >

⊙ Please use this size chart before ordering this product to ensure that you get the best fit from the moment they are delivered and to save on returns costs. Sizing and fit across our Rufiji range of shoes, boots, & sandals does also vary slightly depending on the purpose of the style so it is always best to check your size. It may take a little bit of effort and some reading of the notes below, but our shoes, boots, and sandals are made after many hours of thought and field testing and tweaking.
⊙ You can view the size chart in inches or centimetres by clicking on the "cm" or "inch" text on the green bar above the chart. It is easier and more accurate, however, to measure in centimetres (cm) as our last - the mould used to shape the leather - sizes are measured in cm and millimetres allow for a more accurate comparison.
⊙ With so many different brands and regional sizing systems from all over the world available when you buy shoes, the only way to get your size right the first time is to use our unique sizing guide for shoes. Please note that this guide is meant to assist you as much as possible, but we do acknowledge that people's feet vary tremendously. As such, please treat it as a guide; not as hard and fast for all feet across the world. After all, this guide is based on 2-dimensional measurements, while feet are (of course) 3-dimensional. If you are unsure about the best fit for your feet, we recommend that you order more than one size and return the pair which does not fit for a refund. For returns terms, please click here.

How to measure your foot for Rufiji Shoes, Boots, & Sandals:

How to measure shoes guide - Safari Store

How to measure shoes guide - Safari Store

⊙ Measuring with the help of a friend is easier, unless you are lucky enough to be really flexible.
⊙ Select a place against an upright wall that has a hard floor - for example, a tiled or concrete floor - and not a carpet.
⊙ Place a piece of paper which is longer than your foot against the edge of the wall.
⊙ Stand barefoot - not in socks - on the paper with your heel against the wall. Your foot should be relaxed with your toes flat on the piece of paper (not up in the air as in the image).
⊙ Ask your friend to mark in pencil or pen the point directly below the end of your longest toe. Make sure that the paper is still against the wall when you do this and has not slipped forward or back up the wall.
⊙ We used to ask clients to measure the width of their foot, but we found that this skewed the size they selected and so we only ask clients to measure the length of their feet. The shoes are slightly rounded and so should fit just about all foot widths.
⊙ Walk off the paper and then measure from the edge of the paper which was against the wall to the mark you or your friend made on the paper at the end of your longest toe and make a note of this measurement. Measuring in centimetres and millimetres is best.
⊙ The measurements used on our size chart is of the last - the leather mould - and is the length of the inside of the shoe. Depending on how you prefer your shoes to fit, add on the amount you usually allow in your shoes between the end of your shoe and the end of your longest toe. This is usually around 1cm - although some people prefer to use the age-old width of thumb rule to determine the gap between the longest toe and the end of the shoe and so, if you do this, then add 2cm onto the measurement for the length of your foot. The thumb rule is probably the safer option to use. For the width measurement, there is no need to add on any extra amount as shoes are usually close to being flush around the side of your foot.
⊙ As an example, let's say that your foot measures: 23.4cm long. If you add on 1cm to the length, then you would come to 24.4cm long. The corresponding last length in the size chart above would be 24.7cm and you should be a size 5. If you prefer more space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe - for example, your thumb width - then add 2cm, or a little more, onto the measurement for your foot. This would make the measurement 25.4cm, which equates to a size 6.
⊙ If you usually wear really thick socks, please take this into account too when ordering shoes.
⊙ Contact us if you need any help. It may be safer to order two sizes and return the size which is not the best fit. For returns terms, please click here.

Tip: It is much better to use a measuring tape or ruler for this but, if you do not have either of these, then your credit card will do the trick. The long side of a credit card measures 8.5cm and the short side is 5.4cm. Simply use the centimetre measurements on our chart and divide by 8.5cm to get an idea of how many credit card lengths equals the measurement you are recording. Again, this is not the best way to get the best fit.
Scroll back up this page to place your order for this item.
Please note: If you are unsure about which size to order, please contact us before ordering and we will help you as best we can.

Product information

Back to Product >

About the Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Shoes:

Quick Facts: ⊙ Upper made from suede cow hide, 1.6-1.8mm; ⊙: Lining: cow calf lining,1-1.2mm; ⊙ In-sole: Leather veg tanned with Eva runner of 3mm; ⊙ Sole: crepe (not natural crepe); ⊙ Eyelets: steel with antique brass finish; ⊙ Braided flat laces; ⊙ Sole thread: braided 1mm thread; ⊙ Styled with a thinner sole; ⊙ Weight: 1.27kg

Activities: ⊙ Safari✓ ⊙ Travel✓ ⊙ Multi-day adventures✓ ⊙ Everyday use✓ ⊙ Work✓ ⊙ Expeditions✓ ⊙ Outdoor activities✓

Features:
⊙ Weight: 1.27kg / 2.8lbs.
⊙ Handmade in Africa.
⊙ Upper made from suede cow hide.
⊙ Steel eyelets with antique brass finish.
⊙ Styled with a thinner sole.
⊙ Packaged in a re-usable canvas drawstring bag as part of our 'say no to plastic' environmental philosophy.
⊙ Please note that, as for all leather products, when we make these shoes the shade of the leather may vary. We always make sure that we use the same shade for each pair of shoes we make. You are buying a natural product after all and these variations mean that each and every pair of shoes we make are unique, even if ever so slightly.

Introduction:
These shoes are handmade in Africa - and that is the beginning of their adventures. Now with a thinner sole, this supple, hardy footwear is suited to work, city life, safaris, and outdoor pursuits. We have taken a traditional African 'veldskoen,' modernised the cut around the ankle - and added a luxury lining for extra comfort.

About Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Shoes:
Affectionately known simply as "Rufijis", the Rufiji™ Explorers all started with a trip by Safari Steve to a small leather and shoe manufacturer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Steve was looking for one pair of shoes that was suitable not only for safaris, but also to wear at home, on the high street, at work, at play, in the pub, and on expeditions. He did not find what he was looking for, but the challenge of creating such a shoe excited him, so he sat down with the master cordwainer at the small leather and shoe manufacturer and set about designing the Everything Shoe.

Now handmade from suede cow hide by the same small team of highly skilled craftsmen and women, Rufijis embody our SafariLife philosophy. SafariLife is all about the crossover between our day-to-day lives and our passion for the outdoors. It is a connection, a link, which we all need in our everyday lives. We believe that you will not only walk many miles in your Rufijis, but that you will experience the diversity life has to offer every day. These shoes are styled with a thinner sole to suit your preferences.

Our Rufijis are made from high quality leathers and materials:
Upper:Suede Cow Hide, 1.6 -1.8 mm
Lining:Cow calf lining, 1-1.2mm
Insole:Leather Veg Tanned with a Eva runner of 3mm
Sole: Sole is from crepe. This is not the natural crepe.
And more: Eyelets are made from steel with an antique brass finish; Braided flat laces. Sole thread is a braided 1 mm thread.

Our Rufijis are handmade by a highly skilled team of workers. Follow the process below:
1. Hand selecting the leather
2. The clicking process: the top part of the shoe or the upper is made.
3. Closing: here the component pieces are sewn together by highly skilled machinists to produce the completed upper.
4. Lasting room: the completed uppers are moulded into the shape of a foot with the help of a "Last". A last is a plastic shape that simulates the foot shape.
5. The finishing department: this is where the shoes are trimmed, filed, brushed, and cleaned.
6. The shoe room: here your Rufijis are checked for quality, laces are put on, and they are packed.

In an age of mechanisation, products created in the hands of talented artisans speak to an appreciation of quality and attention - tailoring not only fine shoes, but also a story behind what you choose to wear. The materials of our Rufiji™ Explorer Safari Shoes are handled with the attention and expertise of skilled craftsmen to create special, strong footwear in natural materials that will be right at home on safari and outdoors, as well as a stylish focal point in urban environments.

By purchasing Rufiji™ Explorer Shoes, you are also supporting African shoemakers in providing them with livelihoods. Your purchase also assists with the education and supply of stationery, sports equipment, clothes, and transport to 15 children from a nearby community.

Say no to plastic packaging
Your Rufiji™ shoes are packaged in a re-usable canvas drawstring bag. At The Safari Store, we are working hard to eliminate plastic from all of our packaging. This forms part of our commitment to a green future and the preservation of the environment, so future generations can enjoy pristine natural spaces.

"Rufijis" SafariLife Footwear:

⊙ MATERIAL: These shoes are made from comfortable cow suede hide, calf lining, and leather in-sole. The thinner sole of these shoes is made from non-natural crepe.

⊙ LACES: The braided flat laces make for a secure fit and contribute to the overall look of the shoes.

⊙ EYELETS: The steel eyelets have an antique brass finish which complement the natural safari styling of the shoes.

Product notes::
*Please do check our size chart to get the correct fit for your Rufiji™ shoes.

Back to Product >

Customer reviews

Back to Product >

Brent Dodd, Africa Artist

7 Aug 2020

These shoes are my multipurpose go to's. I wear them in the studio when painting, they pop personality at meets with clients and I use them when walking and sketching in the field. Absolutely love them. Great buy. Into my sixth year with them.

Mags Scott

10 Jun 2020

Very pleased with these shoes, the look good

Tania

16 Aug 2019

The most comfortable and versatile pair of shoes I own. Super stylish and great quality too.

Related Stories

Back to Product >

Additional information

Back to Product >

⊙ MATERIAL: These shoes are handmade from comfortable cow suede hide, calf lining, and leather in-sole. The sole is made from non-natural crepe.

⊙ WEIGHT: 1.27kg

Send Product Feedback