What Is Shoe Brand?
A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. Though the human foot can adapt to varied terrains and climate conditions, it is vulnerable, and shoes provide protection. Form was originally tied to function but over time shoes also became fashion items. Some shoes are worn as safety equipment, such as steel-toe boots, which are required footwear at industrial worksites.
Additionally, fashion has often evolved into many different designs, such as high heels, which are most commonly worn by women during fancy occasions. Contemporary footwear varies widely in style, complexity, and cost. Basic sandals may consist of only a thin sole and simple strap and be sold for a low cost. High-fashion shoes made by famous designers may be made of expensive materials, use complex construction, and sell for large sums of money. Some shoes are designed for specific purposes, such as boots designed specifically for mountaineering or skiing, while others have more generalized usage such as sneakers which have transformed from a special purpose sport shoe into a general use shoe.
What Are Shoes Used For?
Shoes and similar garments ease locomotion and prevent injuries. Such footwear can also be used for fashion and adornment, as well as to indicate the status or rank of the person within a social structure.
Top Shoe Brands In South Africa?
Bathu
Bathu is one of South Africa’s biggest sneaker brands and a brand that most people will already know. While on travel abroad, Theo Baloyi saw a need for “an African Sneaker brand, portraying an authentic African story”. The brand tells a story, a truly authentic African story.
The brand first went into production with only 100 pairs that sold out very quickly. Bathu now has stores all around South Africa and even have plans to have a presence in neighboring countries soon.
Since their launch in 2015, Bathu has released several designs including their collaborative sneaker with Somizi, the Mesh 2.0 which is an upgrade to the much loved “Mesh”, which is the sneaker that introduced the Bathu brand.
FOM Tekkie
Freedom Of Movement is a South African lifestyle brand that was established in 2013. The brand originally launched with leather bags as its main focus products. They have since expanded their product range to truly reflect the vision of a South African lifestyle brand.
Their FOM sneaker range comes in a variety of Afrocentric colors such as Kalahari, Caramel, Bush, and others. The sneaker has a very classic yet modern design that true sneaker lovers will appreciate. The sneaker is available in various colors, designs, and materials for both ladies and men.
Vaya
Vaya Footwear is one of the new entries in the local sneaker game. The word VAYA is a South African township slang that means “go”, “to go” or “going”. This common word can also be used as motivation to “Go get it!” which actually translates to “chase or go after your dreams.”
Drip
Drip is probably one of the fastest-growing footwear brands in South Africa. The brand has been receiving a lot of attention of late, after announcing a R100 million deal with South African rapper Cassper Nyovest. The pair collaborated to release the Root Of Fame 990. The 990 is the newest addition to the growing range of Drip designs.
Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle
Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle is another local brand that boasts quality when it comes to its sneakers. The brand has several designs to choose from such as the Black Panther or their latest Jabulani sneaker, made from quality leather with trims of suede. Another true South African brand that every sneakerhead should have in their collection.
Mpahla
Mpahla is another local brand with a story that a lot of South Africans can relate to. Started by two brothers with humble beginnings. The brand currently has one design in production named the “Inumba Inumba Collection”. The sneaker is available in various colors such as red & black, blue & white as well as grey & black which seems to be the most popular color.
The “Inumba Inumba Collection” is available via the online store.
Reefer
Reefer is the most interesting sneaker on this list. The Reefer sneaker is a sustainable sneaker made from cork.
If you are a sneakerhead with sustainability concerns, then this is the brand for you.
Reefer sneakers are available from their online store as well as from other stockists.
Vosk
Another interesting entry on the list is Vosk shoes. A beautifully designed sneaker that is simple, comfortable, and lets you give back. For every pair of Vosk sneakers you buy, they will give a pair to a child in need.