Handmade

leather footwear from South Africa

ROF

/r-of/ – noun

The Afrikaans word for “rough”.

Stands for freedom, adventure & off the beaten track.

MORE THAN

just a boot with a buckle

Handmade

leather footwear from South Africa

ROF

/r-of/ – noun

The Afrikaans word for “rough”.

Stands for freedom, adventure & off the beaten track.

MORE THAN

just a boot with a buckle   

INTRODUCING THE

Karoo Clog

 

Same leather, same comfort, same sustainability – simply a new style. For him & for her.

 

OUR SLOW PROCESS

How our footwear is made

Choosing the Leather

We carefully select our vegetable-tanned leather, sourced from free-range South African cattle. While we cut around major defects, natural markings like stretch marks and tick bites add to the character - each pair carries a story, making your footwear one of a kind. This traditional tanning method is rare today because it’s very time-consuming, using natural plant-based extracts instead of chemicals.

Cutting & Punching

Every piece of leather is carefully cut to ensure precision and minimise waste. Each hole for stitching is punched manually, keeping the process true to traditional craftsmanship.

Stitching the Pieces

The pieces are securely stitched together, combining skilled craftsmanship with long-lasting strength.

Pressing & Grinding

We attach a durable rubber sole with heat-activated glue using the stitch-down method, which makes the shoes easy to resole once worn out for extended life.

Wet Lasting & Sun Drying

Wet lasting is a traditional method where the leather is soaked, shaped over the last, and left to dry in the sun, moulding perfectly to its final form. This natural drying process takes 2 to 4 days, but even longer in winter when the sun is weaker. Instead of rushing the process, we embrace it, letting nature do the work to ensure the best fit and comfort.

Final Touches

Before leaving our workshop, every pair is carefully inspected by hand to ensure it meets our standards. A special label on your footwear tells you when they were made and by who, connecting you directly to the skilled artisan behind your pair.

Upcycling off cuts into keepsakes

We follow a zero-waste policy, striving to use every piece of leather, even the smallest off-cuts. These leftover materials are transformed into key hangers, handles for our boxes, and gift travel tags: beautiful, functional items that give a second life to what would otherwise be discarded.

Packing with Care

Your boots are packed with the utmost care in our Traveller’s Box, which doesn’t just hold your shoes but can also be reused to store the treasures and memories from all your adventures

OUR SLOW PROCESS

How our footwear is made

Choosing the Leather

We carefully select our vegetable-tanned leather, sourced from free-range South African cattle. While we cut around major defects, natural markings like stretch marks and tick bites add to the character - each pair carries a story, making your footwear one of a kind.

Cutting & Punching

Every piece of leather is carefully cut to ensure precision and minimise waste. Each hole for stitching is punched manually, keeping the process true to traditional craftsmanship.

Stitching the Pieces

The pieces are securely stitched together, combining skilled craftsmanship with long-lasting strength.

Pressing & Grinding

We attach a durable rubber sole with heat-activated glue using the stitch-down method, which makes the shoes easy to resole once worn out for extended life.

Wet Lasting & Sun Drying

Wet lasting is a traditional method where the leather is soaked, shaped over the last, and left to dry in the sun, moulding perfectly to its final form. This natural drying process takes 2 to 4 days, but even longer in winter when the sun is weaker. Instead of rushing the process, we embrace it, letting nature do the work to ensure the best fit and comfort.

Final Touches

Before leaving our workshop, every pair is carefully inspected by hand to ensure it meets our standards. A special label on your footwear tells you when they were made and by who, connecting you directly to the skilled artisan behind your pair.

Upcycling off cuts into keepsakes

We follow a zero-waste policy, striving to use every piece of leather, even the smallest off-cuts. These leftover materials are transformed into key hangers, handles for our boxes, and gift travel tags: beautiful, functional items that give a second life to what would otherwise be discarded.

Packing with Care

Your boots are packed with the utmost care in our Traveller’s Box, which doesn’t just hold your shoes but can also be reused to store the treasures and memories from all your adventures

ADVENTURE GUIDE

Discover

Adventure is at the heart of every journey. Our guide shares stories, tips and inspiration from our own adventures to take you further - wherever your footwear may roam.

About ROF-Style

More than just a leather shoe with a buckle

ROF-Style is a brand that was born after our founders decided to step into the unknown by moving to South Africa. Once they settled in one of the roughest, yet trendiest places on Earth, they realised they were missing a pair of shoes that they could wear in every setting, on every occasion.

STYLE GUIDE

Inspiration

ROF footwear is made for adventure and effortless style. Whether you prefer a bohemian, classic, or casual look, this guide will inspire you to make them a staple in any outfit.

STYLE GUIDE

Inspiration

ROF footwear is made for adventure and effortless style. Whether you prefer a bohemian, classic, or casual look, this guide will inspire you to make them a staple in any outfit.

LOVE FROM OUR FELLOW ADVENTURERS

Hi. I received my pair of black ROFs. And I must tell you I am so impressed with your packaging. I became so excited just unboxing. You took me on a journey. This must be the most beautiful packaging I’ve ever come across. Thank you and your team so much for all the effort that went into the packaging and I’m totally in love with my ROFs. I’ve been wanting a pair since lockdown lol literally 2020

Chany B

These boots are practical and cool. One could wear them in the snow, a sunny day, and anything in between. They are understated yet casually fashionable. Great to support the South African community in which they are made. 100% worth the purchase and I will definitely be looking to buy a brown pair soon.

Steve Musgrave

 

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