The Hearts Behind The
ADVENTURE
About Us
It all started thirteen years ago when we met each other under a beautiful oak tree in Wellington, South Africa
What started as a friendship, soon became more and we moved in together in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. We were surrounded by interesting people, had promising careers ahead, and a comfortable lifestyle. However, having both grown up in the countryside, we missed that funny place outside the city – where we learned how to play – called nature.
After years of fantasizing about a life in South Africa, we decided to pursue our dream. In 2019 we changed our lifestyle and stepped into the unknown by moving back to the place where it all began.
While living in one of the roughest, but at the same time trendiest places on earth, we realized we missed something: A pair of boots we could wear in every casual setting.
This experience inspired us to establish ROF, the South African word for rough. A brand that stands for freedom, (outdoor) adventure and off the beaten track. Unpolished, firm and timeless boots, handmade by passionate local craftsmen. A way to bring handcrafted pieces from South Africa to the world.
Our Mission
“We aim to unite people that dream and live adventure, big or small. To inspire to find adventure in the everyday, to go outside, meet new people, live slowly, try new things, open your hearts, think of others, learn along the way, do good”
OUR DREAM
“To one day invite you for a true ROF experience and roam the African land…breathe in nature all day and end it with good food and people.”
Until then, we take you with us on our journey of all that adventure brings us. From discovering Africa and the rest of the world, a visit to the ROF workshop, and interviews with fellow adventure seekers.
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.
Our Wedding
Our Wedding
Our Wedding
OUR SLOW PROCESS
How our footwear is made
01
/ 08
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
