Velskoen?

[Van de Poel]

This is my first post, so please forgive me if my question is a little out of the scope of the Forum in general. My query is aout the dress and kit of the Boer fighter, in particular, his footgear. I have found numerous references to the Boers wearing "velskoen" descibed as an "untanned, home-made ankle-boot". As a re-enactor, I am hopeful to find a more detailed description or an image of one of these shoes. From the descriptions I have been able to find, they seem to describe anything from a roughly-built brogan style of bootee, to an American Indian moccasin.

Any assistance that any or you could give me in my endeavour would be greaty appreciated. I hope to participate in a Victorian-era-themed shooting competition next year, and have already been challenged by a fellow who is a re-enactor representing a "Rooinek".

Thanks in advance,
Van

[Brett Hendey]

Van

If you google 'veldskoen' you will get positive results, including a site that has photographs of such shoes.

Regards
Brett

[Eric CL]

Modern day 'veldskoen' are shoes similar to Clark's style desert boots. In the 19th C., the soles were of leather rather than current rubber, but I guess the pattern of construction was not very different.

Eric

[Natal]

Clothing was all home made and what ever was available was used. The same went for firearms.

[Mark]

This is my first post, so please forgive me if my question is a little out of the scope of the Forum in general. My query is aout the dress and kit of the Boer fighter, in particular, his footgear.

Hi Van

Not outside the scope of the forum at all - we welcome discussions regarding those who opposed the British (and Empire) forces as well. Quite often the focus is on the British view of events but the view of the opposing side is as important.

Please feel free to discuss

Mark

[Eric CL]

It is also of interest to the British side, Queen's soldiers in the 6th (1845-46) and 7th (1851-53) Cape Frontier wars were also quoted as wearing "locally-made boots of untanned leather".

[Burgher]

Rather late than never:

http://www.whitesmoke.co.za/powwow/view ... 49771b1f6a

http://www.whitesmoke.co.za/powwow/viewtopic.php?t=6323

[QSVC]

Thats thoroughly interesting..........It never ceases to amaze me the range of topics that create interest, and more that there is someone that is willing to share hard earned experience and knowledge. Its how we all learn. Thanks for posting the link its a valuable insight.

Robert

[rdarby]

I've still got a pair! Real ones are bought from a farmers co-op shop in a rural area, and the sole is an old car tyre!

Basically it's a cheap basic shoe, and would have been the default leather shoe/short boot in the rural areas.

Ryan

[Burgher]

I now make replicas on order:
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=4362&p=35139#p35139