Ladies Vellies: Choosing Colour and Leather
Most people choose vellies on colour and then discover the leather mattered more. The two decisions are linked, because the same shade behaves completely differently in suede than it does in full grain. Choosing vellies leather comes before choosing the colour, because the leather decides how a colour actually behaves.
Start with the leather, not the colour
- Full grain. The outermost layer of the hide, with the grain intact. Takes a polish, develops patina, and hides scuffs better as it ages. The longest lasting option.
- Nubuck. Full grain that has been lightly sanded to a velvety surface. Softer looking than smooth leather, tougher than suede, and needs a protector spray.
- Suede. The underside of the hide. Softest from day one, most casual, and least happy in rain.
If a pair will be worn several times a week for years, full grain. If they are for dry-weather wear and comfort from the first day, suede or nubuck.
Colours that earn their place
Tan is the most useful colour in the range. It works with denim, khaki, navy and most dresses, and it ages visibly rather than looking tired.
Brown is slightly more formal than tan and considerably more forgiving of scuffs.
Black reads as the smartest option and is the only one that genuinely suits an office where the dress code is watched. It also shows dust the most.
Mustard, olive and the coloured soles are where vellies stop being sensible footwear and start being a choice. They work precisely because the rest of the shoe is so traditional.
How each ages
Full grain darkens slightly and gains a sheen at the flex points. Nubuck loses some nap where it rubs and evens out into a softer finish. Suede goes shiny where it is handled most, which is the one form of ageing that does not look intentional.
What we stock
The ladies vellies range covers all of this. Two to look at:
If you want a wider fit, the unisex vellies use a roomier last. Construction is explained on the veldskoen page.
Caring for each
Smooth leather takes a cream or wax a few times a year. Nubuck and suede want a brush and a protector spray, and no cream, which mats the nap permanently. All three should dry away from direct heat.
Frequently asked questions
What colour vellies should I buy first?
Tan. It goes with denim, khaki, navy and most dresses, and it ages into something better looking rather than merely older.
What is the difference between nubuck and suede?
Nubuck is full grain leather lightly sanded on the outer surface, so it is tougher and holds its shape better. Suede comes from the underside of the hide and is softer but less hard wearing.
Can I wear suede vellies in winter?
Yes, with a protector spray, but keep them out of sustained rain. Suede absorbs water readily and can mark permanently if it dries too fast.
Do ladies vellies stretch?
They relax roughly half a size across the first few weeks and then stay stable. Between sizes, take the larger one.
Which leather lasts longest?
Full grain. The grain layer is the strongest part of the hide, and it improves with polishing rather than wearing thin.