felti.

felti. founder Christo, saw his wife struggling to keep her feet warm during winters in Stellenbosch. He wanted to provide her with a shoe that would fit her outward beauty, while still providing the warmth and comfort so essential in freezing temperatures.

Like all good husbands do, he decided to go on a quest to find a solution. Upon discovering the ancient techniques of his nordic ancestors, he knew what would solve his wife’s cold feet. It took Christo some time and dedication to investigate and rediscover the techniques of making felt shoes and learning the craft of ancient traditions.

Once this process was established Christo was able to turn this renewed discovery into a comfy shoe for his wife as well as start a new local business.

The Best Little Guide brings the story of felti:

Can you share a bit of the background story behind felti- how did you start, when did you start?

felti started out of a need for finding something that my wife could wear during winter, as her feet were always freezing. We stay on the slopes of a mountain and the temperatures are much colder than in the city during winter. I was looking for a shoe that was comfortable and warm but also aesthetically pleasing.

The only shoes I could find that matched my needs and wants, were produced overseas. But due to the lockdown, I wasn't able to order anything from overseas before winter, so I had to try and figure out how to make them myself. I realised that we had all of the materials in South Africa and thought that this could grow into a business- if only I could find out how to do it correctly.

Please tell us a little bit about the founders? What are your backgrounds? Have you always been entrepreneurs?

I have always been an entrepreneur and have tried various businesses before this one. I love creating a product from scratch and launching it on the market. The trick is to keep growing your business and to remain profitable and relevant.  

Why Felt and why slippers? What was the inspiration behind your business?

Most of South Africa hasn’t converted to a home shoe policy yet, but with the lockdown and more people spending time at home, there was a natural gap in the market. There was a new opportunity for a business idea and to help people to be comfortable at home while wearing shoes that help keep the house clean too.

Natural wool is the best materials for such a shoe, as wool contains organic lanolin, a natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals. This prevents bad smelling feet. Wool is also one of the strongest natural fibres available. If you wear a pair of shoes daily, they must be hard-wearing. That’s why we chose natural wool for our home shoes.

Not to mention that the wool used is good the environment, as it's recyclable and biodegradable. And of course, the sheep aren’t harmed when we harvest the fiber, so each season they grow more wool—making it nature’s ultimate renewable resource.

Where do you source your materials for your products? 

All our materials are sourced locally in South Africa. We want to support the local economy and grow a business from using local materials only.  

In your opinion, why should someone buy a pair of felti slippers? 

Because they are hard wearing, stylish and extremely comfortable. They keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer. It really is the perfect home shoe- no bias here!

If you could describe your pantoffels in 3 words, what would they be?

Comfortable, stylish and strong. 

Other than a world pandemic, what has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome since starting felti? 

Starting a manufacturing business at home has been tricky.

The biggest obstacle has been making sure that there is enough work to keep us going. But then on the flip side, making sure there is enough staff to help manufacture the work that does come in. It’s a big juggling game.

What inspires you to push past such obstacles? 

I love solving problems.

Starting a business has many problems that need to be solved, continually. Luckily, they don't all jump at you at once, so there is time to figure things out during the startup phase. 

Can you tell us something that’s been a game-changer for you and your local business? An important lesson learned? 

Making sure you have the right product to fit the market.  

What are the core values for felti?

Honesty, trust and integrity is what keeps a business going and growing.  

Any words of wisdom for those looking to start small local businesses such as felti? 

Having a never give up attitude! If you keep pushing the boundaries you will create new opportunities. 

And finally, we love discovering and supporting small local businesses. Can you share 2-3 small local businesses that you love, perhaps one’s we haven’t yet discovered? 

@_studio_n_ : a local interior designer that creates the most amazing interior spaces (Specialized in Stellenbosch, all the Schoon interiors, Eike restaurant) and,

@umgani_wami: locally made dolls for the little ones.

For more about felti, their story and their products head over to @feltihomeshoes.

Or better yet, grab yourself a pair on www.felti.co.za.

felti. has offered a special discount code to our BLG listings, so be sure to read your emails from us! Not a member of the Best Little Guide community yet? No worries, just click here to join today.