Moertoe
Welcome to Moertoe, where we combine South African heritage, superior craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality.
Glyn Giani, an Italian trained footwear designer and technologist with 40 years of design experience, and who has established the Footwear Design and Technology School as well as consulted to top international and local brands over these years has decided to introduce a brand he deems uncompromised.
The name Moertoe represents our brand’s resilience, commitment, and the uncompromising nature of our products. It reflects the extremes we go to in order to ensure that each pair of footwear is built to last.
Built for the Extreme
Moertoe boots are handcrafted using premium South African bovine leather, renowned for its quality. Designed for the toughest conditions, these boots combine rugged durability with a stylish, modern aesthetic, making them perfect for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
Uncompromising Materials
Our boots feature ethically sourced leather, lined with 100% leather, and steel-reinforced inner soles for added support. The rubber outsoles, used by elite South African Recce forces, offer unmatched durability and slip resistance.
Rugged Design
Engineered to endure the harshest environments, Moertoe boots include a bellows tongue to keep out sand and water. The soles are specially crafted to resist penetration by even the notorious Camel Thorn of the African bushveld and steel nails.
Craftsmanship You Can Trust
Every pair of Moertoe boots is handmade, numbered, and NFC-tagged. This ensures that each boot is uniquely yours, registered in your name, and comes with a digital business card for easy re-soles and repairs. We offer free re-soles for our customers, and for international buyers, we provide an extra pair of soles for local repair.
Our Commitment
We believe in creating exceptional footwear for men who value quality, durability, and style. Moertoe boots are more than just shoes—they are a statement of who you are and what you stand for. Whether you need boots for hunting, biking, or just making an impression, Moertoe delivers on all fronts.
Our Founders
Moertoe is the result of a passionate collaboration between Glyn Giani, a designer, and Steven, a talented shoemaker. Together, they refused to compromise on quality in an industry overrun by mass-produced, cheap imports. Steven’s declaration, “we are Moertoe,” echoed the challenges they faced. The term "Moertoe" (pronounced moo-r-to) is an Afrikaans slang word meaning extreme. It reflects both the rugged quality of our boots and the state of the industry, which had gone from the best to the worst.
Despite their efforts, Steven eventually had to close his factory and move to China, where he continued his fight for quality craftsmanship. Tragically, Steven’s life was cut short in a violent attack. In honor of his memory and their shared dream, Glyn continued their mission, founding Moertoe to offer men’s footwear that refuses to compromise on quality.