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ROF Style Tankwa boots review
The ROF Style boots are made for the outdoor lover, for the one who appreciates simplicity and authenticity. This boot is made for adventure, made for the times when it gets rough, dirty, and exciting. Did you know that the Afrikaans word for rough is โrofโ? Now you know, and thatโs where these boots come in, authentically crafted in South Africa.
ROF shoes are exactly what they stand for: a unisex model boot for everyday adventures, regardless of where you might go. Planning an exciting day in the city, an adventurous day spotting wildlife, or an evening with friends with a fire pit and braai by your side? Your ROF boots are the way to go! Weโve been using them full-time for a few months now, so itโs time for a review.
What is the ROF Style boot?
The first ROF boot โ we hope there will be more models in the future! โ is the Tankwa boot, available in the colors black, brown, and cognac. The design of the shoe is simple, minimalistic, and yet detailed. A thick and sturdy sole forms the foundation upon which two โpanelsโ of leather have been stitched. The panels, one in the front and one in the back are being held together with two straps. As these straps are woven into the design, you can pull them as tight (or keep them as loosely) as you want, without losing your shoe while walking.
Though the design is minimalistic and has very few accessories, the eye for detail is remarkable. First of all, the extra patch with ROF on the heel of your shoe. Secondly, the folded edges โ which will stay intact for years to come, due to the natural wet-dry process that formed them โ are incredibly distinct and beautiful. And lastly, the option to stamp a personal message on the back of your boot, makes it clear that Leo and Laura, owners of the company, have thought about their design very well.
Overlanding full-time means we have to choose our gear carefully. Oftentimes, we find that average clothing doesnโt live up to our wishes, or canโt withstand the abuses of our harsh lifestyle. Over the years weโve come to appreciate the simple things and the products that fulfill a simple purpose gracefully. Having a boot that we can wear all day in every scenario, and thatโs able to deal with our lifestyle is essential. So with that, itโs time to dive deeper into the ROF Tankwa boot.
The natural dying and drying process
An interesting fact about the ROF boots is the way they are made. With leather from South African Nguni cows and the craftmanship of South African people, ROF has found the perfect starting point for a wonderful product. But it doesnโt end there. Instead of the commonly used chemical process to dye and dry leather, ROF has chosen the completely natural way. Leather is dyed with natural tannins from trees and plants and then dried in the sun so it hardens in the right shape. By doing so, they have chosen to distinguish themselves from the commercially cheap available boots, and made the environmentally responsible approach to leather dying, enhancing the end product. In doing so, they have also created the possibility to fold the leather edges into shape, a unique feature of this boot.
Pro
- 100% leather, a material that will stay good for years, as long as you take care of them
- Unisex design
- Once broken into/shaped to your feet (the leather needs some days of shaping to your feet) they fit perfectly
- Buckles are easy to use, adjustable, and look cute
- Being able to remove the straps is great when taking care of your shoes and when polishing them
- The ROF-brand leather food works very well, is easy to use and most importantly is made out of natural products like beeswax and oils
- Very comfortable to wear, both in hot as well as cold temperatures due to the natural material
- Even comfortable without socks
- The sole can be replaced once done, making the shoes everlasting
- The stitches connecting the sole to the boot are of high-quality
- Great service. You are welcome to contact them, even with the smallest of problems or questions
- Available in 3 colors: black, brown, and cognac
Cons
- We didnโt have this problem ourselves as we tried the shoes on in-store, but when buying them online there are male and female sizes, making it difficult to choose the right size
- It takes some time (and pain) to get used to the shoes, and for the shoes to shape to your feet
- Manon has very slim feet, meaning they will never fit super tight. As I also have very flexible feet and usually use supportive insoles, time will tell how these shoes benefit my feet and back
- The design has a front and back โpanelโ, which leaves you with very sandy feet when walking through soft sand or in the dunes.
- The initial investment is high, but so is the quality of the product. You make a conscious decision when buying boots of this quality and craftsmanship.
- Being an all-leather boot, some extra maintenance is required.
Would we buy the ROF boots again?
After 18 months of travel, both Tobias and I were ready for a new, long-lasting pair of shoes. We were looking for something sturdy, with good soles for rocky terrain, easy to clean, and durable. Ever since we got them, weโve worn our ROFs full time and we have a good reason for that; we love them! After the initial pain faded away, we realized that these shoes were exactly what we needed. They are quick to put on, easy to clean and to take care of, and breathable due to the leather. Additionally, they work great with insoles which is a huge win for Manon. Oh, and did we say already they look amazing underneath every outfit? They are the perfect fit for our lifestyle and do well in most scenarios and environments we come across.
Although the initial investment might seem high, we do believe these shoes are totally worth it. We hope they will support us during all ourย rofย future travels, wherever they might go.
Check out their website here:ย www.rof-style.com
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isnโt up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you โ an adventurous overlander โ in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
The start
ROF came to life after its founders found themselves settling in one of the roughest, but also trendiest places on earth. They were missing a pair of boots that they could wear in a casual setting, but also out in the bush. This experience inspired them to establish ROF, the boots company, named after the South African word for rough. ROF boots are made for the ones longing for freedom, the outdoor lifestyle, and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Unpolished, firm and timeless, handmade by passionate local craftsmen.
Check out these product shots
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Hi there adventurer! A quick heads-up: This product is provided (for free or at a discount) to us in support of our adventures. This review contains opinions of our own and is not influenced by the collaboration. We know the importance of high-quality gear and truthful reviews, you will rely on it on the trails, and so do we. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you and stay adventurous!
Discovered this shoes just some days ago and really like their look and the Idea behind. Never heard of them and so I really appreciate you sharing your experience. One Question remains. Because I wold have to buy them online, could you tell me something about the size? Are they true to size? Wearing EU39 normaly which size would you recomend to buy
Hi! Thanks for asking! Manon normally has EU40, and is now wearing 40 as well, but that is with insoles. I (Tobias) am wearing 39, whilst I normally have 40, without insoles. So order true to size, or maybe one size smaller I guess. In the beginning they were slightly tight, which is good, cause after a while they form to your feet and then they fit perfectly. So far we’ve been wearing them all-day, everyday, for the past 10 months more or less and we’re really happy with them. They do require some more love with the extreme heat we have here (up to 45 degrees), and us walking in dry sand, bush, etc. all day long. So every few weeks we need to take a moment to wax them, but that’s fine ๐
Don’t forget to take a look at ROF’s FAQ in which they explain the sizing as well. https://rof-style.com/faq/