Blog
Reinventing the classic white sneaker with natural materials
The classic white sneaker is hard to beat, so we kept the shape and changed what it is made of. Ours uses undyed hemp canvas and a natural rubber sole.It stays clean with a soft brush and a little soap, and it ages into a warm cream rather than going grubby. Stitching is tight and the toe cap is reinforced for kerbs and stairs. Each pair is made in small batches, so the colour varies a little, as it should.
Wear them with shorts, chinos or a linen dress. They also handle a slow walk along the Muizenberg promenade at sunset.
Why natural rubber
Natural rubber comes from the sap of the rubber tree and gives a sole real grip and bounce. It copes with hot tar and cold, wet slipways alike. We pair it with cork, so the Cork footbed adds comfort underfoot, and the whole sole stays lighter than most synthetic ones. It is a simple recipe, and it has worked for a long time.
We wanted a shoe that feels like it belongs here, in the wind and salt of the False Bay coast. It had to be honest, comfortable and easy to repair.
Comfort starts with fit, so measure your feet at the end of the day when they are widest. Hemp has a little give, but cork footbeds like room to settle. Between sizes, go up half a size and wear a thicker sock. Our Sizing guide shows how to trace your foot at home, and our team in Muizenberg will gladly help on WhatsApp.
Made for the Cape walk
From the Sea Point promenade to the Kalk Bay harbour wall, a good takkie earns its keep. Pick a light, breathable pair and bring water. Stop for a coffee when your feet say so.
Why hemp makes a better everyday sneaker
Hemp is tough, breathable and gets softer with every wear. We pair it with recycled laces and natural rubber soles, so each pair walks lightly and lasts through many Cape Town seasons.
Every pair at Takkies starts with a simple question: what can we make from what already exists? Our hemp uppers, cork footbeds and recycled knits come from small suppliers we know by name. Natural materials are lighter on the planet and kinder to your feet, especially on long walks along the Muizenberg beachfront. Care for them well and they will outlast most fast-fashion pairs.
