OUR STORY
SOUTH AFRICA'S OLDEST HANDMADE SHOES. SINCE 1834.
HALL OF FAME
HOW IT STARTED
The German Rhenish missionaries, Baron Theobold von Wurmb and Reverend Johann Gottlieb Leipoldt – a shoemaker by trade – founded the settlement of Wupperthal deep in the heart of the Cederberg mountains. Travellers and residents alike soon realised they needed shoes as tough as the terrain, and in 1834 Leipoldt opened the Wupperthal shoe factory.
The factory continued to grow and 87 years after its founding, Reverend Willy Strassberger took over the reins from his father-in-law Gustav Schmolke.
In the early 1950s Heini Strassberger decided to move the entire shoemaking operation to the bustling business district of Clanwilliam. The new factory opened under the Strassbergers banner, whilst the Wupperthal operation continues to this day, albeit on a much smaller scale than the Clanwilliam factory.
- 1834
Leipoldt opens the Wupperthal shoe factory in the Cederberg.
- 87 years on
Rev. Willy Strassberger takes over from his father-in-law, Gustav Schmolke.
- Early 1950s
Heini Strassberger moves the operation to Clanwilliam under the Strassbergers banner.
- 1980
Today's factory is built in Clanwilliam.
- 17 March 2019
Profit-sharing for every employee begins.
HOW WE'VE GROWN
The factory as it stands today was built in 1980 and is centrally located in Clanwilliam. It houses the manufacturing floor, storage facilities, the company's administration offices and a showroom where you can try on and buy your favourite Strassberger shoes.
In keeping with the heritage of Strassbergers, 80% of the manufacturing process is still done by hand. Certain aspects of construction have been mechanised to ensure the best quality shoe money can buy, but for the most part your shoe is put together by hand by a skilled team of professionals.
80%made by hand
1980factory built in Clanwilliam
1834first pair made in Wupperthal
SHARED SUCCESS
After approximately 200 years of existence, the current MD, JJ du Plessis, announced the good news to his employees: provided they stood together and worked hard and loyally, they would become part of a profit-sharing scheme.
This officially took effect on 17 March 2019 – the birthday of Arnie September, one of the shoemakers. Profit-sharing bonuses are now paid out to each worker on his or her birthday, calculated on the profit of the previous year.
OUR COMMITMENT
There are many high-quality veldskoen brands available online, but Strassberger Shoes aims to distinguish itself through the excellent after-sales service it provides. Turning an unhappy client into a happy client is paramount.
CONTACT USIN THE NEWS
Strassbergers by die Rieldans-finaal by die Taalmonument, Paarl
COMING SOON