Science Meets Sole: Stellenbosch University spinout partners with Bolton Footwear
Stellenbosch University spinout, Banzifeet, has collaborated with shoe manufacturer Bolton Footwear to develop the first gold certified school shoes in the country. Founded by three expert researchers and Sports Science specialists from Stellenbosch University (SU), Banzifeet is a culmination of extensive research data and a commitment to ensuring the healthy foot development and function of South African children.
An insightful research study conducted by Prof. Ranel Venter and Dr. Elbe De Villiers, in collaboration with a German institution, revealed that 91% of South African children grew up habitually barefoot of which 67% wore ill-fitting school shoes. Subsequent studies managed by Prof. Venter and Marise Breet showed that a staggering 98% of tested South African scholars were unable to find school shoes with the right width and length to support their growing feet.
“Our mission has always been to contribute to the quality of life across the lifespan, including shoes that fit well, support foot health, and enhance comfort. The “Grasshoppers Trooper” directly addresses the widespread challenge of ill-fitting footwear and ensures that children can enjoy the benefits of a shoe that truly supports their developing feet. Bolton Footwear has met all BanziFeet’s rigorous certification requirements, earning the prestigious gold certification for the “Grasshoppers Trooper”. Proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa, this shoe represents a perfect synergy between local research, local materials, and local craftsmanship. We are proud to be associated with a product that not only supports South African children’s foot health but also champions local industry,” shares Prof. Ranel Venter, Prof. Elbe de Villiers and Marise Breet, Directors: BanziFeet Pty (Ltd).
Through the Innovus Technology Transfer Office at SU, the Banzifeet certification mark was officially registered in 2022, marking the start of a transformative chapter in school shoe manufacturing. The research-backed certification confirms that shoes were designed and manufactured based on comprehensive local research data. South African consumers have long struggled to find shoes that fit properly across the width of the foot, forced to wear shoes that follow traditional UK and US standards. Customers purchasing Banzifeet certified shoes may actually buy a smaller shoe than they typically do because the shoe design is based on the correct relationship between foot length and foot width.
“We are excited about the opportunity to join forces with BanziFeet,” shares Noel Whitehead: CEO Bolton Footwear. “What makes this school shoe unique is its entirely local pedigree. It was designed in South Africa in conjunction with a South African University based on research specifically done on South African scholars. The manufacturing is done by a South African owned company, Bolton Footwear, and all the materials ranging from the leather to the outsole is sourced from South African suppliers. Noteworthy local suppliers include Mossops, a Leather Working Group (LWG) gold-certified leather provider, and John Whittle Components for soles.”
This school shoe is more than just footwear, it is a true testament to African innovation, research excellence and its potential impact on society.
About Banzifeet Gold Certification
About Banzifeet Pty (LTD)
Children who are barefoot for more than they wear shoes have different needs for shoes than children who spend more time wearing shoes. Schools require very specific styles of shoes in the dress code for children, but the shoes that are available in stores do not adequately support the foot morphology of habitually barefoot children and can negatively impact the development of the pediatric foot. Banzifeet provides research-backed certification for the manufacturing of shoes that can support the development of growing feet.