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GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS & VIDEO - To wander around or stroll at a leisurely pace. This is the meaning of the German word "bummel" - a perfect fit for what the George shoemaker Michael Stumpfe had in mind when he started Bummel Shoes two years ago.
Made from the finest full grain local leathers and vegetable tan insoles, Michael and his team are producing a high quality veldskoen, characterised for its comfort, durability and individuality.
"We pride ourselves in the fact that no synthetic materials touch your feet," he says. "Everything that touches your foot is leather and you will feel the difference. The leather insole is the backbone of a shoe and because of that, Bummel Shoes can be resoled."
Michael has followed in the footsteps of his dad, Rolf Stumpfe, the founder of Der Lederhändler, who has been his role model and inspiration. "He was the one who gave me the passion for making leather shoes," says Michael.
Photo gallery: Come and see the range at Bummel Shoes
"After matric I went to Germany to study shoe design and shoemaking. As an apprentice I learned from scratch to work on every machine, whereafter I gained experience in the industry, working in the design department in a well-known ladies shoe company in Germany."
The Bummel Shoes team. From left are Christopher Schaepe, Andrew Damons, George Mutuku, Hansie Pretorius, Linwill Wagman, Liezel Young, Vuyo Jantjie, Catherine Jacobs and Michael Stumpfe. Photos: Michelle Pienaar
Back in the Garden Route, Michael designed stitched-down shoes, vellies, for eight years at Watson's Shoe Factory in Great Brak River.
When Michael's dad returned to George following years of sailing, he opened a small handcrafted leather shoe factory in town. When Rolf retired he passed on the family business to Michael, and Bummel Shoes was born.
Watch a video below:
Come try on the best kiddies', ladies' and men's vellies in town at Bummel Shoes, 46 York Street (Old Tavcor building next to Wonki Ware).
Everything that touches your foot is leather.
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