This week saw the announcement of the strategic partnership to provide reliable, comfortable, and sustainable footwear to 'Hotelitarians' serving at Valor Hospitality properties across the United States.

Veldskoen CEO Nick Dreyer alongside Euan McGlashan, founder and CEO of Valor Hospitality Partners, hosted a joint event at The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee—one of Valor Hospitality's 90+ global properties. Front of staff 'Hotelitarians' received a pair of handcrafted shoes from Veldskoen's Heritage range—the brand's first and most popular product, designed to be durable, comfortable, and reliable. This event celebrated the inaugural launch of the partnership with several additional Valor properties to receive Heritage shoes in the coming months. 

Veldskoen Shoes is committed to 'taking in the view and leaving only footprints." We focus on ethical production made with consciously sourced material to continually work toward a more sustainable future by using innovative and out-the-box thinking to reduce our impact. This is an initiative that is mirrored at Valor Hospitality. With eco-friendly properties such as The Lodge at Gulf State Park and the recently announced net zero carbon Zeal Hotels partnership in the UK, Valor Hospitality's overall mission is to become the leading global hospitality brand in sustainability. Through impactful initiatives, Valor has reduced single-use plastic items down by over two million per year with a target of five million fewer items per year, offers 5% vegan menu options across properties, offers a wine list with 18% organic options and more.

"This is an innovative partnership that reflects our goals and mission as an organization while also showcasing our commitment to our staff and the overall guest experience," said Euan McGlashan. "This is a huge step—literally—in the right direction as it pertains to company culture and sustainability in our trade while also having a lasting impact on the local community. We have already begun our journey in some of our South African hotels & lodges and my goal is to see Veldskoen shoes on as many global Hotelitarian feet as possible."

"We are honoured to be the first Valor property to receive Veldskoen shoes as part of this larger initiative," said Justin Foster, general manager of The Harpeth Hotel. "Hospitality professionals are on their feet all day long and these shoes will enhance our team's appearance and comfort level—from the front office team to the food and beverage teams. Additionally, we are thrilled to be able to support the local community and provide Veldskoen shoes to children in need right here in Franklin."

In addition to distributing pairs of shoes to The Harpeth 'Hotelitarians,' We (Veldskoen Shoes) have made a charitable donation of 60 pairs of shoes to One Generation Away. The local non-profit rescues high-quality, surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and caterers and redistributes that food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This summer, the organisation will donate Veldskoen to Franklin families in need during regularly scheduled food distributions.

"We've always said that it's our responsibility to craft shoes that are not only ethically and responsibly made but feel comfortable and provide you with an effortless daily style," said Nick Dreyer. "We have chosen Valor as our only hospitality partner due to their shared commitment to excellence, sustainability and ethical practices. It is a privilege to see our principles and products being used to positively impact the lives of hospitality workers and children in middle Tennessee."