"Voylok" means felt.
It’s actually two boots in one. Inspired by traditional felt boots which have been worn across the North for over a century. We have modernised them, making them lighter, more streamlined, with a better aesthetic and fit. Worn without the rubber overshoe it’s a comfortable indoor slipper; worn with the overshoe and it’s great for forest bathing, post-surf warming up, strolling on the Common, popping to the shops, walking your dog - anything really.
Forest Bathing - or Shinrin Yoku - is the japanese practice of being mindful in a forest (or at least, under a tree). It is a practice based in mindfulness and concentration - asking yourself “what are you noticing”. It is scientifically proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness. Check out this site to find a forest bathing location near you at this link (or just go to your nearest tree!)
Our team works remotely across Europe.
Great news - we are thrilled. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page and reach out if you see a role that is right for you!
Voylok started as a Kickstarter campaign in the Spring of 2021. The success of this campaign encouraged the team to scale the business faster than originally planned. We are so grateful to our original backers for supporting Voylok and helping to bring the product to the world faster than we ever could have anticipated.
There are an infinite number of reasons to despise these judgy felines but here’s our top 5.
1. They look at you with disdain.
2. They don't wag their tails when they see you.
3. Allergies.
4. They kill birds and we like birds.
5. They are the preferred pet of evil villains.
For more about the history of VOYLOK and valenki please read our About us page here.
Made from wool and hot water - that’s it. The overshoe is made out of natural rubber from the latex tree compounded with additives that give it the performance properties you need such a bend and flex and resistance to oil.
It takes great skill to make felt boots, and luckily this incredible craftsmanship has survived to this day. The boots are made entirely by hand. Mastering the craft takes up to a year, and it takes a whole week to craft your pair of VOYLOK boots from a bale of raw wool in a process unlike anything else. First, the raw wool is combed. Then the boot is grown layer by layer. Bathed in hot water. Shrunk. Sculpted from the inside. Then dried in a wood-fired oven. In a week's time, they are ready. Grown, not sewn, for inner warmth.
Quite unlike anything else: VOYLOK boots feel light (because they are!), and comfortably roomy. Nothing presses or rubs. In fact, within a week or two they will mould to the shape of your foot. They are soft, but not too soft – the felt texture gives you a gentle massage. It is much like walking barefoot – the sole is soft, there is no heel or extra arch support – yet your feet are protected and insulated. In fact, we think it is best to wear VOYLOK boots completely barefoot, skin on felt, the wool lanolin nourishing your skin. You could also pair them with socks, but you’d be missing out on part of the joy.
We’ve created a handle size chart here to help you find the perfect size. If you are still struggling, email us at hello@voylok and we will be in touch to help!
Wool is a natural fibre grown by sheep that roam freely in the countryside. Sheep re-grow their fleece every year, making wool one of the most sustainable fibres available. Farming also helps to preserve the landscapes, as sheep grazing maintains the countryside, creating habitats for wildlife to thrive.
As long as there is grass for sheep to eat, wool can be produced, in contrast to synthetic fibres, which require oil and refineries, a non-renewable resource for man-made fibre production.The Sheep we get our wool from are not raised for their wool - they are raised for the food industry and wool is a by-product. One that is increasingly losing its value and can be viewed as a waste product. We will never work with producers who specifically cultivate sheep for their wool.The only by-products of felting are muddy water and felt off-cuts, and they both can go in the garden. We are collecting most scraps and off-cuts for use in accessories and other helpful items. The boots are dried in a wood-fired oven (large sauna, really) fuelled by wood waste from local forestries. The VOYLOK felt is made with no use of acids, bleaches or dyes – just raw wool, hot water and very skilled craftsmanship. This is beyond what any industrial process can offer. So far beyond. We rely on skill, rather than tech and waste.
Voyloks are made from wool that comes from farmed sheep. The animals are shorn each spring in order to protect them from the hot summer, and from any insects, bacteria etc., that can live in their wool after the long, cold winter. The animals live at small holding farms that are local to our factories. Technically they are not vegan - but the alternatives are almost all petro-chemical based - so we encourage you to decide what you think is best for Mother Nature.
Sheep are not killed when they are shorn. In fact, it is a good idea to shear sheep late in spring as it helps them during summer, and it prevents deadly fly strike (when flies lay eggs in the fleece, and the larvae then dig into the skin). We are aware of reported instances of cruelty to sheep at large industrial-scale farms and we oppose harsh treatment of animals. The sheep that supply their wool for VOYLOK are raised by local smallholders in small flocks. The sheep are treated well and live long lives at pasture.
We use a natural rubber overshoe which blends latex sap from the rubber tree grown across South East Asia with the minimum compounds needed to give the right level of performance to the overshoe.
We are also exploring new exciting material developments – such as compounds made out of sea algae, or natural rubber made out of dandelion sap (yes, really!). If you have a view on this, do chime in! We are trying hard to be gentle and kind both to our feet and the environment.
Each pair of Voyloks can take up to a week to make by hand - with the craftspeople who make them training for over a year to learn the trade. Our prices reflect the cost of this craftsmanship, as well as ensuring that everyone across our supply chain is paid fairly, and that our shipping methods are as environmentally friendly as possible.
When you are done with your Voyloks – they will serve for years, but nothing is forever – they can go straight back to nature. Cut them up for crafts, or use the felt as a pot liner for your plants – it is great at trapping moisture. Or just dig them in your flower bed – they will be great at preventing drought. Plant a tree in one!
For more about our products and our sustainability program please read here.
We ship to the UK & US.
As soon as we can build a meaningfully low-carbon supply chain in a country or region we will launch with excitement!
We use Royal Mail for our smaller parcels as they have the lowest carbon cost per parcel of any UK network due to their network of postmen and women across the country. With Royal Mail the carbon cost of an average parcel is 208 gCO2e. For larger parcels which require a dedicated delivery van network we use Hermes which has the lowest average carbon cost of any UK dedicated parcel network of 508 gCO2e. For international shipping we use the lowest carbon haulier combined with the local postal service as this is the most sustainable options as it is in the UK. In any case we offset the carbon cost to zero by investing in reforestation programmes as well as adding a further 50% offset to ensure we leave the world a slightly better place than we found it.
In the UK, you can choose from Regular or Express shipping at checkout. Regular takes 2-4 days and Express takes 1-2 days to arrive. They have identical carbon footprints - the only difference being the priority given to the parcel by the postal service.
For international market the shipping takes between 3 and 10 business days depending on your destination. All shipments are tracked and you can watch the progress of your shipment as it makes it's way towards you.
In the UK, you can choose from Regular or Express shipping at checkout. Regular takes 2-4 days and Express takes 1-2 days to arrive. They have identical carbon footprints - the only difference being the priority given to the parcel by the postal service.
Internationally we offer one shipping service only.
Yes - shipping to anywhere in the UK is completely free using our Regular shipping option. If you want to get your VOYLOKs sooner or shipped internationally we ask for a contribution towards Express shipping.
In the UK, we use Royal Mail for our smaller parcels as they have the lowest carbon cost per parcel of any UK network due to their network of postmen and women across the country. With Royal Mail the carbon cost of an average parcel is 208 gCO2e. For larger parcels which require a dedicated delivery van network we use Hermes which has the lowest average carbon cost of any UK dedicated parcel network of 508 gCO2e. International shipments depend on the location.
In any case we offset the carbon cost to zero by investing in reforestation programmes as well as adding a further 50% offset to ensure we leave the world a slightly better place than we found it.
You might think this is pretty obvious but we feel it’s important: we’re here for nothing more than to help you experience the joy of owning a pair of Voyloks. That means we’re here to help and if there is anything you’re not wild about - we really do want to hear from you so we can fix it.
Our policy is simple - as long as you keep the product in perfect condition, with the tags still on and worn only inside we’ll change the size, colour, style or help you return it for a full refund within 30 days of purchase - all for free and with our complete support.
There is literally almost nothing like wearing a pair of Voylokss for the first time. Which means it might feel a little different to your favourite trainers. Unlike a normal pair of shoes which will stretch to your feet, the felt actually moulds to your foot shape with the heat from your body so over the first week or two of wearing you’ll find they come more and more comfortable.
Take your time, try your Voyloks at home with the insoles in and out keeping the tags on each boot. If you think you’d be better with a size up or down then get in touch and we’ll switch to your preferred size with pleasure anytime within 30 days of purchase.
Contact us by email on hello@voylok.com with your order number and we will arrange an exchange for you. Please remember to do this within 30 days of your purchase!
Contact us by email on hello@voylok.com with your order number and we will arrange a return for you. Please remember to do this within 30 days of your purchase!
We’re here for you. On hello@voylok.com from 9am-5pm GMT Monday-Friday. And always happy to discuss wool boots etc., but also horoscopes, wild swimming and reasons why cats are terrible.
Yes. You can select either Regular or Express. They have identical carbon footprints - the only difference being the priority given to the parcel by the postal service.
Yes - shipping to anywhere in the UK is completely free using our Regular shipping option. If you want to get your Voyloks sooner we ask for a contribution towards Express shipping.
We use Royal Mail for our smaller parcels as they have the lowest carbon cost per parcel of any UK network due to their network of postmen and women across the country. With Royal Mail the carbon cost of an average parcel is 208 gCO2e. For larger parcels which require a dedicated delivery van network we use Hermes which has the lowest average carbon cost of any UK dedicated parcel network of 508 gCO2e. In either case we offset the carbon cost to zero by investing in reforestation programmes as well as adding a further 50% offset to ensure we leave the world a slightly better place than we found it.