About Common Tread
Common Tread was founded by husband and wife team John and Nicole van Besouw, an engineer and occupational therapist respectively.
Observing their sons navigating nature's obstacles during family outings, they recognized the importance of allowing children to experience the world barefoot while acknowledging the need for protective footwear.
Aware of the detrimental effects of conventional thick-soled shoes on young feet, Nicole, alongside her husband John, embarked on a mission to craft functional yet stylish footwear that nurtures natural development & movement.
Their vision materialized through meticulous research, trial, and error in their garage workshop. John's skills in technology & design, complemented Nicole's expertise in biomechanics & health. The duo created Common Tread— a brand dedicated to fostering confident exploration in footwear as healthy as nature itself. All while easing the burden on busy parents.
John noticed that ongoing hip and knee pain coincided with tired, overworked feet during the day — discomfort he felt even more acutely while training on the mountain. This led to the design of the adult range of leather vellie lace-up shoes, rooted in barefoot design principles - a versatile shoe that can be worn work through to the weekend.
Exciting news is that Common Tread is bringing out a barefoot sneaker in 2026!
Partnering with skilled artisans in Cape Town and Durban, each pair of Common Tread shoes is meticulously handcrafted from locally sourced materials.
The journey continues with a growing commitment to social impact. Plans are underway to expand the partnership with Samaritan's feet who do life-changing work in bringing shoes, dignity and hope to underprivileged communities.
Despite the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, Nicole and John prioritize maintaining their familial bond, involving their children in the creative process and fostering a culture of teamwork and resilience.
Common Tread isn't just about footwear; it's a testament to familial dedication, craftsmanship, and the belief that every step forward holds the promise of a brighter future.