Embracing Nature: The Story Behind the Gordonia and the Adventure It Inspires

Recently, I found myself pondering street names. Who came up with the idea of naming streets? What if streets were numbered instead of named? For example, you might live at 12-3, but that seems silly.

What about surnames? Your family name gives you a sense of belonging; it is part of your identity, perhaps your cultural identity. Maybe your family name offers a sense of security, connecting you to your past. It could even have a reputation in a community. It is the thread that connects you to your ancestors, and many people trace their family name’s lineage.

Indeed, a name is important, which is why Woodland Africa has a naming policy. Instead of using product codes to identify our shoes, we give them family names. Naming ceremonies are a solid tradition at Woodland Africa House. Whenever we introduce a new style to our collection, the Woodland Africa Team comes together to celebrate. The shoe is the special guest, taking an important position around the meeting table. Recalling our passion for the outdoors and remembering our Southern African natural habitat, we embark on the naming adventure.

If you browse our catalogue, you’ll notice a common trend – our shoes are mostly named after indigenous trees. Sometimes, the naming team can’t find a suitable tree name, so we use the names of grasses, flowers, rocks or gems, as long as the name is perfect and reminds us of nature.

When the style now known as ‘Gordonia’ was the special guest at a naming ceremony, it immediately evoked a sense of sturdiness, strength and dependability among the members of the naming team.

A local Gordonia is known as the Koko Tree. It is evergreen, not losing its leaves in winter. Like you in your Gordonia's, the tree doesn’t hibernate in winter. Your Gordonia adventures continue, no matter what the conditions are. The Koko Tree grows naturally in a range of habitats, from bushveld to riverine forests, and it has even been seen growing among boulders. Your Gordonia's allow you to conquer any terrain without limitations to its ruggedness. With flowers all summer and attractive orange seeds, the Koko Tree is environmentally friendly, supporting birds and butterflies looking for food. Woodland Africa is environmentally conscious.

Interestingly, the Koko Tree can be planted in a garden container and grows as a small shrub, adapting to its environment. Like a Koko Tree in an urban garden, sometimes, you may just want to chill at home in your Gordonia's.

The word Gordonia has strength yet rolls off your tongue, much like the shoe – rugged yet beautiful to look at and admire.

We’d love to hear about one of your adventures in your Gordonia's. If you don’t own a pair of Gordonia's yet, look at the range and let us know where you dream to experience a Gordonia adventure. Leave a comment with your story and stand a chance to win a R500 voucher to spend on your next Woodland Africa purchase.

Until next time when we return to talk more about shoe size, enjoy the long summer days while they last and fill them with happy, fun adventures.