About us
Hello, I'm Mehmet Istanbullu, My name is Mehmet, and the art of crafting handmade Yemeni shoes runs through my hands, we have old fashioned little workshop which was opened in the 1950s by my great grandfather Abdülkadir Istanbullu in Gaziantep/Turkey handmade products bazaar. We're registered business in UK as Istanbullu LTD and trading as Woolova in UK.
Our Mission
Our first and most important goal is to preserve this value and pass it on to the next generations.
Our second goal is to modernize this old culture with modern motifs in order to be a bridge to the present day.
Yemeni barefoot shoes gained international attention, appearing in major films like Troy and Harry Potter.
We are trying to deliver our handcrafted values to everywhere we can. Thank you very much for your interest!
We Offer:
Our workshop is a haven for handcrafted footwear, where we blend traditional Yemeni techniques with modern design principles. We specialize in barefoot shoes that embrace the natural movement of your feet, offering a unique and comfortable experience. Unlike conventional shoes, our designs prioritize functionality and health, promoting a more natural connection with the ground. Whether you’re seeking the airy comfort of summer sandals or the sturdy support of grounding shoes with copper rivets, we offer a range of styles that cater to your individual needs.
At Woolova, every shoe is handmade with love, care. We take pride in using the finest natural materials to create footwear that not only carries a piece of history but also stands the test of time. Our shoes are designed to feel like an extension of you—comfortable, breathable, and full of character.
By choosing Woolova, you’re not just wearing a shoe; you’re carrying a story—one that’s been passed down from my grandfather to my father, and now to me.
We offer shoes that take the shape of your feet as you wear them and allow you to feel nature with every step you take.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey.
How we work:
Crafted by Hand: Our shoes start with our Yemeni shoe wizards who stitch and build each pair by hand. It’s all about that personal touch that you just can’t get from a machine.
Eco-Friendly Vibes: We’re all about that green life, so we pick our materials thoughtfully and make sure we’re cool with the planet and our local pals.
Fresh Designs: We dig the classic Yemeni look, but we also mix in some new twists for today’s groove. Our shoes are where old-school charm meets new-school swag.
Common queries answered
Frequently asked Questions
All prices shown on our website already have VAT included and will no longer add customs processing fees when the package is delivered if the order value is is under £150. This means there will be no more surprise fees when you’re receiving items.
Zero-drop shoes provide the best foundation for a natural and upright posture. When we wear shoes that drop from the heel to the toe, it disrupts the alignment of our entire body. Wearing high-heeled shoes can chronically shorten your calf muscles and reduce the range of motion in your ankles, leading to pain in your Achilles tendon. To save you from all these problems and provide you with benefits, we don’t use heels in our shoes.
After cutting the leather pieces with a press machine, we complete all processes such as sewing and molding by hand. Due to being handmade, the production process takes approximately 4 days to complete
You can track your parcel by clicking this link & entering the tracking number you’ve received by e-mail.
Our shipping team typically adds a tracking number to your order a few hours after the order is placed. This indicates that the production process has officially begun, rather than the product being shipped. Please note that tracking activity on the shipping number will commence approximately 5 days later.
Currently we do accept 30 Day returns. You can see more details by clicking Returns & Refunds page.
You can change it from My Account (Make sure you’ve logged in) > Addresses section. However if you need to change it immidiately please contact us so we can correct your details before shipping out your parcel.
The courier will contact you via phone or email to inform you that delivery was unsuccessful. If they cannot find you at your address after 2 or 3 attempts, your shoes will be destroyed. The courier holds the shoes at the delivery branch for 1 week. During this time, you can pick up your shoes from the courier branch. Please be aware that after 1 week, the shoes will be destroyed.
Still need help?
Get in touch with us
We aim to respond within 1-3 Hours
Mon to Sat | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM GMT
Mail address: [email protected]
You can contact us through Whatsapp for faster responce.