A vision for an african sneaker brand.
The Very First MEsh Edition Sneaker
After months of feasibility studies, and being rejected by 13 different shoe factories - Theo Baloyi's perseverance pays off and the Mesh Edition Sneaker is born.
Bathu's Founder Theo Baloyi launched 100 pairs of the now iconic sneaker to the people of Alexandra, Soweto, Midrand and Thembisa from the boot of his car and sold out within a few days.
Today, Mesh Edition is widely recognised as Africa's first homegrown sneaker.
Bathu Store #1
Newtown store opens
In 2018 Bathu bought it's first delivery vehicle and opened it's first physical store in Newtown Junction Mall in Jozi.
That opening was quickly followed by a store in the heart of Pretoria in the 012 precinct.
Demand grew from there and a further 4 stores were opened in Kimberley, Thohoyandou, Polokwane and Rustenburg in the same year.
In addition, a revamped version of Bathu's online store was launched with a bigger focus on customer service and ease of use.
YamaSupa!
Bathu's defining year
Part of Theo Baloyi's pillars for Bathu from the start was to create 100 meaningful jobs. In 2020 this was achieved.
In addition to this, Bathu moved into a 3700sqm warehouse in Midrand, added 3 brand new styles of sneakers and opened 10 new stores across South Africa.
Bathu & Theo Baloyi were also awarded a number of prestigious awards related to business by the Gauteng Premier's Office, Black Business Quarterly and other esteemed organisations.
The year finished off with a collab with South African Breweries and Castle Lite - which was a huge success.
To the Sky!
A Truly African brand
In 2021 Bathu was ranked 9th in Africa's most recognisable brands. This was an unbelievable achievement in our mission towards being a truly African brand and one that validated all the hard work the Bathu maSupas have put in over the years.
2021 also saw the design of our latest Sneaker style - The Sky Edition, as well as the successful launch of the Bathu X Somizi Kids range of sneakers.
What our customers say...
"100% great service, I made an order Monday afternoon and received my order Tuesday morning. Fits me well. Can't wait to rock them I'll be getting another pair soon."
- Ntoki
"My experience with the Bathu team was outstanding. I ordered online and 4 days later my item was at my doorstep. I love how you guys communicate with your clients Local is indeed lekker Enkosi Bathu <3"
- Thandokazi
"You guys have nailed it here for me, I've seen the previous editions of this brand but this one... I'm feeling it👌. Salute 👊"
- Tshepho
"Am always raving to my friends about Bathu, they think I should become one of your ambassador, just got Moja X edition-Naledi yellow for my birthday last month, am so happy and always on the look out for the new edition. Bathu👟...walk the journey"
- Malebo
"I can't believe I own one of these.. I'm sooo in love with them, received mine yesterday.. They are soo comfortable and beautiful 👌❤️❤️❤️❤️"
- Bongekile
"Got my babies today and I love them. They are worth every cent and a nice fit as well. Been excited from the time I ordered to delivery, the energy was not wasted... 😁"
- Muntu