Bathu
Most sneakers on South African shelves come from American or German brands. Bathu is the local alternative, started in Alexandra township in 2015 and now sold through its own stores and website.
So you are buying into a South African story as much as a shoe. The practical questions are simple: do the pairs feel right on your feet, and how does the price stack up against the big names?
What they do
Bathu designs and sells its own sneakers. It is a single brand, not a stockist, so everything on the site carries the Bathu name. The brand says it opened its first store in Newtown Junction in Johannesburg, and it now sells through its own retail stores as well as online.
The range covers adult sneakers, slides, kids’ sneakers and Bathu FC jerseys. Model names like the Mesh Edition, Journey, Khalanga and Volt make it easy to tell the lines apart once you have tried one.
For deal hunting, Bathu belongs in Fashion on The Real Deal.
What to look at first
Mesh Edition Sneakers
The Mesh line is where the brand began, and it now runs to the Mesh 3.0. A simple, casual sneaker for everyday wear.
Best for: first-time Bathu buyers.
Journey and Khalanga Sneakers
Two of the core lifestyle models, with the Journey now on its 3.0 version. Good options if you want something a little different from the Mesh.
Best for: people adding a second pair to the rotation.
Slides
The Moonlight and Ultra slides cover the easy, after-gym or around-the-house side of the range.
Best for: a cheaper way into the brand.
Kids’ Sneakers
Smaller versions of adult lines like the Journey 2.0, Khalanga and Mesh 3.0, plus kids-only Moja styles.
Best for: matching parent and child pairs.
Simple way to think about it
If you like the idea of wearing a local brand day to day, start with a Mesh or Journey pair. Try them on in a store if one is close by, because the fit tells you more than the photos do.
If you are mainly comparing on price and features, line up a Bathu pair against a similar casual sneaker from a global brand. Then decide how much the local story is worth to you.
It is worth seeing what Bathu has on special via The Real Deal before you pick a colourway.
What makes Bathu different
The difference is ownership and origin. Bathu is a South African brand with roots in Alexandra, and it talks openly about creating local jobs. For a lot of buyers, that is the reason to choose it.
What it does not have is the long performance history of the global sports brands. Treat these as lifestyle sneakers rather than running or training shoes, and you will be judging them fairly.
The practical bit
Shipping: Free delivery on orders of R1,000 or more. Bathu also ships internationally with DHL Express, with any duties paid by the buyer.
Delivery: Local orders usually arrive in 3 to 5 working days, with some regional areas taking longer. A tracking number is sent once the courier collects.
Returns: Request a return within 7 days of delivery for unworn, unwashed items. A R150 courier fee may come off your refund, but returns to a Bathu store are free. Sale, promo and combo-deal items generally cannot be returned unless faulty.
Support: Contact the team via bathu.co.za, by email at info@bathu.co.za or on 010 880 4319.
Who it’s for
This is for you if:
- You want to support a South African sneaker brand
- You are after a casual everyday sneaker
- You live near a Bathu store and can try pairs on first
- You want matching sneakers for the kids
Probably not for you if:
- You need a shoe for serious running or gym work
- You want a wide choice of brands in one order
- You often buy on sale and like the option to return
Final word
Bathu makes the most sense when the local brand is part of why you are buying. As a casual sneaker it holds its own, but compare it honestly with the global options at the same price before you pay.
When you are ready, scan the latest Bathu deals on The Real Deal and set them against the full price on the brand’s own site.
FAQ
Is Bathu worth it?
It is worth it if you want a casual sneaker from a South African brand. If you are buying purely on performance or price, compare it with global brands first.
Where can I find Bathu deals in South Africa?
Current offers are on Bathu on The Real Deal, with each deal RealRank checked against Bathu’s own pricing.
Is Bathu a South African brand?
Yes. Bathu was established in Alexandra township in 2015 and is based in South Africa, with its office in Centurion.