About
We’re Jelske Peterson and Jarah Stoop, the duo behind Peterson Stoop, redesigning and rebuilding shoes to last. We founded our studio in 2013 to answer a simple question: How can we make the best shoe?
Jelske Peterson, born in Groningen, The Netherlands, grew up in a family deeply committed to political engagement and making a positive impact on the world. Jarah Stoop, born in Nelson, New Zealand, comes from an adventurous family of entrepreneurs and artists.
Jelske and Jarah met while studying Product Design at ArtEZ (Arnhem). While Jelske studied artisanal shoe making at DHTA (NL), Jarah went on to study Fashion Design at the Royal College of Art (London). We combine design, craft, and circular thinking to keep footwear in use longer.
From cobbling to innovation
While working parttime as a shoe cobbler with master shoemaker Nils Kalf for 7 years, Jelske learnt how disposable sneakers are in comparison to traditional shoes. In response, we invented the Circle Welt™ in 2016, a meticulous, hand-built process that wraps a leather strip around the upper and stitches it to the midsole, creating a durable construction so soles can be replaced and the shoe can be repaired time and again.
What we do
Circle Welt - Shoes with our iconic Circle Welt.
Custom Circle Welt - bringing worn favourites back to life with the Circle Welt.
Patchwork - Deconstructing and rebuilding shoes from salvaged parts.
How we work
We prioritise longevity, repairability, and responsible materials; such as vegetable-tanned leather from Italy, cork from Portugal and water based glue. We design to minimise waste and share care guidance so each pair stays in circulation longer.
Collaborations
Our approach has led to selective partnerships with designers and brands including BYBORRE, Timberland, Birkenstock and Jeff Staple; proof that circular design can be beautiful, practical, and desirable.
Looking ahead
We keep improving our methods and materials; inviting accountability, traceability, and collaboration as we continue to push what footwear can be.
Jelske Peterson, born in Groningen, The Netherlands, grew up in a family deeply committed to political engagement and making a positive impact on the world. Jarah Stoop, born in Nelson, New Zealand, comes from an adventurous family of entrepreneurs and artists.
Jelske and Jarah met while studying Product Design at ArtEZ (Arnhem). While Jelske studied artisanal shoe making at DHTA (NL), Jarah went on to study Fashion Design at the Royal College of Art (London). We combine design, craft, and circular thinking to keep footwear in use longer.
From cobbling to innovation
While working parttime as a shoe cobbler with master shoemaker Nils Kalf for 7 years, Jelske learnt how disposable sneakers are in comparison to traditional shoes. In response, we invented the Circle Welt™ in 2016, a meticulous, hand-built process that wraps a leather strip around the upper and stitches it to the midsole, creating a durable construction so soles can be replaced and the shoe can be repaired time and again.
What we do
Circle Welt - Shoes with our iconic Circle Welt.
Custom Circle Welt - bringing worn favourites back to life with the Circle Welt.
Patchwork - Deconstructing and rebuilding shoes from salvaged parts.
How we work
We prioritise longevity, repairability, and responsible materials; such as vegetable-tanned leather from Italy, cork from Portugal and water based glue. We design to minimise waste and share care guidance so each pair stays in circulation longer.
Collaborations
Our approach has led to selective partnerships with designers and brands including BYBORRE, Timberland, Birkenstock and Jeff Staple; proof that circular design can be beautiful, practical, and desirable.
Looking ahead
We keep improving our methods and materials; inviting accountability, traceability, and collaboration as we continue to push what footwear can be.