• Shell Cordovan - Horween Tannery (Chicago, USA)

    Overview: Shell cordovan from the Horween Tannery is considered by many to be the best shell cordovan, if not leather, in the world. It is a unique material derived from horsehide with a dense structure that causes it not to crease when worn, and ages beautifully over time.

    Production: Each shell is vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed, and hand-glazed over the course of 6 months.

    Characteristics: Shell has a rich, glossy appearance, with a moderate "color change" effect when exposed to different types of light. It is easy to maintain and takes wax polish very easily.

    Recommendation: Shell is a versatile leather, perfect with any of our styles and options.

  • Goldanil Calf Skin - Conceria Zonta Spa (Vicenza, Italy)

    Overview: A staple in any man's wardrobe, Goldanil calfskin is a no-frills option perfect for any of our shoes.

    Production: Chrome-tanned using top-quality hides, this leather is full grain and aniline dyed. This means the leather is not sanded or covered in a plastic coating to hide defects, unlike many mass-produced shoes. You can be confident knowing only the best parts of the hide are used.

    Characteristics: Color-rich, and supple with a soft touch. Semi-shiny finish that readily accepts a mirror shine,

    Recommendation: A classic leather, calfskin can be used across any of our styles.

  • Museum Calf - Conceria Zonta Spa (Vicenza, Italy)

    Overview: Popular among bespoke makers, Museum Calf has a stunning two-tone finish for an antique "marbling" effect. It remains just as formal as our traditional calfskin, but with additional depth.

    Production: The finest full grain European calfskins are selected for museum calf, which is then chrome-tanned and aniline-dyed.

    Characteristics: Similar attributes to calfskin, with the stunning finish adding additional depth and visual interest, particularly in outdoor lighting.

    Recommendation: Museum Calf is right at home on dress shoes and formal boots, but can also dress up more casual styles. Perfect for those interested in flying slightly above the radar. Additional colors are available upon inquiry.

  • Castorino Suede - Conceria Zonta Spa (Vicenza, Italy)

    Overview: Castorino suede is an exclusive, beautiful calfskin suede used throughout Europe by bespoke makers. It has a velvety texture with rich colors and shows very little creasing when worn.

    Production: Castorino is Chrome-tanned reverse calfskin, with an aniline full-grain back, meaning the outer leather is not separated from the suede, unlike mass-produced articles.

    Characteristics: Velvety-soft nap with minimal creasing. Like all suede, Castarino will not show scratches or creases as prominently as other leathers.

    Recommendation: Suede leans slightly more towards casual footwear, but is extremely versatile and can help "soften" more formal styles.

  • Pioneer Hatch Grain - Horween Tannery (Chicago, USA)

    Overview: Pioneer Hatchgrain (aka "Reindeer") is a stunning textured leather inspired by the 200-year-old hides discovered in the Die Frau Metta Catherina shipwreck at the bottom of the English Channel.

    Production: The hides are both chrome and vegetable-tanned, aniline dyed, and embossed with the iconic Horween Hatchgrain print, and will age well over time.

    Characteristics: Hatch Grain has a rich color and slightly waxy finish.

    Recommendation: Hatch Grain is perfect for boots and derby shoes, but works just as well on more formal styles.

  • Chromexcel - Horween Tannery (Chicago, USA)

    Overview: Originally formulated over 100 years ago, Chromexcel was heavily used in WW1 for motor seals in tanks. This original formula is unchanged, and the leather has since become a staple in rugged, hard-wearing footwear.

    Production: Vegetable & chrome tanned, aniline dyed, and infused with an oil and wax blend to create a rich and extremely durable end product.

    Characteristics: Chromexcel is extremely rugged and is resistant to hardening and salt stains. The infused waxes result in a pull-up effect, which will contribute to a great patina over time as the surface finish wears. Of all our leathers, It is our most durable and requires only brushing for maintenance.

    Recommendations: Perfect for more casual boots and shoes, such as our service boot and longwing derby, though you can't go wrong combining it with any of our styles based on your environment.