As the world celebrates literacy and education today, we’re taking a step in the direction of educating people about the one passion that drives us; leather. This World Literacy Day, we are focusing on making everyone leather-literate.
The first step of a shoe’s journey begins not in the cobbler’s shop but in the tanner’s, with the kind of leather that’s produced. It’s the leather that’s going to define the personality of the shoe when it is ready to adorn your feet.
Let’s begin with the oldest and the most revered. Full-grain leather. A classic that’s been used for centuries by master shoemakers, it retains the hide’s natural marks, giving each pair a unique character. Think of it as the storyteller’s leather, aging gracefully with a patina that whispers tales of every step you’ve taken. It’s not perfect but it’s beautiful in its imperfections because those natural marks are what make it stand out, much like our Moccasino Bruno.
Milled leather, on the other hand, narrates a much softer tale. By tumbling hides in a milling drum, tanners coax out a pebbled, supple texture. Long favoured in casual and comfort shoes, it is leather with personality. Rugged, yet warm in its embrace. It grows with you, with creases and folds adding to its charm like the Flexo Tannino.
Then there’s patent leather created by inventor Seth Boyden in in early 19th century Britain when he perfected a high-gloss coating that reflected light like a mirror. Once reserved for gentlemen’s evening wear, it quickly became synonymous with elegance and ceremony. Slip into a pair, and you’re walking into a ballroom of history with our Belismo Nero.
And then, of course, suede leather, created from the underside of the hide. Immortalised by Elvis Presley crooning his ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, it was first popularised in 20th century Europe. Its velvety finish has since danced its way from stages to sidewalks, beloved for its luscious, tactile luxury that you can experience with our Barco Celesto.
At the end of the day, leather isn’t just material. It’s memory, tradition, craft and art stitched into every shoe, waiting for your footsteps to give it life. So the next time you buy a pair of leather shoes, you will know exactly what to ask for. And what to look for.
