The majority of the leather sourced to manufacture shoes at Bolton Footwear come from tanneries which are LWG certified or in the process of becoming certified.Leather Working Group (LWG) is an organisation focusing on the environmental impact caused by leather manufacturing. To become LWG-certified, manufacturers must have implemented programmes for energy use and wastewater. This certificate means the leather will be a byproduct, traceable and sustainable.
BUFFCALF
A high-quality leather that has a full fine-grained burnishable look. It is thick, supple, and extremely strong with an antique effect that will keep your look sleek and sophisticated.
COBBLER
Hi-shine fine-grained calf with a brush-off finish that gives an elegant and timeless look.
DIESEL
A buffed grain leather that is super soft and makes for a comfortable upper. This finish has slight creasing with a subtly aged appearance.
PRINTED LEATHERS
Only top-quality leather is sourced to create a luxurious finished shoe. The printed leather is characterized by its unique appearance derived from the patterns and a very distinct full-grain buffalo printed effect, making it beautiful in appearance and durable enough to withstand a lifetime of use. Good examples would be Lizard, Hornback and Emu.
GLACE KID
A high valued leather that’s soft with a small fine grain appearance. The full aniline makes it appear natural and smooth while the glazing allows a glossy hi-shine finish providing you with a sleek look.
SANDIEGO
Aniline leather is the most natural-looking leather type that displays the natural marks and characteristics visible from the animal’s life. The skin displays a lighter pull-up color while maintaining the feel of a waxy drag. Sandiego is sourced from a high-quality hide selection that is chrome-tanned making it ideal for the manufacture of casual shoes. It is water-resistant and with wear, the leather develops a naturally weathered patina which warrants its quality and durability.
SOFTEE
A corrected grain leather was developed specifically to produce a smooth finished leather. This leather undergoes a lengthy tanning process that ensures the final product is durable and has a quality lifespan. Softee’s main quality is in the name and its thickness (substance) makes it ideal for our unlined shoes, making it one of Grasshoppers’ most successful leathers for years.
SUEDE
Suede is a high-quality form of leather, made from the underside of animal skin that has a soft surface and a napped finish. It is characterized by a soft smooth surface with a comfortable feel and decorative look. The look and feel of suede make it a highly desired material.
TERMINATOR
A lovely soft aniline leather that has been treated with oils and waxes to give it an upmarket look and feel. It has been lightly milled to enhance the natural creases that you find in full-grain leather. Lined or unlined, this leather offers pure comfort for the wearer.
PATENT
This leather is only produced on corrected grain skins (skin surface that has a tight flat grain and free of marks and blemishes). The tanned leather is coated three times with PU (polyurethane) solutions. The desired colour is added to the 2nd coat and then sealed with the final clear coat for that perfect sophisticated mirror like finish.
OSTRICH
Genuine ostrich skins are lightly tanned, and the main focus is to keep the leather soft and natural feeling. The main characteristic feature of this leather are the distinctive follicles which is prominent on all ostrich leather.
TORNADO
This is a corrected-grain cow leather with an elephant skin print. This leather’s reliable durability has been proven over time, making it ideal for everyday wear. The feel of the leather softens with time and wear but maintains a strong durable structure.
DALLAS
Dallas is a versatile leather with a smooth nubuck type look and feel creating a perfect, elegant finish to the shoe. It is soft and well suited for all types of footwear. It will show small scratches and marks as leather is a natural, living product.
TEK-TAN
Tek-Tan is a PU coated leather specially developed for school shoes and corporate footwear. It is easy to wipe clean and needs no polish. The leather is soft and durable. Due to the PU coating no defects will appear on the uppers.
LEATHER CARE TIPS
Here are some simple tips you can follow to ensure your shoes keep their ‘sole.’
Always inquire which leather your shoes are made of. Using the correct cleaning products and materials will bring your shoes back to life.
General Suede:
• Suede shoes stain easily, and it will always need special attention.
• Allow the dirt to dry and then gently remove with a suede brush or a toothbrush.
• Make sure to get a suede brush that safely removes the debris and rejuvenates the material.
• Once you are happy with the cleanliness, blot with a damp paper towel and allow to dry.
Casual Leather (Dallas, Diesel, Sandiego, Terminator):
• Leather Shampoo can be used when you have dirt or debris on the shoe.
• Wipe the dirt away with a damp soft cloth and allow it to dry.
• Use leather conditioner to hydrate the leather and bring back the shine.
• Do not treat with colored polish (it can be polished with a regular dry cloth instead).
Formal Leather (Buffcalf / Cobbler / Emu/Lizard/ Hornback and Glace Kid):
• Wipe with a damp soft cloth to remove dust and grime and allow it to dry.
• Apply colour-matched polish or leather cream. Alternatively, use neutral colour leather cream.
• Use a soft brush followed by buffing with a soft cloth for a new and improved sleek finish.
Additional Information:
• Preferably use a microfiber cloth to remove any excess solution and/or dirt.
• A microfiber cloth helps to trap dirt and grime without scratching materials like leather or rubber. They are also an effective product used for shining shoes.
