We source our leather from small US farms where cows roam free. Because of this, the hides we source have scratch marks, insect bites, as a result of the natural occurrences that transpired during the animal’s life. We believe this is what gives character to the leather and tells a unique story. So instead of hiding all the natural marks, we maintain these imperfections and the integrity of the leather through a custom-made double tanning process. This process is also in line with our aim at lowering our Carbon Footprint. Keeping leather as natural as possible, avoids a large dump of chemicals on leather.
Sutro is manufactured in Leon, Mexico, in a third-generation factory alongside the most reputable handmade brands in the market. This factory specializes 100% in handcraft footwear and nothing else.
We use 16 mm thick, full-grain leather for the upper and full glove leather lining. A custom Vegetal re-tanning process infuses natural oils and waxes in the leather fibers. Using substances such as beeswax and tree bark gives durability and rich patina that gets better with age. We partner with the most renowned tanneries in the US and Mexico to ensure that not only our leathers are sourced from boutique farms, but that they comply 100% with U.S. Environmental & Chemical requirements.
In line with our hand-crafted boots, Low-Carbon Footprint, and respect for nature, we have adopted a custom made process with Vegetal re-tanning. This process infuses natural oils & waxes (i.e. palm oil & beeswax) into the leather fibers. The oils lubricate and hydrate the leather, while the wax reacts with exposure to the environment and with time develops a rich patina that looks better with age.
Vegetable tanning is the only tanning process that affords highs and lows in the leather tone. We avoid dump of harmful chemicals on our leathers and keep the leather as chemical free as possible. We showcase the life of the animal by displaying the marks, scratches, insect bites, all imperfections of its life.
In Chrome tanning process, chemicals "correct" or smooth all the wrinkles. That is why all Chrome/ Chromexcel leathers are smooth. Also due to the chemicals used in this tanning process, it is impossible to cream and burnish Chrome leathers. Therefore, the leather is always mono-tone.
Our hides come from boutique farms where cows roam in pastures. As a result of natural events that occurred during animal’s life, you will see freckles, insect bites, scratch marks, birth defects, etc. This is a feature of natural leather and is a way to distinguish natural tanning from over worked and over processed tanning.
Each part of the boot is cut from a different area of the hide. Depending on the part, you will notice more or less wrinkles. In general, the back part has less wrinkles, the side and stomach have more. We use all parts of the hide that complies with our standard 16 mm thickness.
Different parts of the leather have different pores and fibers that do not absorb cream uniformly. In addition, creaming and burnishing is done by hand. This gives way to beautiful highs and lows which is a mark of true handcraft.