Ever since I’ve moved to Mexico, I’ve been enjoying wearing vegetable tanned leather Huaraches everyday.
Yes, the colour of the leather naturally darkens with exposure to sunlight and air. So like a living organism you can actually tell how old the shoes are as they age/grow together with you.
This is not a new concept, Louis Vuitton collectors will look for dark patina finishes that reflects the products authenticity and quality…and not just Louis Vuitton.
And it seems this fascination with the changing appearance of shoes is also shared by other brands also making shoes in natural colour vegetable tanned leather.
The Jordan IV by Hender Scheme
The Nike Air Max 1 VT Patina
The USD$500 Vegetable Tanned ASICS Gel-Lyte III
FEIT Reconnaissance Mids
And of course my úkata “Cien Clavos” Huaraches by Huaraches Martínez
For more information about Huaraches check out:
Huarache Blog and Huarache Blog on Tumblr
And if you REALLY feel adventurous and want to see how vegetable tanned leather is made by hand..
…check out my extensive and EXPLICIT post on Artisanal Tanning HERE