Know Your Leather

We’ve decided to take a more in-depth look into the topic and unpack the different types of leather used to craft your favourite leather shoes.  Before we get into the thick of things it is critical, we ask the question – “What makes a leather shoe the perfect shoe to have?”

 

Is it comfort, durability or even the soft leather feel on your feet? Well, of course, there’s no right answer to this, but the best answer is: it’s a combination of all those things and more that make Sebago shoes the perfect leather shoes to have all year round.

 

NUBUCK

Nubuck and suede are the two most confusing types of leather, because their look and feel is so similar. However, these two are very different from one another. Nubuck is top-grain leather; this means nubuck is sanded on the outer surface of the leather and is the part that would be the exterior of the animal skin. This makes nubuck more durable and of higher quality. One other thing that is similar about nubuck and suede is the need for both to be consistently treated to care for its soft exterior. 

 

 

SUEDE

Suede and nubuck have a similar appearance and feel. However, suede is made from the inside of the hide. It is then sanded down, giving it the texture and softness, you feel when touching it. Suede is incredibly soft, pliable, and lightweight. Much like nubuck, suede needs consistent care and maintenance for it to retain its smoothness and suppleness. Sebago shoes make beautiful use of Suede and Nubuck as they are  constructed to be the perfect footwear, hand-sewn with only the most excellent level of craftsmanship.

 

Jim Green Footwear

That sneaky little frog

 

Jim Green originates from a well-known fly fishing area within the rolling hills of the Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  Along the river edges in the area lives a sneaky little frog, known to locals as a “Jim Green”. This frog happens to be a sort after snack for awaiting fish.

 

The frog is not only used by questionable fisherman to hook a winning catch but is also the hero that dons each one of our boots.  

 

JIM GREEN TODAY

Jim Green is one of South Africa’s favorite adventure and workwear footwear brands, being worn by large and small corporations and remains a local favorite amongst the farming and hiking communities. We have a heritage of making durable comfortable footwear that is famous for its never say die attitude and respected by many. No other boot is more versatile, from mountain tops to factory floors, Jim Green boots are ready for any challenge.

 

Product Care

The best way to preserve your Jim Greens is through regular and correct polishing. Water, heat and wear remove the natural oil from the leather, so when the tiny fibres dry out they become hard, brittle and break easily, thereby shorten the life of the leather.

 

For our leather boots we recommend any natural shoe polish found at your local store. For our suede options we suggest light brushing to remove dirt and a scotchguard for longer protection.

 

After a long day in wet conditions and you requiring your boots early the next morning, the worst possible solution is to artificially dry your boots. Leather fibres burn easily – especially when wet and therefore should never be left near a heater, placed in your oven or left in direct sunlight. For the best results, footwear should be dried out slowly and never subjected to any extreme heat. Should you work in constantly wet conditions, it is best to alternate between two or more pairs of our Jim Green boots.

 

Re-soling

Given the durability and quality of the Jim Green upper, most of our customers find that the sole wears away numerous times before the upper eventually gives out.  In response, we have set up a technical and repair department at Crouch Footwear. Please note that repairs and re-soling are at the discretion of the department, as some boots and shoes are may be beyond the point of repair or re-soling. 

 

In some cases, if unable to visually ascertain the degree of wear and tear done to the insole board prior to receiving the boots, further damage can occur during the re-soling or repair process. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for this possible occurrence.