Material Guide
A MATERIAL WORLD
‘Leather’ is a vast topic, one that Companies House takes very seriously indeed. In our opinions, you can only produce high quality shoes by utilising and fully understanding high quality materials. Leather comes in an almost unending variety of types, at Companies House we use the finest available, usually European Calf. Regardless of the type of leather, all skins must meet our high expectations during the production process.
Below is a list of leather groups which covers off the majority of our shoes & boots found in our collection today.
Antique Calf
Our Antique Calf shoes are made from an exclusive selection of small European calf skins, with exceptionally fine grain. This leather is aniline dyed to bring out the full character of the leather, and each pair is hand polished in our factory. The perfect leather for an elegant dress shoe.
FEATURED SHOE: Courtenay in Dark Brown Antique Calf
Calf / Burnished Calf
Our Burnished Calf leather is made from European calf skins from the finest tanneries, available in a range of rich aniline dyed colours. The strong tannage will ensure that this leather will, if regularly polished, last for many years to come.
FEATURED SHOE: Lowndes in Dark Brown Burnished Calf
Woven Calf
Our Woven Calf leather is a speciality leather made by weaving strips of European calf in a linear crossover pattern. This leather requires fully backing and leather lining giving a distinctive look.
FEATURED SHOE: Kensington in Tan Woven Calf
Cavalry Calf
A strong calf leather with special treatment on the surface to give it a highly polished finish. Popular with the fashion industry, this leather works equally well with leather soles for dress shoes and chunky rubber soles for more casual wear.
FEATURED SHOE: Boston in Black Cavalry Calf
Scotch Grain
Our embossed grain leathers are made from European calf skins with a special tannage, which keeps them supple but strong. Our Scotch Grain print is known around the world, and has its origins in the 1920’s. This print is particularly suitable for boots and bluchers.
FEATURED SHOE: Islay in Dark Brown Scotch Grain
Country Calf
Made in exactly the same way as our Scotch Grain, the Country Calf has a slightly less pronounced print and is suitable for a variety of styles.
FEATURED SHOE: Boston in Dark Brown Country Calf
Willow Grain
The Willow Grain has a distinctive linear print, which gives it a certain elegance. This smart calf grain is used primarily in our Hand Grade Collection and is made with a soft tannage for extra comfort.
FEATURED SHOE: Kew in Dark Brown Willow Grain
Calf Suede
Our Calf Suede is made from European calf skins. Special features are its fine nap and soft handle, which makes it elegant and comfortable in wear. Using the full substance of the calf skin, this leather has a strong fibre structure and will look good for many years.
FEATURED SHOE: Kempton in Polo Calf Suede
Rough-Out Suede
Our Rough-Out Suede is a tough suede with wax treatment on the surface, which gives it its rugged character and some water resistance. This leather is particularly suitable for casual boots and shoes for all-year round wear.
FEATURED SHOE: Molton in Dark Brown Rough-Out Suede
Shell Cordovan
Cordovan is a rare and expensive leather, sought after by those who appreciate its oily sheen, which sets it apart from other leathers. This leather has a strong fibre structure, enhanced by its slow-age tannage, and is naturally dyed by hand in the tannery, before being hand polished when the shoe is made.
FEATURED SHOE: Pembroke in Whisky Cordovan
Side Leathers
These leathers have a heavier substance and are designed for outdoor wear. Extra oils in the tannage give them a degree of water resistance and improve their durability. Particularly suitable for boots.
FEATURED SHOE: Ross in Chocolate Hurricane Hide