We thought you might find this interesting. The Joh. Rendenbach Jr. Tannery has been producing oak bark sole leather since 1871.
So what is it exactly?
It’s leather tanned using the classical oak-bark method, obviously. A naturally pure tanning method taking place in old, three-meter deep oak lined pits. This method uses exclusively vegetable tanning agents in the form of barks and fruits. The process normally lasts between nine and twelve months, depending on the hide thickness. The leather is tanned without mechanical movement, without raising temperatures and without adding chemical catalysts.
Besides other advantages, this proves to be very lightweight due to the long tanning duration ensuring that the hide absorbs only the amount of tanning agent absolutely necessary. Oak-bark tanned leather possesses unique properties: it is extremely hard wearing, tough, as well as flexible, making a comfortable sole of outstanding solidity, standing out through its appealing surface and a warm woody color. Oak-bark tanned sole leather is also:
- Highly water-repellent
- Especially breathable
- Absorbs perspiration
- Deodorant and antiseptic
- Prevention against foot diseases
- Completely bio-degradable
Think about that next time you try on a pair of Edward Green’s or Gaziano & Girling’s.
