Where To Buy Leather For Shoe Making?

[miggo]

Hello!

Im about to start making my own shoes as soon as i get a hand of some leather. I have been looking around at some producers, like Bakers.

But i have a problem. I really can't find leather for upper. I´ve been searching online now for nearly three weeks.

Can some angel in here guide me to where to buy best leather? I don't mind the price.

So I'm looking for great quality in soles etc. and for upper.

Kind regards

Miggo

[SkullCanyon]

Not sure what you are looking for specifically. Some use Horween which is high dollar, they have cordovan and lots of pull-up leather.

Hide House is in Napa, CA. they have a wide selection of leathers from nice buffalo/bull and more.

Currently they are in clean-up mode due to the recent earthquake but you can check them out.

Hope this helps.... I know a custom shoe maker in Oregon that would be able to direct you if I knew what you sought.

He does it all from cowboy boots, moccasins, hiking boots, fine fashion shoes etc.....

[electrathon]

You need to be more specific on the style of shoe. Just about any chrome tanned (soft) leather will work. Some is better than others, and it depends on what you are making.

Edited September 1, 2014 by electrathon

[miggo]

@SkullCanyon and @electrathon

Thanks for your reply! I want to make bespoke shoes for woman and men. I would appreciate all information about what type of leather i need to buy for upper. I just ordered soles from Bakers in U.K. I only want the best leather.

SkullCanyon, is it possible you could direct me to the shoemaker you mentioned?

Kind regards

Miggo

[SkullCanyon]

Hey Miggo,

I sent you a PM with the information that you seek. Hope this gets you in the right direction.

Best regards,

Kenny

[BespokeOnly]

Like what was said above the Horween cordovan shell and their chromexcel are grade A all the way. Smoother grained leather will help you get that mirror finish you see on toe caps, less holes for the polish to fill. Though I've seen Russian reindeer uppers shine up nice too, and that has a very noticeable grain.

[Hunhunt]

I have been learning how to make shoes over the last year. I have confined my efforts to oxford style shoes on Munson lasts using stitch out construction after trying other ways to last the shoes. I have also tried a variety of leathers from very heavy soft shrunken bullhide to oily casual looking leather to best quality Horween Chromexcel. In the process I have narrowed my leather choices down to Horween products for a dressier shoe and Crazy Horse leather (available from Zack White Leather) for a more casual look. Although I am primarily using Horween Chromexcel right now, their Beaufort leather is actually easier to work with in terms of gluing since it is less waxy/oily. Both the Horween products and the Crazy Horse leather are a real pleasure to work with because they are so moldable. This makes molding around the last much easier and provides better results for me (no wrinkles to fight with and a crisp looking finished product). Even though these leathers are easy to mold they do not seem to stretch out of shape after extensive wear. I have also used Horween Austin leather and similar S.B. Foot leather but found those products very difficult to mold due to their very limited stretch. Hope this helps.

[tossik]

SkullCanyon, who's the guy in Oregon? Im from here and would love to talk to the guy and perhaps stop by

[electrathon]

Bill Shannor at Bonnie and Wills. He knows a lot and spent many years in both custom shoes and factory shoe manufacture.

[SkullCanyon]

Bill Shanor, Bill has a nice shop located in Ashland, OR. His number is 541 951 0952 and a real nice guy.

Good luck