Our "Made in Germany" Leather – Tradition from Marbach

Tradition, craftsmanship, and the aspiration to create something special from a natural material: Sioux and the Oehler tannery are connected by more than just their proximity. The family business from Marbach am Neckar has been producing leather in Germany since 1823 and is now run by the sixth generation.

For selected Sioux models, suede leather from Marbach is used. A high-quality natural material with special properties – and a fine example of how traditional craftsmanship and modern processes go together perfectly.

One of Germany's Traditional Tanneries

Just a few kilometers from Sioux is the David Oehler GmbH Leather Factory in Marbach am Neckar.

The history of the family business dates back to 1823. Over six generations, knowledge about leather production has been passed down, while continuously supplemented with new processes and technologies.

Today, Oehler specializes particularly in high-quality suede for the shoe and accessories industry.

What connects us, in addition to our Swabian homeland, is above all a shared aspiration: high-quality materials, careful processing, and the combination of tradition and progress.

What is hydrophobized suede?

A special specialty of the tannery is hydrophobized suede.

During hydrophobization, the leather acquires water-repellent properties already during production. Unlike an exclusively subsequent surface treatment, the protection is thus integrated into the manufacturing process of the leather.

This can offer advantages, especially for shoes: moisture penetrates the material less quickly, and the leather dries more easily after getting wet.

However, it is important to note: Hydrophobized means water-repellent, not waterproof. Even appropriately treated leather should be cared for and protected according to its use.

You can find out more about the different types of leather and their properties under [Our Leathers].

Why is hydrophobized suede suitable for shoes?

Suede is characterized by its soft, characteristically roughened surface. At the same time, exposed leather fibers can absorb moisture and dirt more easily than a closed smooth leather surface.

Hydrophobization reduces water absorption. This results in several advantages for shoes:

• Water-repellent properties: Moisture can penetrate the leather less easily.

• Less prone to water stains: Reduced water absorption can minimize the risk of visible marks and stains.

• Faster drying: Since less moisture is absorbed, the leather can dry more easily after wearing.

• Long-lasting appearance: High-quality dyeing and processing help to maintain the characteristic color and surface of the leather for a long time.

• Pleasant material properties: Leather remains a breathable natural material and is therefore particularly suitable for high-quality footwear.

Especially for shoes that are worn frequently, the combination of pleasant feel, attractive appearance, and everyday suitability is particularly interesting.

Less care does not mean no care

Hydrophobized suede is more resistant to moisture and dirt than untreated rough leather. However, even this high-quality natural material cannot do without any care.

Dust and superficial dirt should be regularly removed with a suitable suede brush. This also straightens the fine fibers and maintains the typical suede structure.

Depending on the wear, an impregnation suitable for the material may also be advisable.

Detailed information can be found under [Suede care] and [Waterproofing shoes].

Tradition meets modern leather manufacturing

What makes the Oehler leather factory special is the combination of accumulated artisanal knowledge and modern production.

Many steps require experience, a good eye, and a keen sense for the natural material leather. At the same time, modern processes are used to specifically influence properties such as color, structure, thickness, or water repellency.

Since each hide is a natural product, no two pieces of leather are exactly alike. This makes experience and careful quality control during processing all the more important.

Precisely this interplay of craftsmanship, experience, and modern technology also corresponds to our understanding of quality at Sioux.

Learn more about this under [Craftsmanship].

Leather from the region for Sioux shoes

For us, a high-quality material is not just about its appearance. What is crucial is how it feels, how it can be processed, and what properties it will later have in the finished shoe.

The fact that we can use suede from a traditional tannery practically from our Swabian neighborhood for selected models is therefore something special.

From Marbach to Walheim is only a short distance – but the leather has about 200 years of experience behind it.

A fine example of how regional tradition, modern leather technology, and our experience as shoe manufacturers can come together.