LEATHER PRODUCTION
Premium-quality leather – at the heart of every Sioux shoe
Leather has been manufactured since the early history of humankind, as this high-quality and durable raw material can be used to make shoes. Native Americans developed the first-known type of shoe – the moccasin. Tanned buffalo skin was used to make these shoes. The buffalo was hunted primarily as a source of meat, but the hides, tendons and bones were processed and used for many different purposes.
Even today, the leather production process mainly involves processing one of the by-products. This is due to the fact that almost all leather used by shoe manufacturers is manufactured using livestock hides (cattle, goats, sheep). In order to list all the different hides used, it is worth mentioning pigskin. However, Sioux, as a manufacturer of quality shoes, does not use this type of hide. All the aforementioned animal hides used to manufacture tanned leather are produced as a by-product of food production. From an ecological and ethical point of view, this means that no animals are bred for the sole purpose of using their hides. At Sioux, we have made it our policy to only use upper leather, leather lining and hides which are by-products and for which no animal needs to be killed.
Which animal skins are used for shoes?
Only the skins of certain animals are used for producing high-quality leather shoes. Calf skins and hides are particularly popular (so-called box calf for leather lining and upper leather for common outdoor shoes), as are those from cows (cow leather, sole leather and upper leather for robust shoes), horses (so-called cordovan, higher priced upper leather, especially for men’s shoes) and goats (chevreau, upper leather and leather lining).
There are three stages to the manufacturing process. First of all, the leather hide is detached from the other two layers of the skin in the „water workshop“. The next stage involves the rawhide being tanned before the leather goes through the finishing process.
The quality of the finishing process depends on the handcrafted artistry. Even the highest quality animal rawhide is worth nothing if it is not perfectly transformed into premium leather.
Another finishing step, which is carried out before the drying stage, is producing a glaze for the shaft leather. This involves the upper layer of the leather being refined. This glaze protects the leather from external influences and preserves the shiny surface.
The finished outer leather is stretched between metal plates or under heat radiators and dried at between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. After the leather has been stored for one or two days, it is pressed at 90 degrees using heavy hand irons or a press. As a result, rawhide is turned into flawless leather.
Finishing leather
Leather only becomes the material we appreciate so much in shoes during the final step. The process carried out in the finishing shop is responsible for this change, as it receives its elegant appearance and typical smell.
Types of leather
At Sioux we place value on offering premium quality and comfort as well as a modern look. As a result of the various types of leather, tanning processes and colours, Sioux incorporates over 200 different varieties of leather into its collections to ensure that the highest standards are met. From non-slip, smooth leather and colourful suede and nubuck leathers, to reptile, metallic and glossy looks, everything has the same inimitable Sioux quality.
Shoe leather
Choosing the leather is very easy when it comes to Sioux shoes: we only settle for the best.
Shoe construction techniques
Why are there so many different shoe models? The construction technique used by Sioux depends on what the shoe will be worn for and what the wearer requires from it. Because, ultimately, the shoe must have a perfect fit.
Things you should consider when buying shoes
The following 10 tips will give you a practical guide and help you with your next shoe purchase. Besides the right shoe size and width, an optimal fit, skilful workmanship and the use of high-quality materials for the upper, lining and outsole are also important factors when it comes to quality and selection. We want you to stay feeling comfortable in your shoes for as long as possible.
Crepe sole
Learn more about what is undoubtedly the most natural form of comfort - everything about this Sioux speciality can be found here.
Labelling of materials
A question frequently asked by our customers is: “How can I be sure that the material used is really genuine leather?"
The history of footwear
More than 40,000 years ago, people developed a need to protect their feet against adverse external conditions. It took several centuries, however, until the fashionable and comfortable footwear that we are familiar with today became available.
Sioux hallgus protect
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
Sioux natural move system
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
SiouxTex
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
Shoe lining
Consumers often only pay attention to whether they like a shoe and whether it fits well. What is inside the shoe should also be a decisive factor: the shoe lining is often underestimated when buying shoes, despite being a key factor when it comes to comfort and health. Below we will explain the various types of shoe lining, their uses and the importance of shoe lining when it comes to your well-being.
Shoe soles
Whether they are a lightweight and flexible, feature unique air-cushioning or have a timeless and elegant leather sole: it's the perfect join of the shoe upper and sole which is the finishing touch to each and every shoe.
Shoe size and fit
As the foot performs a rolling motion when walking, it bears your weight in various areas and thus changes shape in doing so. The hallmark of a perfect-fitting shoe is that the toes and the foot itself have enough space within the shoe throughout this rolling motion and that the heel experiences sufficient grip. When a shoe fits, the heel does not slip out of the back of the shoe, and the shoe sits so perfectly in the midfoot area that the foot is supported – and is unable to slip forwards – hence the shoe pinching.
Shoe leather
Choosing the leather is very easy when it comes to Sioux shoes: we only settle for the best.
Shoemaking
There are lots of steps involved in making a shoe. From developing the model in the first instance, to the stamping, sewing and putting the finishing touches to the shoe at the very end.
Grashopper
In the 1960s, the natural form moccasin was a revolution. Today, the cult shoe is more topical than ever as a pioneer in modern casual wear.