Russian leather shoes are renowned worldwide for their rich colors, suppleness and unique aroma. These hides are treated with a secret balance of natural oils that preserves the leather’s flexibility, strength and longevity.

Unlike European consumers who choose bright demi-season shoes, Russians value quality products that will withstand the local climate.

Craftsmanship

The simplest footwear was made of thick, dense cowhide leather without decoration. This was the everyday footwear of peasants and artisans, while softer and thinner leather was used to make more costly shoes for the upper classes. The thick leather of the soles was attached to the upper and heel quarter using a combination of methods, including an inner seam and sewing with a needle (Illustration 4, items 2v-4). The lining [Rus. podnariad, podnarjad] was sewn to the upper and heel quarter with a special stitch.

The archaeological material also shows that shoemakers in medieval Novgorod used a variety of techniques for decorating their footwear, including stamping, embroidery, and leather carving. In addition, they carved their names into the leather or on the bottoms of the footwear to identify them.

In the 14th century, a new type of footwear appeared – openwork boots. These were similar to soft shoes in that they had a single forward cut and standing or lightly bent sides. These boots were also tied at the instep with rawhide laces running through slits in the sides.

The surviving pieces of this leather are rare, but Schuh-Bertl has found ways to work with it. They use it to make their Russia leather boots, which have become something of a menswear legend, because they’re so durable and virtually indestructible.

Durability

In addition to being beautiful, Russian leather shoes are also extremely durable. This is due to their unique tanning process, which results in a stronger and more supple leather. Additionally, they are incredibly water-resistant and insect repellent. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities and long walks. In fact, the durability of these shoes is so good that they are often used by professional hunters and hikers.

One of the most famous examples of Russian leather was found in the wreckage of the Metta Catharina. When divers recovered bundles of Russian reindeer hides, they immediately became a historical legend. The hides were a rich claret color and had a distinct aroma. After the divers cleaned them, they were approached by bespoke shoemakers from Cleverly. The bespoke shoemakers agreed that they could do justice to this legendary leather.

The leather was tanned using oak bark and greased with birch tar oil to achieve the hardwearing, waterproof properties that make it so famous. Its reputation grew throughout the world until the Russian Revolution, when the recipe and tanning techniques were lost.

Hermes has reproduced the look and feel of this leather through a process called “Russian calf”. The first step is to handpick the best quality calfskins (only those from animals under the age of a year, as opposed to the six months that are required for normal calfskin). Next, they are soaked in a tanning pit made from oak, willow, and birch bark – all endemic trees from the region where the leather was born. Finally, they are dyed and printed with the characteristic cross-hatch pattern of Russian leather.

Quality control

While many shoemakers still use their traditional methods, they have also begun to implement new technologies. The Yachting factory, for example, has replaced foreign blanks in production and now produces giay da the thao nam from start to finish in Russia. This allows for greater flexibility in adjusting to the needs of customers, and reduces production times. It also increases the quality of shoes by eliminating defects and improving the production process.

The quality of footwear depends on the material and manufacturing processes. Shoemakers must use the best materials, and their factories must be clean and well-equipped. To ensure the quality of their products, companies must also follow a rigorous inspection schedule. A good inspector will know which tests to conduct and will help you achieve the highest possible standards of quality.

Footwear must comply with certain standards to be sold in Russia, including testing for harmful substances. Hohenstein can test your leather shoes for harmful chemicals according to the LEATHER STANDARD RSL and issue a certificate.

The quality of Russian shoes is a critical factor in the country’s economy. A strong reputation for quality shoes can attract customers and boost the nation’s economy. Despite the challenges, the Russian shoe industry remains optimistic. For example, the Egorievsk Shoemaker Company continues to invest in its hometown, and sponsors restorations of cultural monuments. It also supports children’s sports, and helps war and labor veterans.

Manufacturing processes

The standards for Russian leather shoe production are quite strict, as the products must meet GOST and the advanced Roskachestvo standard. These standards include stricter requirements for tailoring and toxicity. The products are also subject to a mandatory test for adherence to environmental standards and must be made from local materials.

Shoemakers must also adhere to a set of rules for the design and manufacturing process, as well as a number of other technical specifications. For example, the soles must be durable and waterproof. In addition, the uppers must be flexible enough to allow movement in any direction and support the foot’s natural shape. The production of the footwear is based on a complete cycle, from cutting the skin to the packaging of the finished product.

Moreover, the shoes must be comfortable and soft. In addition, they must be resistant to abrasion and corrosion. This is why many Russian manufacturers produce footwear with textile uppers. In 2022, the production of these types of shoes exceeded 34 million pairs.

According to the Ukrainian sanctions monitoring project Trap Aggressor, Russian military shoemakers import raw materials and equipment from Europe. They have directly imported 4.1 million dollars worth of products from European companies, including leather, glue, and parts for shoe manufacturing equipment. Inna Khramtsova, the leading designer at the company Unichel, has been creating shoes for more than 20 years. She knows what shoes Russian women are buying today and what shoes will be popular tomorrow.