About
Annonay Dark Brown Softcalf is a dark brown colorway of softcalf leather produced by Tannerie D'Annonay in France. The leather is developed alongside the tannery and features characteristics typical of Annonay calf leathers, including softness, suppleness and breathability. The dark brown color is offered by several heritage footwear manufacturers using this French calfskin.
About
Annonay Dark Brown Softcalf is a dark brown colorway of softcalf leather produced by Tannerie D'Annonay in France. The leather is developed alongside the tannery and features characteristics typical of Annonay calf leathers, including softness, suppleness and breathability. The dark brown color is offered by several heritage footwear manufacturers using this French calfskin.
Production and Heritage
Tannerie D'Annonay was created in 1838 in the Ardèche region of France. The tannery is located in Annonay, which has been a leather-production center since the 12th century. The facility specialized in box calf tannage, a process that gives the leather durability, wear-resistance, transparency and beauty.
The tannery inherited its expertise from two historically recognized tanneries of the 20th century: Combe and Meyzonnier. In 2013, Tannerie D'Annonay was acquired by Hermès International. Softcalf leather comes exclusively from Tannerie D'Annonay and Tanneries Du Puy in France.
Material Characteristics
Dark brown softcalf is characterized by its soft and supple nature, making for a truly flexible upper. The leather is breathable and well-suited for unlined upper construction. The material is described as full grain leather that offers finesse with softness while maintaining durability and resistance to wear.
The softcalf exhibits a small natural grain with a matte finish. The leather produces flexible uppers while maintaining structural integrity required for footwear construction. These properties make the leather suitable for both lined and unlined shoe constructions.
Aging and Patina Development
Dark brown calf leather develops natural patina with wear. Brown shades become richer after several months of wear. The leather permits a patina sheen that reflects age, wear and polishing applied to the surface.
Patina typically develops darker around the heel counter and toe box areas due to accumulation of wax and polish in sections that experience less flexing. This aging characteristic is valued in heritage footwear circles.
Applications in Heritage Footwear
The dark brown softcalf is used by several heritage footwear manufacturers. Meermin offers multiple shoe models using dark brown softcalf leather from Tannerie D'Annonay, including their model 201341 Balmoral Boot. The leather is commonly employed with Flex Goodyear Welted construction methods.
Footwear constructed with this leather features fully unlined French softcalf from La Tannerie D'Annonay, typically fitted with vegetable-tanned leather insoles, outsoles and stacked heels. The construction allows for resoling and rebuilding of the footwear.
References
"201341 - DARK BROWN SOFTCALF - E". Meermin Shoes. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
"Alpine Calf". Oak & Honey Leather Goods. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
"Where are the materials you use from?". Meermin Help Center. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
"Annonay Tannery – Excellence in high-end calf leather". Groupe HCP. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
"The Full Works - Dark Brown Scotch Grain". Crockett & Jones. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
"A deep dive into patina". Lovable Brogue. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
