C.F. Stead Desert Oasis Suede

Desert Oasis is available in multiple finish options including natural velour, extra silky, and a waxed surface application. The leather has been adopted by heritage footwear manufacturers including White's Boots, Tricker's, and Dr. Martens for use in various boot and shoe styles.

Desert Oasis features a distinctive soft and chunky feel characterized by a heavy rugged nap that provides texture without appearing excessively fibrous. The long-fibred suede structure creates a unique texture with an open structure that contributes to its casual aesthetic. The leather exhibits a mellow but chunky character that maintains a rough texture while avoiding a "hairy" appearance.

The suede includes a light application of oil that produces an extra silky velour finish, enhancing both the texture and visual depth of the material. This oil treatment contributes to the leather's soft, velvety texture while maintaining the rugged nap characteristics. The waxed variant allows the wax to be readily burnished, and the movement of suede fibers underneath the wax provides additional depth of texture and color, creating a distinctive casual look.

Desert Oasis is produced with an average skin size of 12 to 15 square feet. The leather is available in thickness ranges from 1.4 to 2.4mm, corresponding to approximately 4 to 6oz in weight. The waterproof specification is available for applications requiring water resistance.

The leather is designed for unlined, unstructured, natural footwear, bags, and leather goods. While intended primarily for unlined casual footwear, the material is suitable for all construction methods.

Desert Oasis is offered in multiple color options distributed through various authorized dealers. The Tannery Row offers the leather in Baltic, Snuff, Milkshake, and Black colorways. A & A Crack provides additional options including Polo Brown, Deep Wisteria, and Indigo. White's Boots has utilized an exclusive Army Green colorway for their Desert Oasis Small Batch Collection.

The leather is available in three primary finish configurations. The natural velour finish maintains the suede's inherent characteristics without additional surface treatments. An extra silky finish option provides enhanced smoothness while retaining the suede texture. The waxed surface application variant features a surface wax coating that can be burnished to modify appearance, with suede fiber movement under the wax creating depth of texture and color.

Heritage footwear manufacturers have incorporated Desert Oasis into various boot and shoe designs. White's Boots features the leather in their Desert Oasis Small Batch Collection, which includes three 7-inch models: the 355 Cutter, the 7" MP-Sherman, and the 355 Cruiser. All three models feature hand-sewn stitchdown construction with the collection's exclusive Army Green colorway, priced at $750 per pair.

Tricker's produces the Brett Derby Boot (Style 4497) in Charles F. Stead Polo Brown Oiled Desert Oasis Suede, featuring a Dainite sole and priced at $685. Dr. Martens has produced multiple styles using Desert Oasis, including the 1461 Derby and the Jorge slingback mule, sourcing the leather from the Leeds tannery established in 1904.

Desert Oasis should be cleaned by brushing with a suede or stiff bristle brush to maintain the nap and remove surface dirt without damaging the fiber structure.