About
Milkshake is a color variant of Desert Oasis Suede, a long-fibred suede leather produced by C.F. Stead, a Leeds-based English tannery. The Milkshake colorway maintains the characteristic soft and chunky texture with a heavy rugged nap that defines Desert Oasis Suede, while offering a light cream tone. Like other Desert Oasis colors, Milkshake is intended mainly for unlined casual footwear but remains suitable for all construction methods.
About
Milkshake is a color variant of Desert Oasis Suede, a long-fibred suede leather produced by C.F. Stead, a Leeds-based English tannery. The Milkshake colorway maintains the characteristic soft and chunky texture with a heavy rugged nap that defines Desert Oasis Suede, while offering a light cream tone. Like other Desert Oasis colors, Milkshake is intended mainly for unlined casual footwear but remains suitable for all construction methods.
The color is available through The Tannery Row distributor as one of the standard Desert Oasis colorways, alongside Baltic, Snuff, and Black. The raw material is specially selected and tanned to achieve the relaxed, sporty look characteristic of Desert Oasis Suede.
Material Properties
Milkshake Desert Oasis Suede is produced in a weight of 4 to 5 ounces, corresponding to a thickness of 1.6 to 2.0mm. The leather features an average skin size of 12 to 14 square feet. The long-fibred suede construction creates the characteristic soft and chunky texture with a rugged nap that provides texture without appearing excessively fibrous.
The leather exhibits intense color and soft texture, achieved through C.F. Stead's specialized tanning process. The material can be produced in multiple finish options including natural velour, extra silky, and waxed surface application. A waterproof specification is available for applications requiring water resistance.
Applications
Alden produces the Indy Boot in Milkshake Desert Oasis Suede, offered through a Todd Snyder collaboration priced at $722. The boot features moc toe stitching, speed hooks, and a cork outsole, constructed on Alden's Trubalance last and made in the United States.
Desert Oasis Suede in Milkshake is designed for unlined, unstructured, natural footwear, bags, and leather goods. While intended primarily for unlined casual footwear, the material's construction allows it to be suitable for all leather working methods.
Care
The leather 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.
References
"C.F. Stead Desert Oasis Suede". Patina Project. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
"C.F. Stead Desert Oasis Leather, Suede". The Tannery Row. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
"Desert Oasis". Charles F Stead and Co Ltd. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
"Todd Snyder x Alden Indy Boot In Milkshake". Todd Snyder. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
