Caramel is a warm brown colorway of Kudu Classic leather produced by English tannery Charles F. Stead. This color represents one of two standard finishes available for the Kudu Classic line, offering a versatile earth tone that develops a rich patina with wear. The caramel finish maintains the leather's characteristic gloss appearance while showcasing the natural marks and grain structure inherent to kudu antelope hide.
Kudu Classic in caramel provides heritage footwear makers with a formal alternative to the more casual waxed kudu finishes, suitable for dress boots and refined country styles. The color's warm undertones complement the leather's natural scarring and pebbled texture, characteristics that become more pronounced as the leather ages and develops wear patterns.
Caramel Kudu Classic maintains the standard specifications of the Kudu Classic line. The leather has a weight of 4.5-5.5 oz (1.8-2.2 mm) and an average skin size of 11-13 square feet, with thickness ranging from 1.6-2.2 mm. The material readily burnishes, allowing the caramel color to develop depth and variation with use.
The caramel color features a classic gloss finish rather than the matte appearance of waxed kudu variants. The leather displays pronounced grain that enhances the formal character of the finish while preserving the natural marks and scratches characteristic of wild antelope hide. This combination of refined gloss surface and authentic natural markings creates a distinctive appearance that balances formality with rugged heritage character.
"C.F. Stead Kudu Classic Leather". The Tannery Row. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
"Classic Kudu". Charles F Stead and Co Ltd. Retrieved September 30, 2025.