About
Loden is a color variant of Kudu Reverse leather produced by C.F. Stead, a British tannery. The color is described as an earth tone between green and brown, with a hex color code of #424f39 suggesting a dark green-gray appearance.[1][2] Loden is one of four standard colors available for Kudu Reverse, alongside Snuff, Navy, and Black.[3]
About
Loden is a color variant of Kudu Reverse leather produced by C.F. Stead, a British tannery. The color is described as an earth tone between green and brown, with a hex color code of #424f39 suggesting a dark green-gray appearance.[1][2] Loden is one of four standard colors available for Kudu Reverse, alongside Snuff, Navy, and Black.[3]
Kudu Reverse is a two-sided leather featuring soft suede on the reverse side and nubuck on the grain side, processed using C.F. Stead's Janus tannage. The leather is known as the "cashmere of suedes" due to its luxuriously soft texture while maintaining high durability.[1][3]
Color characteristics
The Loden color takes its name from a coarse thick woolen fabric, and when applied to leather creates an earth-toned appearance between olive-green and brown. The hex color code #424f39 indicates a muted, dark green-gray tone.[2]
Customer feedback indicates that Loden may appear more brown with a greenish cast than the blue-gray appearance some expect. When paired with dark chocolate welts and edge stain on boots, the Loden suede creates a distinctive heritage aesthetic.[2]
Material specifications
Kudu Reverse leather in Loden has a thickness of 1.6-2.2mm, or approximately 4.5-5.5 oz (1.8-2.2mm). The average skin size is 13-15 square feet.[1][3] The leather features soft suede on the reverse side and a nubuck finish on the grain side, with natural superficial cuts and scratches visible on the grain side.[1][3]
The leather is processed using the Janus tannage method, which creates a strikingly soft touch on the suede side while maintaining a high degree of strength. The material creates a unique casual appearance, particularly when used in stitch-down construction.[1]
Products
Several heritage footwear manufacturers offer products in Loden Kudu Reverse. BLKBRD Shoemaker, a handwelted shoemaker in India, offers shoes in Kudu Reverse Loden.[3] Grant Stone produces their Diesel Boot model in Loden suede.[2]
References
"Kudu Reverse - Charles F Stead and Co Ltd". C.F. Stead Official Website. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
"Diesel Boot Loden Suede". Grant Stone Shoes. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
"CF STEAD, Kudu Reverse Suede - Snuff". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
