C.F. Stead Espresso Repello Calf Suede

The leather features average skin sizes of 12 to 14 square feet with thickness ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 millimeters. Made from calfskin sourced from younger animals aged 4 to 6 months, the material exhibits a fine fiber structure that contributes to its refined appearance and supple characteristics. This exclusive partnership between C.F. Stead and Grant Stone provides the bootmaker with a distinctive colorway unavailable to other manufacturers.

Espresso Repello Calf is manufactured from premium calfskin selected for its fine-napped surface quality and tight fiber structure. The leather is sourced from European tanneries in France and Germany, ensuring consistent quality and grain characteristics. The younger age of the source animals produces a fresher, finer, and more supple fiber structure compared to hides from older cattle.

The leather weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 ounces with thickness specifications of 1.4 to 1.8 millimeters according to some sources, though the general thickness range is listed as 1.2 to 2.0 millimeters. The fine nap creates a dense, tight surface texture that maintains the characteristic suede appearance while providing enhanced durability and water resistance through the Scotchguard treatment.

The deep brown tones of the Espresso colorway provide warmth and richness that complement the fine-napped suede texture, creating a refined appearance suitable for both dress and casual footwear applications.

The defining characteristic of Espresso Repello Calf is its integrated Scotchguard protection incorporated during the tanning process. This treatment provides high resistance to water and staining that persists throughout the leather's lifetime, as it is part of the material structure rather than a temporary surface application. The waterproofing treatment allows the suede to develop rich color depth in the deep brown tones while maintaining practical weather protection.

The leather maintains strong yet supple characteristics with a dense and healthy fiber structure. The tight nap and fine surface finish contribute to easier maintenance compared to untreated suedes, while the permanent water resistance makes the material suitable for footwear that will encounter varied weather conditions. The full, generous handle and rich appearance result from the tanning process designed specifically for Repello Calf production.

Grant Stone incorporates this exclusive Espresso Repello Calf colorway into their footwear production, utilizing the water-resistant suede for boots and shoes where refined appearance combined with practical weather protection is desired. The leather's thickness and fine nap make it suitable for both structured boot uppers and lighter shoe constructions.

The deep brown tones of the Espresso colorway provide versatility for pairing with various sole options, hardware finishes, and complementary leather components. The exclusive nature of this colorway allows Grant Stone to offer distinctive products unavailable from other manufacturers using standard Repello Calf color options.

Espresso Repello Calf Suede requires simpler maintenance than untreated suedes due to its integrated Scotchguard protection. Basic care involves using a brass-bristled suede brush to remove dirt or dust, brushing in the same direction to restore the nap's finish. Shoe trees should be inserted during brushing to maintain shape and facilitate cleaning.

For color enhancement, suede restoring spray in brown tones can be applied from 30 centimeters away, allowing the shoes to dry completely before use. Despite the Scotchguard treatment providing substantial water resistance, some staining may still occur, so regular cleaning maintains optimal appearance. If shoes become wet or dirty, they should dry naturally before applying any restoration products.