C.F. Stead Snuff Repello Calf Suede is a tobacco-brown colorway of **Repello Calf Suede**, a water-resistant calf suede produced by Charles F. Stead tannery in Leeds, England. The Snuff colorway presents warm, medium brown tones with subtle grey undertones in a fine-napped suede treated with Scotchguard during the tanning process to provide permanent resistance to water and staining. This treatment is integrated into the leather structure rather than applied as a surface coating, ensuring protection remains effective throughout the material's lifetime.
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. The Snuff colorway provides a versatile neutral-brown tone that bridges formal and casual footwear applications.
Snuff 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 tobacco-brown tones of the Snuff colorway provide a sophisticated neutral that works across seasonal footwear applications, combining the warmth of brown with subtle grey undertones that create versatility in styling and wear contexts.
The defining characteristic of Snuff 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 nuanced brown-grey 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.
Snuff Repello Calf Suede is used by heritage footwear manufacturers including Tricker's for dress and casual shoes where refined neutral-brown suede 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 sophisticated brown-grey tones pair well with various sole options, hardware finishes, and complementary leather components.
The material is particularly suitable for footwear intended for regular use across seasons, where the combination of refined suede appearance and integrated water resistance provides both aesthetic versatility and practical functionality. The neutral colorway works particularly well for dress shoes and smart-casual boots.
Snuff 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, neutral or brown-toned suede restoring spray 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.
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