C.F. Stead Anthracite Waxed Roughout

Produced by Charles F. Stead, a Leeds-based English tannery established in 1904, Anthracite Waxed Roughout exemplifies the tannery's expertise in producing textured, character-rich leathers for heritage footwear. The dark gray colorway offers a versatile aesthetic suitable for both casual and refined boot styles.

Anthracite Waxed Roughout is produced in standard footwear weight ranging from 5 to 6 ounces, corresponding to approximately 2.0 to 2.4mm in thickness. The leather is constructed with the flesh side exposed as the wearing surface, creating a naturally textured appearance with visible fiber structure.

The material receives a wax treatment that penetrates the leather surface, providing weather resistance while maintaining the natural character of the roughout construction. Average hide sizes measure between 12 and 15 square feet, with thickness variations typical of full-grain leather production.

The Anthracite colorway presents a deep charcoal gray tone that complements the textured surface of the roughout construction. The wax treatment creates subtle sheen variations across the leather surface, with natural fiber textures remaining prominently visible. The flesh-side construction exposes the hide's interior structure, resulting in a surface with inherent character and visual depth.

The waxed finish provides water-resistant properties while allowing the leather to develop patina through wear. High-use areas gradually show color lightening and texture evolution as the wax redistributes and natural wear patterns emerge. The leather exhibits pull-up characteristics where flexing causes visible color variation, adding to the material's dynamic appearance.

Viberg utilizes Anthracite Waxed Roughout in their service boot and work boot constructions, particularly in models requiring durable, weather-resistant leather with distinctive character. The dark gray colorway provides versatility across casual and refined styling contexts, while the roughout texture offers visual interest and practical durability.

The leather's characteristics suit outdoor and urban wear environments where weather resistance and patina development enhance the boot's aesthetic appeal over time. The exclusive nature of the Anthracite colorway to Viberg creates product differentiation within the heritage footwear market.

Anthracite Waxed Roughout requires minimal conditioning due to its wax treatment. Regular brushing with a suede brush maintains the nap structure and removes surface debris without disturbing the wax finish. The leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth for more substantial soiling, allowing it to dry naturally before brushing.

The waxed finish supports natural patina development without requiring heavy conditioning products. As the leather ages, high-flex areas develop characteristic wear patterns where color lightens and texture evolves. The dark gray base color provides a dramatic foundation for visible patina development, with wear patterns becoming increasingly prominent over extended use.