C.F. Stead Natural Waxy Commander Suede

Leather Color • exclusive for Grant Stone

About

Natural is an exclusive undyed beige color variant of C.F. Stead Waxy Commander Suede leather produced for Grant Stone. The leather features a suede base with wax impregnation, creating material with enhanced water resistance and distinctive pull-up characteristics.

Produced by Charles F. Stead, a Leeds-based English tannery established in 1904, Natural Waxy Commander Suede represents the tannery's expertise in producing casual suedes with functional wax treatments. The undyed beige colorway offers distinctive aesthetics suitable for heritage footwear applications.

Specifications

Natural Waxy Commander Suede is produced in standard suede footwear weight ranging from 4 to 5 ounces, corresponding to approximately 1.6 to 2.0mm in thickness. The leather features a napped suede surface with wax treatment applied to the exterior.

The material is processed from specially selected hides tanned to achieve the soft, relaxed character typical of Waxy Commander leathers. Average hide sizes measure between 12 and 15 square feet, with consistent thickness suitable for footwear construction.

Characteristics

The Natural colorway presents a undyed beige tone that complements the textured suede surface. The wax treatment creates depth of color and texture as suede fibers move beneath the surface application. The color provides distinctive character while developing patina characteristics through wear.

The wax finish can be readily burnished to redistribute surface treatment and alter appearance. The material exhibits water-resistant properties while maintaining comfortable feel. High-use areas gradually show wear patterns where the wax redistributes and natural leather characteristics become more prominent.

Applications

Grant Stone utilizes Natural Waxy Commander Suede in their boot constructions, particularly in models where exclusive styling and weather resistance complement contemporary design. The undyed beige colorway provides product differentiation within the heritage footwear market.

The leather's characteristics suit refined casual wear environments where weather resistance and patina development enhance the boot's aesthetic and functional appeal over time.

Care and Aging

Natural Waxy Commander Suede requires maintenance appropriate to waxed suede construction. Regular brushing with a suede brush maintains the nap structure while preserving the wax coating. The wax can be burnished to redistribute surface treatment and refresh appearance.

The leather ages through natural wear and exposure, with high-flex areas showing the most pronounced changes as wax redistributes. The undyed beige base color provides distinctive foundation for wear pattern development, with natural marks becoming gradually more visible through extended use.

References

  • 1.

    "Waxy Commander Suede". Charles F Stead and Co Ltd. Retrieved October 30, 2025.

  • 2.

    "C.F. Stead Waxy Commander Leather". The Tannery Row. Retrieved October 30, 2025.

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  • By ccasenhiser • April 6, 2025"These were my daily commuters (2-5 mile average/day) and have seen snow, sleet, rain, humid climates, beaches, mountains, light jogs running late to work, multiple continents, countless stairs, three weddings, crouching in wine cellars and numerous cat thwacks. They’ve truly been through it all. In month three I decided to consult the assistance of Unsung repair house to make two minor tweaks that catalyzed development in the leather and dramatically increased the joy felt when wearing this pair. GS tongues are known to slip, and while I tried to ignore the minor inconvenience, I started developing blisters on my ankles where the facings would rub when the tongues slipped to the inner part of my foot, and I knew I needed to make an adjustment to get through the rest of the dome. So, since I was already sending in this pair for a partial gusset, I also decided to have the toe structure removed. Over the years in the Stitchdown discord, I have seen many folks in the Grant Stone channel muse about doing this. So, I figured I could serve as good of a guinea pig as any and went through with the removal. Upon doing so, these Garrisons really began to take on slipper mode. The Waxy Commander leather molded to my feet over the coming months, and the boots took on a sleeker, albeit less dressy, profile with the flattening and rolling of the toe box. I personally love the results and feel that the incredibly skilled surgery (removal and relast to original soles) performed by Unsung took these boots from good to great. All this to say, I do not want to my personal tweaks to take away from the incredible work done by Grant Stone. The Waxy Commander/Ridgeway combo of these Garrisons was the first model that finally convinced me to pull the trigger, though these on the new Dr. Soles would also be amazing. The Leo last is super comfortable, QC impeccable, and the boots versatile, durable, and enjoyable enough to make everyday wear a non-issue no matter the weather. I love(d) wearing this pair and can’t wait to see how they continue to develop...."Read the full review
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