Horween Havana Brown Chromexcel

Havana Brown Chromexcel combines the durability of chrome tanning with the character development of vegetable tanning, creating leather that ages and develops patina over time. Like all Chromexcel variants, it undergoes Horween's 89-step manufacturing process taking 28 working days, resulting in leather that lightens and darkens with use through the distinctive pull-up effect. The color is particularly popular for heritage footwear, leather goods, and applications where rich brown tones and aging characteristics are desired.

Havana Brown Chromexcel follows the same meticulous 89-step process as all Chromexcel variants, requiring 28 working days and utilizing all five floors of Horween's Chicago facility. The manufacturing begins with combination tanning, using chrome salts for the initial base tannage followed by vegetable retanning with proprietary bark extracts that Horween has been producing since 1905.

The distinctive process includes hot stuffing, where the leather is impregnated with a blend of food-grade beef tallow and cosmetic-grade beeswax. This treatment creates the characteristic pull-up effect that defines Chromexcel leather. The leather then receives several hand-rubbed coats of aniline (non-pigmented) finish, allowing the natural grain patterns to show through. The final step includes an application of Neatsfoot oil, completing the traditional finishing process that has remained largely unchanged for nearly a century.

The Havana Brown color is achieved through hand-staining during the finishing process, with each hide receiving individual attention to ensure consistent color development while preserving the leather's natural characteristics.

Havana Brown Chromexcel exhibits the signature pull-up effect that defines all Chromexcel leathers. This phenomenon occurs when the leather is stretched or bent, causing the oils and waxes to temporarily displace and create lighter areas that return to their original color when relaxed. This creates a dynamic appearance that changes with use and movement.

The combination tanning process gives Havana Brown Chromexcel unique properties from both tanning methods. The chrome tanning provides softness, suppleness, and durability, while the vegetable retanning adds fullness and enhances aging characteristics. This dual process results in leather that develops rich patina over time while maintaining structural integrity. The Havana Brown color specifically develops warm amber undertones with wear, lightening in high-stress areas while darkening in creases and folds, creating natural variation that enhances the leather's character over time.

The leather has a full aniline finish with hand-rubbed characteristics, showing natural grain patterns that enhance its visual appeal. Due to the hot stuffing process, the leather requires minimal maintenance and resists hardening and salt stains, making it practical for various applications while maintaining its aesthetic qualities.

Havana Brown Chromexcel is widely used in heritage-style footwear applications, particularly valued for its aging characteristics and rich color development. The leather is available in various weights from 3.5/4 oz (1.4-1.6mm) to 8/10 oz (3.2-4.0mm), making it suitable for different applications from lighter leather goods to heavy-duty boots.

In footwear, the leather is popular for service boots, work boots, and casual footwear where the pull-up effect and patina development are desired characteristics. The leather's semi-soft firmness rating makes it comfortable for footwear applications while maintaining durability. Premium bootmakers utilize Havana Brown Chromexcel for models where traditional brown tones and aging characteristics are important design elements.

Beyond footwear, the leather is suitable for watch straps, wallets, belts, bags, and other leather accessories. The natural grain patterns and depth make it ideal for products requiring both beauty and durability. Panel sizes are available from 0.5 to 2.0 square feet, accommodating various small leather goods applications where the distinctive Chromexcel characteristics are valued.