Predator

Horween Predator

Leather Type

About

Predator is a combination-tanned leather produced by Horween Leather Company of Chicago, designed specifically for rugged footwear applications. Developed approximately fifteen years ago as a modern interpretation of "crazy horse" style leathers, Predator combines the durability of chrome tanning with the character development of vegetable re-tanning processes. The leather is distinguished by its heavy wax incorporation, which creates exceptional burnishing properties and a distinctive matte finish that develops rich patina through use.

Originally created for boot construction, Predator has become valued by heritage footwear enthusiasts for its ability to withstand heavy use while developing desirable aging characteristics. The leather's performance-oriented design makes it particularly suitable for work boots and everyday footwear that benefit from both toughness and visual appeal.

Tanning process

Predator employs a sophisticated combination tanning approach that begins with a chrome-tanned base for structural durability, followed by a heavy vegetable re-tannage for character development. The process incorporates modern synthetic resins alongside traditional mimosa bark extracts, producing more consistent and stronger results than conventional combination tanning methods.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Predator process is the incorporation of a rich blend of waxes during finishing. These waxes are worked into the leather to create the tonal appearance and burnishing properties that define the material. The wax treatment creates microscopic peaks and valleys in the leather surface that contribute to the distinctive aging characteristics.

Characteristics and performance

Surface and appearance

Predator exhibits a rich, waxy finish characterized by natural color variation and tonal depth. Unlike Chromexcel, which displays a glossier eggshell-like appearance, Predator maintains a distinctly matte surface with pronounced highs and lows in coloration. The handle ranges from medium to firm, giving the leather what is often described as a classic "crazy horse" appearance.

Burnishing properties

The leather's most notable performance characteristic is its exceptional burnishing ability. The wax incorporation creates a specific mechanism where the peaks and valleys in the surface gradually fill with wax through use and handling. This process forms a smooth, reflective surface that creates uniform light reflection rather than the scattered reflection of unworn leather. The burnishing occurs naturally through normal wear, requiring minimal maintenance or deliberate polishing.

Durability

Predator's combination tanning provides enhanced durability compared to pure vegetable-tanned leathers while maintaining better aging characteristics than straight chrome-tanned materials. The synthetic resin components contribute to consistency and strength, making the leather particularly resistant to the stresses encountered in work boot applications.

Specifications and availability

Predator is produced in hides ranging from 18 to 22 square feet, available in three weight categories: 3.5-4 oz, 4-5 oz, and 5-6 oz. The color palette is intentionally limited to deeper tones that complement the leather's rugged character, including Whiskey, Orange, Black, and Steel colorways. The restriction to darker colors is a deliberate design choice that supports the durability requirements of the tanning process.

The leather is distributed through authorized Horween Leather Company dealers and specialty leather suppliers, typically priced as a premium offering within Horween's product range.

Applications in heritage footwear

Predator appears primarily in work boots and rugged everyday footwear where its performance characteristics align with intended use. The leather's development specifically for boot applications makes it well-suited for heritage-style footwear that emphasizes both functionality and aging appeal.

The combination of durability and patina development makes Predator an appropriate choice for footwear intended for heavy use, where the natural aging process contributes to the aesthetic appeal rather than detracting from appearance. Boot makers frequently select Predator for models positioned as work-oriented or outdoor-focused designs.