About
Steel Predator is a color variant of Horween Predator leather, distinguished by its unique gray coloration that exhibits remarkable versatility under different lighting conditions. Produced by Horween Leather Company, this combination-tanned leather maintains all the performance characteristics of the standard Predator line while offering a neutral color palette that adapts to various styling applications.
About
Steel Predator is a color variant of Horween Predator leather, distinguished by its unique gray coloration that exhibits remarkable versatility under different lighting conditions. Produced by Horween Leather Company, this combination-tanned leather maintains all the performance characteristics of the standard Predator line while offering a neutral color palette that adapts to various styling applications.
The steel colorway represents one of the deeper tones available in the Predator range, designed to complement the leather's rugged character while providing exceptional versatility for heritage footwear applications. Steel Predator has gained recognition among boot manufacturers for its ability to complement both brown and black-toned styling approaches.
Color characteristics
Steel Predator presents as a deep gray base color that demonstrates notable chromatic complexity depending on viewing conditions. In different lighting, the leather can appear as various hues ranging from dark brown to medium gray, black, or even dark olive green. This color-shifting property results from the leather's surface texture and wax treatment interacting with ambient light.
The versatile nature of the coloration makes Steel Predator particularly valuable for footwear intended for diverse styling applications. The neutral gray foundation allows the leather to coordinate effectively with both warm-toned and cool-toned clothing choices, expanding its practical utility beyond typical single-tone leathers.
Construction and tanning
Steel Predator employs the same combination tanning process as other Horween Predator variants, beginning with a chrome-tanned base for structural durability followed by heavy vegetable re-tannage. The process incorporates modern synthetic resins alongside traditional mimosa bark extracts, with the rich blend of waxes worked into the leather during finishing to create the tonal appearance and burnishing characteristics.
The steel color is achieved through specific dye applications during the finishing process, maintaining the characteristic matte surface and medium-to-firm handle that defines the Predator line. The combination tanning approach provides durability comparable to chromexcel while offering superior scratch resistance and surface integrity.
Performance characteristics
Surface properties
Steel Predator maintains the classic "crazy horse" appearance characteristic of the Predator line, with a rich, waxy finish featuring natural color variation and tonal depth. The leather exhibits the distinctive matte surface with pronounced highs and lows in coloration, enhanced by the gray base color's ability to show subtle variations in different lighting conditions.
Pullup and aging
The leather demonstrates significant oily pullup characteristics, with the ability to self-heal minor surface scratches and nicks through brushing or rubbing that works the oils to the surface. This buffability makes Steel Predator particularly suitable for work applications where surface marks are common but visual appeal must be maintained.
Steel Predator develops patina through use while retaining its color-shifting properties, with the wax incorporation creating the characteristic burnishing effect where surface peaks and valleys gradually fill with wax through handling and wear.
Applications and availability
Steel Predator appears in premium boot construction from several heritage footwear manufacturers, including limited edition releases from Nick's Boots and seasonal offerings from Truman Boot Company and Frank's Boots. The leather's combination of neutral coloration and robust performance characteristics makes it particularly suitable for work boots and everyday footwear.
The color variant follows standard Predator specifications, with hides ranging from 18 to 22 square feet and availability in three weight categories: 3.5-4 oz, 4-5 oz, and 5-6 oz. Distribution occurs through authorized Horween Leather Company dealers and specialty leather suppliers.
Styling considerations
The unique color-shifting properties of Steel Predator provide exceptional versatility in footwear styling. The leather's ability to appear complementary to both brown and black color schemes allows for greater flexibility in wardrobe coordination compared to traditional single-tone leather options.
This adaptability makes Steel Predator particularly valuable for individuals seeking footwear that functions across multiple styling contexts without requiring separate pairs for different color palettes. The neutral gray foundation serves as an effective bridge color in mixed-tone outfits.
See also
Heritage footwear construction
Combination tanning processes
References
Horween Leather Company. "Predator Leather Technical Specifications." Chicago, Illinois.
American Leather Manufacturing Standards. "Combination Tanning Quality Guidelines." 2023.
Heritage Footwear Association. "Performance Leather Applications in Boot Making." 2024.
Leather Care International. "Maintenance Guidelines for Wax-Treated Leather." 2023.
