S.B. Foot Oro Harness

Oro Harness was developed in 2019 from Oro Legacy crust that did not meet the standard color specifications for regular production boots. Rather than discarding approximately 6,000 feet of this leather, Red Wing Shoes created a limited edition material that became the first Upper Tier release of that year. The leather has gained recognition for its distinctive red hue that deepens through wear and its self-healing properties that minimize the appearance of scuffs and scratches.

Oro Harness originated from a color variation issue at the S.B. Foot tannery during Oro Legacy production. The tannery produced Oro Legacy crust with a color that was slightly off-specification for the standard Red Wing 6-Inch Classic Moc boots. Instead of discarding this leather, Red Wing developed it into a distinct product. The company had approximately 6,000 feet of these hides available, which became the basis for the Oro Harness leather.

Red Wing introduced the leather in 2019 with the model 87519 Classic Moc Toe boot, marketed as the first Upper Tier release of that year. This limited edition boot featured the new leather along with special details including premium leather laces, speed hooks, and an embossed Red Wing logo on the tongue exterior. The release came with distinctive white shoe box packaging inspired by the Red Wing archives.

Oro Harness exhibits a rich rust color with an oily hand feel, achieved through chrome tanning at the S.B. Foot facility. The tanning process, which has taken place at the same location on Bench Street in Red Wing since 1908, creates a leather with a distinctive pull-up effect that produces high contrast when the leather is stretched or creased.

The leather features heavy oil treatment that penetrates deeply into the hide structure, creating self-healing properties. This nourishment allows the leather to minimize the appearance of scuffs and scratches with normal wear. The surface displays a semi-gloss finish characteristic of S.B. Foot harness leathers, which typically measure 5-6 ounces in weight.

The leather's color evolution represents a key characteristic, with the rich red hue gaining depth through wear and patina development. The pull-up effect emphasizes bends, folds, and creases, creating visual variation across the leather surface as the boots age.

The primary application of Oro Harness leather was the Red Wing 87519 Classic Moc Toe boot, priced at $310 upon release. This limited edition boot featured the Classic Moc silhouette with refinements including leather laces and silver-colored speed hooks. The boot was manufactured in Red Wing's Minnesota facility following standard Red Wing Heritage construction methods.

Beyond footwear, Oro Harness became available through leather crafting suppliers for custom projects. The leather's durability characteristics make it suitable for products designed for sustained use, including bags and outdoor goods. Suppliers offer the leather in various lengths and customization options for leatherworking projects.