S.B. Foot Voyager

As part of S.B. Foot's oil-tanned leather collection, Voyager undergoes the tannery's traditional oak wooden drum processing where steerhides soak in tree oils, tanning agents, and dyes for 14 to 20 hours. The resulting leather exhibits an aniline finish with water-resistant properties and the ability to heal minor scuffs and scratches through its high oil content. However, the dye and oil combination is not colorfast, making Voyager unsuitable for contact with light-colored fabrics or absorbent materials.

Voyager leather is produced from full-grain cowhides in weights ranging from 5 to 6 ounces (2.0 to 2.4 millimeters), with a medium temper suitable for footwear and outdoor goods construction. The leather receives an aniline finish that allows natural grain patterns to remain fully visible while providing minimal surface protection. As a second-run grade leather, Voyager may exhibit minor cosmetic imperfections including small scars, brands, or scratches that do not affect structural integrity.

The chrome-tanned base provides dimensional stability and flexibility, while subsequent heavy oil conditioning creates the leather's characteristic self-healing properties. This combination tanning approach results in leather that resists water and perspiration more effectively than purely vegetable-tanned alternatives. The oil treatment penetrates deep into the leather fibers during drum processing, producing water resistance and enabling the leather to heal scuffs and scratches with ease as oils migrate to damaged areas.

Voyager exhibits full-grain characteristics with natural texture variation and minimal surface finish. The aniline finish shows the leather's authentic grain structure without heavy pigmentation or protective coatings. The heavy oil content that contributes to water resistance and self-healing properties also causes the dye and oil combination to be non-colorfast, potentially transferring color to clothing or other materials when in contact with light-colored or absorbent surfaces.

Voyager production follows S.B. Foot Tanning Company's established oil-tanning methodology. Cowhides sourced within a 600-mile radius of Red Wing arrive at the facility as "wet blues"—pre-processed chrome-tanned leather from Twin City Tanning in South Saint Paul. This chrome-tanned base provides the foundation for Voyager's structure and flexibility.

Selected hides undergo thickness evaluation and grading before entering the conditioning phase. The leather is placed into traditional oak wooden drums where it soaks in a float of tree oils distilled from bark and vegetation, along with tanning agents and dyes. The drum rotation allows these materials to penetrate deep into the leather fibers over 14 to 20 hours of processing. S.B. Foot uses oak wooden drums rather than steel alternatives because wood's heat-absorbing properties produce better dyeing results and more consistent color penetration.

The longer the leather soaks in the drums, the more the oils and chemicals penetrate to help conceal scuffs and maintain performance characteristics. Following initial drum processing, the leather undergoes vacuum drying that reduces moisture content to approximately 25 percent. Additional finishing operations including staking, oiling, and surface treatments prepare the leather for cutting and use. The heavy oil conditioning distinguishes Voyager from lighter oil-tanned alternatives, providing enhanced self-healing properties at the cost of potential color transfer.

Voyager leather finds primary application in work boots and outdoor footwear construction where durability, water resistance, and low maintenance prove essential. The 5-6 ounce weight provides sufficient structure for boot uppers while maintaining flexibility for break-in and comfort. The leather's self-healing properties make it particularly suitable for work environments where minor surface damage occurs regularly and immediate repair is impractical.

Beyond footwear, Voyager's characteristics suit saddle bags, straps, outdoor equipment, chaps, and custom leather projects requiring medium-weight material with weather resistance. The leather performs well in applications where exposure to moisture and abrasion occurs regularly. The aniline finish accepts limited tooling and stamping, though the high oil content may affect detail retention compared to vegetable-tanned alternatives.

The non-colorfast nature of Voyager's dye and oil combination limits its use in garments or accessories that contact light-colored fabrics or absorbent materials. This characteristic makes Voyager most appropriate for work gear, outdoor equipment, and footwear applications where potential color transfer does not present functional concerns. The water resistance and self-healing properties appeal to users who value durability and low-maintenance performance over pristine appearance.

Voyager leather requires minimal conditioning due to its oil-tanned nature and heavy oil content from manufacturing. Light cleaning with a damp cloth removes surface dirt and salt without stripping oils. The leather's high oil content means it retains sufficient lubrication for extended periods, reducing the need for regular conditioning compared to lighter-finished leathers.

The self-healing characteristic allows minor scuffs and scratches to diminish as oils naturally migrate to damaged areas. This property makes Voyager particularly forgiving in work and outdoor environments where surface marks occur regularly. Rubbing affected areas gently can accelerate the oil migration and healing process. Heavier oils and conditioners should be applied sparingly, as excess oil buildup can increase color transfer and affect the leather's breathability.

The leather ages through natural wear and exposure, with high-flex areas such as vamp creases and ankle bends showing the most pronounced character development. The aniline finish allows natural marks and wear patterns to remain visible and become integrated into the overall aged appearance. Initial color transfer may be more pronounced during early use and diminishes over time as excess surface oils stabilize, though the non-colorfast nature of the dye and oil combination persists throughout the leather's lifespan.