S.B. Foot Weather Tuff

Weather Tuff is silicone tanned and meets all specifications and flex ratings required for true waterproof leather. Under adverse wet conditions, the leather exhibits very low water absorption while maintaining breathability. When treated periodically with liquid silicone and silicone boot polish, Weather Tuff remains soft, supple, breathable, and waterproof throughout its lifespan.

The defining characteristic of Weather Tuff leather is its silicone-based tanning treatment, which differentiates it from traditional chrome or vegetable-tanned leathers. During the tanning process, silicone compounds bind to the collagen fibers of the hide, raising the surface tension and preventing moisture from penetrating the leather structure. This treatment confers waterproof characteristics without compromising the material's natural breathability.

High-performance leather waterproofing begins at the wet-end of the tanning process, where polymer-based fat-liquors with special emulsifier systems containing silicone are applied. These silicone compounds create a permanent hydrophobic barrier within the leather fibers rather than merely coating the surface. The process ensures that the waterproofing remains integral to the leather's structure even as the material flexes and ages.

Modern polymeric waterproofing processes enable tanners to produce waterproof leathers through completely polymeric methods that provide several advantages. The polymers fill natural blemishes in the hide and increase thickness, resulting in higher yields. Processing time can be reduced by up to 30 percent compared to traditional methods, with corresponding reductions in energy consumption. Unlike surface treatments that may wear away, silicone tanning creates waterproofing that persists throughout the leather's life.

Weather Tuff leather can be considered a true waterproof material based on its performance under adverse wet conditions. The silicone tanning process produces leather that exhibits very low water absorption even when exposed to prolonged moisture. The leather's surface tension, elevated through silicone treatment, prevents water from soaking into the fiber structure while allowing vapor transmission for breathability.

The material maintains its flexibility and suppleness despite the waterproofing treatment. Silicone tanning ensures a luxurious feel without sacrificing durability, unlike some traditional waterproofing methods that can stiffen leather. The leather flexes naturally with foot movement while maintaining its water-resistant barrier, meeting the specifications and flex ratings required for demanding outdoor use.

Weather Tuff's performance can be maintained and enhanced through periodic treatment with liquid silicone and silicone boot polish. These treatments replenish the silicone compounds in the leather, keeping it soft and supple while reinforcing its waterproof properties. Regular maintenance ensures the leather continues to perform as designed, providing long-term water resistance while remaining breathable.

Weather Tuff leather was originally produced by Prime Tanning Company, which supplied the material to boot manufacturers including Russell Moccasin Company. Prime Tanning developed the silicone-tanning process that gave Weather Tuff its distinctive waterproof characteristics. When Prime Tanning ceased operations, the production of Weather Tuff was transferred to S.B. Foot Tanning Company in Red Wing, Minnesota.

S.B. Foot Tanning Company, operating continuously since 1872, assumed production of Weather Tuff while maintaining the original specifications and tanning process. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Wing Shoes Company, Inc., S.B. Foot had the technical expertise and facilities necessary to continue manufacturing this specialized waterproof leather. The company's two facilities in Red Wing, separated by approximately one mile, handle different stages of leather processing, with the lower tannery managing initial hide preparation and the upper tannery completing final finishing operations.

The transition from Prime Tanning to S.B. Foot preserved the essential characteristics of Weather Tuff leather while integrating it into S.B. Foot's broader portfolio of specialty leathers. S.B. Foot continues to produce Weather Tuff using U.S.-sourced steer hides processed at their Red Wing facilities, maintaining the quality and performance standards established by the original formulation.

Weather Tuff leather is primarily used in hunting and outdoor footwear where waterproof performance is essential. Russell Moccasin Company has been the principal user of Weather Tuff, incorporating the leather into several of their boot models designed for field use. The Sporting Clay chukka, one of Russell Moccasin's popular styles, features Weather Tuff construction, demonstrating the leather's suitability for active outdoor applications.

The Gustin Bird Shooter boot represents another application of Weather Tuff leather in Russell Moccasin's lineup. Described as a lightweight, all-purpose hunting boot, the Bird Shooter combines Weather Tuff's waterproof properties with a lightweight Aspen Gumlite sole by Vibram. This pairing illustrates how Weather Tuff's water resistance can be matched with other technical components to create specialized outdoor footwear.

Russell Moccasin's South 40 Birdshooter model also utilizes S.B. Foot Brown Weather Tuff leather, showing that the material is available in various colors while maintaining its core waterproof characteristics. The leather's use in these premium hunting boots demonstrates its performance in demanding field conditions where reliable water resistance is critical for foot comfort and protection.

Weather Tuff leather requires periodic treatment to maintain its waterproof performance and supple texture. Liquid silicone products designed for leather application should be used to replenish the silicone compounds that provide the material's water resistance. These treatments penetrate the leather structure, reinforcing the hydrophobic barrier created during the original tanning process.

Silicone boot polish formulated specifically for waterproof leather serves both protective and conditioning functions. The polish maintains the leather's finish while adding an additional layer of water resistance to the exterior surface. Regular application of silicone-based polish keeps Weather Tuff soft and flexible, preventing the stiffening that can occur when waterproof leathers are exposed to repeated wetting and drying cycles.

Proper maintenance ensures that Weather Tuff continues to exhibit low water absorption and breathability throughout its service life. The silicone-based care products work synergistically with the tanning treatment already present in the leather, maintaining the material's performance characteristics. Unlike some waterproofing treatments that create a surface barrier requiring frequent reapplication, silicone care products for Weather Tuff reinforce the leather's inherent water resistance.