Seidel Black Walnut Stampede Roughout

The Black Walnut color designation refers to the warm, deep brown tone reminiscent of black walnut wood, applied to leather that undergoes the same oil-stuffing process as other Stampede Roughout variants. This exclusive colorway provides the performance characteristics of oil-tanned roughout leather while offering a distinctive aesthetic that differentiates Oak Street Bootmakers' products from other heritage footwear options.

Black Walnut Stampede Roughout maintains the full-grain structure inherent to all Stampede Roughout leathers, with the flesh side facing outward to create the characteristic suede-like nap while the grain side remains turned inward. The hot-stuffing process infuses the leather with oils, waxes, and tallows throughout its thickness, creating the struckthrough oil penetration that defines the leather's performance properties.

The deep brown coloring with walnut undertones is applied during the tanning process before the hot-stuffing treatment. The proprietary color formulation creates a rich, complex tone that differentiates from standard brown or chocolate leather options. The depth of color interacts with the oil content to produce distinctive pull-up characteristics, where the leather lightens at flex points as oils and waxes shift in response to stress.

The roughout nap presents the natural texture of the corium layer without sanding or buffing, resulting in an organic, slightly irregular surface that reflects the hide's original structure. This untreated flesh side creates a more pronounced texture compared to smooth suede finishes, with visible variations that add character to the leather's appearance.

The oil content may cause blooming, where oils migrate to the surface and create a cloudy or hazy appearance. This natural occurrence is characteristic of heavily oil-stuffed leathers and does not indicate a defect in the material.

Seidel Tanning Corp. produces Black Walnut Stampede Roughout at their Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility through a multi-stage process combining chrome tanning with extensive oil treatment. The leather begins as full-grain cowhide that undergoes chrome tanning for flexibility and structural integrity.

The proprietary Black Walnut color is applied during the tanning stages, with dyes penetrating throughout the leather structure. Following color application, the leather is submerged in vats of hot oils during the hot-stuffing process. This immersion allows the oil blend - consisting of oils, waxes, and tallows - to fully permeate the leather fibers, creating the deep conditioning and water resistance that characterizes Stampede Roughout.

The grain side receives additional treatment with waxes and oils before being turned inward for boot construction. The flesh side is left in its natural rough state, preserving the organic texture of the corium layer rather than being sanded to create a uniform nap. This manufacturing decision results in the distinctive surface character that differentiates roughout from suede or nubuck finishes.

The oil-stuffing process provides Black Walnut Stampede Roughout with natural water resistance, as the oils and waxes infused throughout the leather create a barrier against moisture penetration. While not completely waterproof, the leather resists exposure to rain, snow, and wet conditions typical of outdoor use.

The textured nap surface excels at hiding scratches, scuffs, and wear marks. Minor abrasions disappear into the irregular texture of the roughout finish, and surface damage can often be addressed with brushing using a stiff-bristle brush. This characteristic makes the leather particularly forgiving of the rough use conditions encountered in field boots and outdoor footwear.

The full-grain construction provides abrasion resistance while the oil content maintains flexibility through extended use. The leather resists the stiffening that can occur in less heavily conditioned materials, remaining supple while withstanding demanding wear conditions.

Black Walnut Stampede Roughout develops patina gradually through wear and environmental exposure. The deep brown coloring serves as a foundation for natural aging that manifests through oil redistribution, nap compression, and selective darkening in high-wear areas.

The pull-up effect becomes more pronounced with use as the leather's oils shift in response to repeated flexing. Areas of frequent bending - such as the vamp, ankle, and quarters - lighten temporarily when stressed, creating a dynamic visual character that responds to movement.

The roughout nap compresses over time in high-contact areas while maintaining fuller texture in protected zones. This selective compression creates tonal variations within the Black Walnut color range, adding depth and complexity to the leather's appearance as it ages.

The walnut undertones in the base color interact with the patina development, allowing warm brown tones to emerge more prominently in areas of heavy wear while darker zones retain the rich depth of the original color.

Black Walnut Stampede Roughout requires minimal maintenance due to its oil content. Regular brushing with a stiff-bristle brush removes dirt and debris from the nap while helping to even out the texture and maintain the leather's appearance.

For deeper cleaning, saddle soap can be applied to remove embedded dirt. Following cleaning, boot oil may be used if the leather appears dry, though the leather's inherent oil content means conditioning is needed less frequently than with grain-side leathers.

Leather grease can be applied when enhanced water resistance is desired, providing additional protection for extended outdoor use. Water-based suede protector spray offers an alternative approach to increasing water resistance while maintaining the nap texture.

If the leather becomes wet, it should air dry at room temperature away from direct heat sources, which can cause damage or shrinkage.

Oak Street Bootmakers incorporates Black Walnut Stampede Roughout into their Field Boot and Trench Oxford models. Both styles feature Goodyear welt construction, allowing for resoling and extended service life that complements the durability of the leather.

The Field Boot represents the primary application for Black Walnut Stampede Roughout, with the leather's water resistance and low maintenance requirements aligning with the boot's intended use in varied weather conditions and outdoor environments. The leather is available with multiple sole options including Commando and Dr. Sole Raw Cord, allowing customization for different use cases.

The Trench Oxford adapts the roughout leather for derby shoe styling, demonstrating the material's versatility beyond traditional boot applications. The deep brown color with walnut undertones provides a refined aesthetic suitable for both casual and dress-casual contexts.

Black Walnut Stampede Roughout availability is limited to Oak Street Bootmakers products through the brand's exclusive partnership with Seidel Tanning Corp. This arrangement ensures the colorway appears only in Oak Street Bootmakers' catalog, distinguishing their offerings from competitors using more widely available leather options.

The exclusive colorway represents a continuation of the relationship between the Chicago-based bootmaker and Milwaukee's Seidel Tannery, with the Black Walnut variant adding to the range of proprietary materials developed specifically for Oak Street Bootmakers' product line.

Oak Street Bootmakers. "Field Boot - Black Walnut Stampede Roughout, Commando Sole". Retrieved October 20, 2025.

Patina Project. "Oak Street Bootmakers Field Boot - Seidel Black Walnut Stampede Roughout". Retrieved October 20, 2025.