Russian Calf Replica Semi-brogue Cap toe Shoes

Since the Seventeenth Century, Russia Calf has been considered the highest expression of the classic “Cuoio” leather for boots and shoes. Stefano Bemer, in collaboration with the renowned tannery Horween Leather, is determined to make it immortal.

The shores of Britain have been the haunt of seafarers for thousands of years. Today, the coastline is littered with the remains of their activities; countless shipwrecks under the ocean still bear the mysteries and treasures of their ages. Among them is the Metta Catharina, which departed from St. Petersburg to reach the Mediterranean port of Genoa with a large load of cargo. On a stormy night in December 1786, the ship was blown onto the dangerous underwater reef and sank into 30 meters depth under the sea near Plymouth. The Metta Catharina lay forgotten for nearly 200 years until divers discovered its bell by accident in October 1973, and since then, treasures on the ship have seen daylight again, among them the legendary Russian reindeer leather, AKA Russia Calf. The leather is wonderfully supple, and its durability has been enhanced by its two centuries of being submerged in black mud. The color varies from a rich claret to a lighter sienna, and most of the hides have a cross-hatch grain embossed by hand. It is also renowned for its ability to resist water and repel insects. With respect to this legacy, Stefano Bemer initiated a collaboration with Horween Leather, one of the most important tanneries in the world, with the aim of reviving the leather of that age. With their co-efforts, they have managed to deliver an extremely similar color, texture, and features of the Russian leather and, of course, the highest shoemaking expertise of their master craftsmen, expressed by their Tradizione Line.

The Tradizione Collection is the highest end of their line-up. Hand-lasted, hand-welted, and sewn by hand, it features their signature narrow waist fiddleback "violino" solo and metal toe taps. It's the very exact correspondent of their Sixpence Bespoke but made on one of their Ready to Wear lasts.

Part of the Tradizione Collection, these shoes come with individual wool dust bags, lasted wooden shoe trees, their leather maintenance kit with wax, a small brush, and spare laces, and a real shoe-horn, all in a beautiful wooden box for proper storage.

Material: Russia Calf Replica with patine

The S last, with its classic and regular fit, is the square-toe version of the C last. The slight chisel nose gives shoes made on this last a professional and conservative look. The chisel is mild and gentle in the Essenziale and Classica line while it is enhanced by the sharp construction of the Tradizione line.

Item number: T6620