Leather Science

An introduction to our

OPTIMUM RANGE

HIGH SPECIFICATION TECHNICAL LEATHERS

INTRODUCING OUR OPTIMUM RANGE

Our Optimum Range of exclusive high performance leathers, is crafted with cutting edge leather science. It services the most demanding ranges of technical footwear produced in South Africa, Europe, the USA and Asia today. We tailor-make leather for your end product - by applying the different technologies that you choose – whether in single form or a combination.Any of our Optimum range products can also be produced to meet the requirements of GORE-TEX standards.

Shiled

SHIELD-TAN

Inspired by the well-known cow hide Zulu shield known as the ‘Isihlangu’ introduced during the times of the infamous Zulu Warrior King Shaka Zula for hand-to-hand combat: our Shield-Tan Leather boasts the highest performance attributes of abrasion protection and scuff resistance.

Walk clean


SHIELD-TAN

ABRASION-RESISTANT LEATHER- designed to surpass the industry standard for high contact abrasion and scuff areas.

This abrasion resistance tannage creates leathers for superior performance in high-contact surfaces.
Shield-Tan complies and exceeds the requirements of ASTM D7255-14 and ASTM D7255.
It is well-matched to use in combination with any one of our OPTIMUM range - to create the perfect all round performing leather which has multiple performance properties.

Cool

WALK-COOL

Our WALKCOOL technology allows the surface temperature of the upper shoe leather material to remain much cooler than conventional black leather.

Wcool


WALK-COOL

SUN REFLECT LEATHER- that keeps the surface temperature of the shoe-upper material cooler compared to its conventional leather counterparts.

This is achieved through our in-house adapted tanning processes which allows for the reflectance of Ultra-violet light and its heating properties.
The upper leather can be up to 40% cooler than conventional black leather.
It allows for greater user comfort in hot and dry climates or work environments exposed to these types of conditions.

BACTROBLOK process

BACTROBLOK

The BACTROBLOK process prevents the build-up of microbes on the leather in order to assist with: Odour protection, Discolouration, and Deterioration of the fibre structure.

Shoe


BACTROBLOK

SUN REFLECT LEATHER- that keeps the surface temperature of the shoe-upper material cooler compared to its conventional leather counterparts.

This is achieved through our in-house adapted tanning processes which allows for the reflectance of Ultra-violet light and its heating properties.
The upper leather can be up to 40% cooler than conventional black leather.
It allows for greater user comfort in hot and dry climates or work environments exposed to these types of conditions.

Walk dry

WALK-DRY

WALKDRY’s technology generates exciting levels of water and perspiration resistance in footwear and leathergoods. It also adds to its extended comfort and long-lasting flexibility.


WALK-DRY

WATER RESISTANT SHOE UPPER LEATHER- meeting the highest European, Asian and North American water repellent demands, whilst maintaining superior breathability.

The tanning process permanently protects the leather fibres, both limiting water uptake and helps to reduce damage caused by perspiration. It does this without blocking the original structure so it can maintain its natural breathability.

It exceeds the most stringent European (Bally test) and North American (Maeser test) assessment demands.

Well-matched to use in combination with any one of our OPTIMUM range - to create the perfect all round performing leather which has multiple performance properties.

Warrior

WARRIOR

WARRIOR’S unique property is its low Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) signal which is most applicable in military and service environments.


WARRIOR

MILITARY BOOT LEATHER- with high performance near-infrared absorbent technology. On request, it comes in a high quality UV cured camouflage print.

The application of high quality UV cured digital prints makes this useful in other areas as well. Even high fashion items benefit from this technology as its colour options appeals to designers across the world.

It can incorporate any of the OPTIMUM range technologies.

VLAMPRUFE

VLAMPRUFE employs advanced polymer chemistry to permeate deep into the leather’s fibre structure not only to deliver more effective resistance but also to hinder the spread of fire for a longer period of time.

Warrior 2


VLAMPRUFE

FIRE-RETARDANT SHOE UPPER LEATHER- in line with the most demanding standards required by the global footwear industry.

This innovative application not only improves the leather’s fire retardant qualities, it does this without any impact on the attributes of the original leather.

VLAMPRUFE is compliant with: EN 15090: 2012

It is well-matched to use in combination with any one of our OPTIMUM range - to create the perfect all round performing leather which has multiple performance properties.