Black & Tan Rotations
Our year-end guidebook entry is dedicated to our most beloved content feature, The Patina Post. Whether you are new to rebuildable footwear or a well-versed collector, The Patina Post provides examples of how today's varied lifestyles are reflected through quality footwear inspired by and perfected from yesteryear.
For the 9th Edition, two things became clear:
1. We have too many exceptional pieces in our rotations, and some are not getting enough wear for this demonstration.
2. We also have been gravitating to black or natural-toned make-ups almost exclusively.
That said, we’ve put together inspiration to guide your personal patina adventure via the evolutions of our collaborations, from a blacked-out Patent Horsebutt Derby to an undyed, vegetable-tanned Natural Dublin Boot.
This year, we have the newly introduced Arch Support Project, featuring an artisan-directional aesthetic, EasyMocs for everyday comfort in casual style, select Vibergs showcasing a refined approach to industrial durability, some Tricker’s that flip the script on the traditional, White’s for hand-crafted workwear, and Crockett & Jones catering to the classic Sartorialist.
We hold to the age-old mantra that you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. Well-designed and durable footwear reflects quality and character. So start or continue your journey with footwear that breaks in rather than breaks down.
Most black leathers don't change dramatically. But these understated transformations are just as valuable as the drastic, and a well-formed derby or boot with subtle changes in finish and grain is remarkable. It shows resilience and elegance are not mutually exclusive.
Viberg x DR Maryam Black Patent Horsebutt Rockland Blucher
60 Wears – 1 Restore
Viberg Maryam Nero Teacore Vachetta Horsebutt N1 Boot
30 Wears – 1 Restore
ASP x DR Nero Vachetta 800 Calf Workman Chelsea
30 Wears – 1 Restore
ASP x DR Nero Vachetta 800 Calf Military Moc High
30 Wears – 1 Restore
Tricker’s x DR CF Stead Black Unicorn Super Monkey Boot
30 Wears – 1 Restore
Conversely, natural and lighter-colored leathers have a propensity for significant change. Each conditioning darkens the hide and finish with more profound levels of patina. This reflection of well-worn and loved footwear is a cornerstone of a curated, quality wardrobe.
Tricker’s x DR Horween Natural Dublin Churchill Boot
60 Wears – 1 Restore
Tricker’s x DR Horween Cognac Predator Monty Chukka
30 Wears – 1 Restore
White’s x DR Olive Waxed Flesh Cruiser 350
90 Wears – 2 Restore
EasyMoc x DR Hand Waxed Mole Suede & Trail Crazy Horse Scout Boot DB
30 Wears – 1 Restore
Crockett & Jones x DR Natural Hurricane Hide Pembroke
120 Wears –-2 Restore
EasyMoc x DR Beach Aniline Roughout Rambler 3-Eye Moc
60 Wears - 1 Restore
PS- Due to the nature of our footwear's production methods, craftsmanship, and materials, we take a minimalist approach to our restorations. The first step is thoroughly cleaning the upper with water and a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris, followed by mild soap and water on the midsole and sole. Then, we treat the welts and midsoles with leather conditioning wipes or Venetian shoe cream. As a final step — to moisturize and replenish the leather with its natural oils and reactivate the original tanning recipe — we apply either Saphir Greasy Leather Crème for oil, combination, chrome, or waxed-based tannages and Renovateur for full-veg and vegetable combination tannages, or heavily finished dress leathers.
