On that last point about having more colors available in chrome tanning; sure having more colors available can create a wider market and more jobs, but on the flip side having a ton of crazy colored leathers can also heavily promote fast fashion which both increases waste, and a lot of the time generally results in a lower quality product overtime. Not to mention since Chrome tanning is so much easier to do, it's given way for tons of companies to spring up and put out really low quality products in high volumes which again just increases waste. This isn't me trying to take any sides, I'm not NEARLY experienced enough with leather goods to really decide which process I prefer or is objectively better, I'm just trying to point out a few arguments which I feel should be noted in regards to the environmental impact. Great video though!
Aficionados of traditional/heritage bootwear prefer veg tan because of its gorgeous aging properties and view suffering as simply the rite of passage for the love of that tradition....
Rookie bootmaker here. Lasting anything thicker than 6oz is super hard. Veg or chrome. The price of vag tan makes it extremely difficult to sell to any but a niche clientele as well. Looks incredible though.
I don’t agree the price of veg tanned leathers may keep boot makers away from buying the hides but us enthusiast will buy the veg tanned boot instantly. Just look at viberg as a example
@@timbuck2406 Well, this is awkward, lol. Veg tan per square foot is 4-5 TIMES as expensive as say an SB foot chrome tanned leather. Look it up for yourself at any of the big leather sellers (maverick, tandy, longview, OA Leather etc). Also yes means some bootmaker brands are overpricing some chrome tanned made boots. Viberg is easily the worst offender. Crazy overpriced IMO.
@@virtusleather what is awkward I just said veg is more expensive in my previous comment and that’s why company’s are hesitant to offer it .. what are you talking about? Can I get credit for my own information I put out there thank you
Love the content! Just as an tangent, be real nice to have the three displayed boots listed somewhere just for reference because those Thursday boots(?) look really great but I could just be mistaking them for another similarly lasted boot
Hey! Yeah that's the Thursday Captain in Terracotta! Left to right: Brunt Marin, Irish Setter Wingshooter ST, Thursday Captain, Ariat Wexford. Then it repeats Thursday, Irish Setter, Brunt :D
I enjoyed some of this info. Can definitely attest to the couple pairs of boots I have in veg tan vs chrome tan that they are WAY stiffer (and continue to be, weeks later) than their Horween chrome tanned counterparts. The environmental impact is an interesting take. I would love to hear from some of the smaller tanneries that produce primarily/exclusively veg tanned leather to see what they're doing to reduce water/energy use whether it's recycling the former and using green for the latter.
Interesting video big 🐕. Didn't know about the probably better/less environmental impact of chrome compared to vegetable. I'm not a climate hysteric but I'm certainly a fan of less environmental impact, as long as it makes sense. You always have to look into things before just going with a standard knee jerk reaction; you might surprise yourself at what you learn (if you're open minded enough). What watch are you wearing? Someday I'd like to get one of those Hamilton khaki field watches, I really like the field style (not so much diver style, I'm weird I guess). I'd like a mechanical one I think that would be tight.
While I have heard that veg tanned leather is more durable and longer lasting than chrome tanned leather but have also heard that veg tan leather can be more prone to water damage. If that is true, I am kind of confused if it is a suitable type of leather to use when it comes to shoes or boots.
The finishing on the grain side depends a lot from the tannery and the kind of leather they want. I've found some very scratch resistant veg tan leather and chrome leather that look and behave as veg tan.
I have a veg-tanned leather boots from Junkard Indonesia and I got Thursday Captain... honestly, Thursday's Chrome scratch too easily and my veg-tanned leather doesn't have a single scratch on it with just months apart of moderate usage. I mean, is Thursday Chrome bad? Absolutely not. But I think from now on, I want my leathers to be veg-tanned all the way
It depends a lot of the finishing they put into the grain side of the leather. I make some leather bags for fun. I've found different kinds of leather finishing. From a veg tan leather that scratch when you look at it, to chrome tan that look like exactly as a veg tan.
There's no question that chrome is more durable and hardwearing than veg, and there's no better example of this than with high-end construction and firefighting boots, which are almost exclusively made of chrome uppers with rubber soles.
Love your channel. I have a question for you. Are you familiar with Kickers boots? I believe they're made in France and commonly found in the UK. What do you think of them? Would you ever review a pair? I just got a pair, and for the price, I think they're a fun boot.
I believe chrome tanned leather is generally more water resistant than veg tanned which is why many brands will use veg tanned linings and insoles but chrome tanned uppers.
@@gregorsamsa1364 nicks leathers are all chrome tanned full grain. Lined and main body. They only do a logger pro model in veg tanned but that is the only veg tan boot they offer I believe.
@@gregthompson8062 Nah, they make some with nearly all veg tan . They were in one of these videos and it was all explained in detail. Only the tongue and half the insole are chrome tanned
Is there ethical and unethical chrome tanned leather? I bought a pair of Lennertson Chieftain boots a while back (which I love) and emailed back and forth with the company about the leather. They mention that as the leather is tanned in Europe, some of the more harmful things in tanning in other countries are banned.
@@timbuck2406 I was more referring to that wedge sole Iron Ranger has been controversial due to the way RW has changed some of the insole/construction materials
Wait what? So the section of the industry that comprises 90% or more of the product base, is overall less environmentally friendly needs more appreciation because because of the variety of colours it offers and is less artisanal. This sounds like a backward argument to me if you are in fact into heritage shoes and clothing, also veg tanned canned be dyed and tumbled to any colour or consistency pretty much. Now there are certain benefits to combination tanned and pull up leathers, but they can also turn a veg tan into a pull up.🧐🤷♂️🤔🤘👞
It’s actually quite hard to find shoes or boots with vegetable tanned uppers. Most of the veg tanned leather used in the shoe industry is used for insoles, midsoles and outsoles for which it is far better suited. 96% of all leather used in shoemaking is chrome tanned. Even if you go to high-end bespoke shoemakers, they will use good quality chrome tanned leather to make the uppers. The idea that veg tanned is somehow superior for shoe uppers is a complete myth. Veg tanning is better for soles and for other leather goods like bags or wallets or bridle straps and saddles, etc, but not shoe uppers.
Chrome tanned IS better leather. It has metal infused into it instead of tree bark. Much more durable, that's why work boots are chrome tanned. Veg tan leather creases worse, ages faster, isn't as flexible and needs more conditioning. Chrome tan is objectively better, unless you're a hipster leather snob trying to live in the 1940's.
@@Ikari777 Nah. High quality chrome tanned is better. Only reason some people think veg tanned is better is because only gih end boots use them, due to the price.
@@Ikari777 If you like stiffer boots then thats fine. However chrome tanned leather is softer and will last longer, as long as you buy quality leather.
@@TheFrontyer I mean I like boots that require a little break in and don't over stretch like a lot of chrome tanned or combination tanned leathers. So, that's definitely true. Being more durable though, I'd have to disagree with you on that one. Once a boot or show is lasted and has been done well, it will outlast the chrome tanned, all else being equal. I know there are definitely upsides like taking color, being softer and stretching more (good or bad depending on fit and preference), and being insanely quick to make. With that said, I find i prefer Vegetable tanned much more in most applications, boots and especially belts for the hardiness and overall temper and durability versus a similar weight chrome tanned.
On that last point about having more colors available in chrome tanning; sure having more colors available can create a wider market and more jobs, but on the flip side having a ton of crazy colored leathers can also heavily promote fast fashion which both increases waste, and a lot of the time generally results in a lower quality product overtime. Not to mention since Chrome tanning is so much easier to do, it's given way for tons of companies to spring up and put out really low quality products in high volumes which again just increases waste.
This isn't me trying to take any sides, I'm not NEARLY experienced enough with leather goods to really decide which process I prefer or is objectively better, I'm just trying to point out a few arguments which I feel should be noted in regards to the environmental impact.
Great video though!
Aficionados of traditional/heritage bootwear prefer veg tan because of its gorgeous aging properties and view suffering as simply the rite of passage for the love of that tradition....
1000%
And that's fine if that's what they like! I think I prefer it too for that reason
Rookie bootmaker here. Lasting anything thicker than 6oz is super hard. Veg or chrome. The price of vag tan makes it extremely difficult to sell to any but a niche clientele as well. Looks incredible though.
Thanks for the feedback!
I don’t agree the price of veg tanned leathers may keep boot makers away from buying the hides but us enthusiast will buy the veg tanned boot instantly. Just look at viberg as a example
@@timbuck2406 Well, this is awkward, lol. Veg tan per square foot is 4-5 TIMES as expensive as say an SB foot chrome tanned leather. Look it up for yourself at any of the big leather sellers (maverick, tandy, longview, OA Leather etc). Also yes means some bootmaker brands are overpricing some chrome tanned made boots. Viberg is easily the worst offender. Crazy overpriced IMO.
@@virtusleather what is awkward I just said veg is more expensive in my previous comment and that’s why company’s are hesitant to offer it .. what are you talking about? Can I get credit for my own information I put out there thank you
@@timbuck2406 🤔🙄
Love the content! Just as an tangent, be real nice to have the three displayed boots listed somewhere just for reference because those Thursday boots(?) look really great but I could just be mistaking them for another similarly lasted boot
Hey! Yeah that's the Thursday Captain in Terracotta! Left to right: Brunt Marin, Irish Setter Wingshooter ST, Thursday Captain, Ariat Wexford. Then it repeats Thursday, Irish Setter, Brunt :D
I enjoyed some of this info. Can definitely attest to the couple pairs of boots I have in veg tan vs chrome tan that they are WAY stiffer (and continue to be, weeks later) than their Horween chrome tanned counterparts. The environmental impact is an interesting take. I would love to hear from some of the smaller tanneries that produce primarily/exclusively veg tanned leather to see what they're doing to reduce water/energy use whether it's recycling the former and using green for the latter.
Better than a 0:06 long video. There’s a couple of spins or stretches. I like that you’ve taken us on this ride.
Interesting video big 🐕. Didn't know about the probably better/less environmental impact of chrome compared to vegetable. I'm not a climate hysteric but I'm certainly a fan of less environmental impact, as long as it makes sense. You always have to look into things before just going with a standard knee jerk reaction; you might surprise yourself at what you learn (if you're open minded enough).
What watch are you wearing? Someday I'd like to get one of those Hamilton khaki field watches, I really like the field style (not so much diver style, I'm weird I guess). I'd like a mechanical one I think that would be tight.
no chrome tanned is much worse for the environment it can also leach into your skin from the leather.
While I have heard that veg tanned leather is more durable and longer lasting than chrome tanned leather but have also heard that veg tan leather can be more prone to water damage. If that is true, I am kind of confused if it is a suitable type of leather to use when it comes to shoes or boots.
My man went to Mexico to make his own leather lmao. That’s beast. I agree, chrome tanning really does get a bad wrap.
So moral of the story. Veg tan is STILL better 😊
veg tan is pretty great yeah. but chrome is usually more comfortable!
The finishing on the grain side depends a lot from the tannery and the kind of leather they want. I've found some very scratch resistant veg tan leather and chrome leather that look and behave as veg tan.
I have a veg-tanned leather boots from Junkard Indonesia and I got Thursday Captain... honestly, Thursday's Chrome scratch too easily and my veg-tanned leather doesn't have a single scratch on it with just months apart of moderate usage. I mean, is Thursday Chrome bad? Absolutely not. But I think from now on, I want my leathers to be veg-tanned all the way
It depends a lot of the finishing they put into the grain side of the leather. I make some leather bags for fun. I've found different kinds of leather finishing. From a veg tan leather that scratch when you look at it, to chrome tan that look like exactly as a veg tan.
Interesting! I appreciate the thoughtful examination.
cool! thanks James!
Ahh right on new video dropping this is most excellent !
Your excitement over my new videos makes me very happy
I hope to see a video on those Irish setters you got there 👀
Irish Setter is sold out of them until like August! They haven't had them all year, I'm waiting for them to be restocked before publishing it
There's no question that chrome is more durable and hardwearing than veg, and there's no better example of this than with high-end construction and firefighting boots, which are almost exclusively made of chrome uppers with rubber soles.
Thanks, Nick ! Good info!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your channel. I have a question for you. Are you familiar with Kickers boots? I believe they're made in France and commonly found in the UK. What do you think of them? Would you ever review a pair? I just got a pair, and for the price, I think they're a fun boot.
Can’t find much on how to care for chrome tanned leather vs veg tanned.
It's almost the same. Depends a lot of the finishing of the leather. Nubuck, Napa, Aniline, Grease, Semianiline all they have different caring.
I believe chrome tanned leather is generally more water resistant than veg tanned which is why many brands will use veg tanned linings and insoles but chrome tanned uppers.
The veg tan Nick's boots are sort of the opposite- the tongue, and part of the insole, are lined with chrome tan because it's softer
@@gregorsamsa1364 nicks leathers are all chrome tanned full grain. Lined and main body. They only do a logger pro model in veg tanned but that is the only veg tan boot they offer I believe.
@@gregthompson8062
Nah, they make some with nearly all veg tan . They were in one of these videos and it was all explained in detail. Only the tongue and half the insole are chrome tanned
Very informative!
Depends on the use case and preference.
Although, Chrome Tanned is considered worse.
lol yes it is
This is good to know!
Random question, what shirt is that?
Terrific question, it's the NYTD blue from Teddy Stratford. I'm doing a whole video on this brand soon!
@@Stridewise nice! I’ll have to check them out!
Is there ethical and unethical chrome tanned leather? I bought a pair of Lennertson Chieftain boots a while back (which I love) and emailed back and forth with the company about the leather. They mention that as the leather is tanned in Europe, some of the more harmful things in tanning in other countries are banned.
Thanks Nick. I LOVE informative content like this. Fast watch and I am smarter now than 10 minutes ago.
Wait is the Thursday vanguard boot chrome tan or veg tan? If getting specific the burnt copper
chrome! or maybe a combination of both. their only veg tan is Brandy and Sequoia, to my knowledge
@@Stridewise I wish there was more information on Thursday Boots veg leathers such as the brandy color
I'm allergic to chromium, vegetable is definitely better for me.
Olive tanned leather hasn’t caught on yet?
Controversial thumbnail.
Right? He has like 6 chrome boots in the first frame of the video and no veg lol how am I supposed to think he knows anything about veg
@@timbuck2406 I was more referring to that wedge sole Iron Ranger has been controversial due to the way RW has changed some of the insole/construction materials
Interesting
Wait what? So the section of the industry that comprises 90% or more of the product base, is overall less environmentally friendly needs more appreciation because because of the variety of colours it offers and is less artisanal. This sounds like a backward argument to me if you are in fact into heritage shoes and clothing, also veg tanned canned be dyed and tumbled to any colour or consistency pretty much.
Now there are certain benefits to combination tanned and pull up leathers, but they can also turn a veg tan into a pull up.🧐🤷♂️🤔🤘👞
Veg tan can't be dyed to any color or consistency, and it's less eco friendly if you're controlling for chromium 6
Hey, it would be interesting if you open another channel about traveling!
That's very flattering but I only get like 5-10k views on this channel I don't think it would be worth it! Well, yet. Well, maybe. Food for thought...
Hello.. myself Rony Muhammad from Bangladesh.. supplier of Finished and crust Leathers....
you sure are!
It’s actually quite hard to find shoes or boots with vegetable tanned uppers. Most of the veg tanned leather used in the shoe industry is used for insoles, midsoles and outsoles for which it is far better suited. 96% of all leather used in shoemaking is chrome tanned. Even if you go to high-end bespoke shoemakers, they will use good quality chrome tanned leather to make the uppers. The idea that veg tanned is somehow superior for shoe uppers is a complete myth. Veg tanning is better for soles and for other leather goods like bags or wallets or bridle straps and saddles, etc, but not shoe uppers.
It is indeed hard to find veg tan boots! I own a billion boots and only have like 3 that are veg. stridewise.com/best-vegetable-tanned-leather-boots/
Do not buy chrome tanned leather on principle, there are no excuses to do so.
Why? Its better
Chrome tanned vs veg tanned it’s like mass produced jeans vs selvedge🤣
I can see this!
Chrome tanned IS better leather. It has metal infused into it instead of tree bark. Much more durable, that's why work boots are chrome tanned. Veg tan leather creases worse, ages faster, isn't as flexible and needs more conditioning. Chrome tan is objectively better, unless you're a hipster leather snob trying to live in the 1940's.
For the casual, sure??? Way more to it then this bias oversimplification.
@@Ikari777 Nah. High quality chrome tanned is better.
Only reason some people think veg tanned is better is because only gih end boots use them, due to the price.
@@TheFrontyer Better for what? I prefer how veg tan feels and ages. Looks way better with time and wear for boots and most other things.
@@Ikari777 If you like stiffer boots then thats fine. However chrome tanned leather is softer and will last longer, as long as you buy quality leather.
@@TheFrontyer I mean I like boots that require a little break in and don't over stretch like a lot of chrome tanned or combination tanned leathers. So, that's definitely true. Being more durable though, I'd have to disagree with you on that one. Once a boot or show is lasted and has been done well, it will outlast the chrome tanned, all else being equal. I know there are definitely upsides like taking color, being softer and stretching more (good or bad depending on fit and preference), and being insanely quick to make. With that said, I find i prefer Vegetable tanned much more in most applications, boots and especially belts for the hardiness and overall temper and durability versus a similar weight chrome tanned.
first