Russian leather shoes are known for their unique scent, rich colors, and softness. These hides were treated with a special mixture of oils from nature to preserve the leather’s durability, strength and endurance.
Unlike European customers who opt for bright demi-season shoes, Russians value quality products that can withstand the local climate.
Craftsmanship
The simplest footwear was made of thick, dense cowhide leather without decoration. This was the everyday footwear of artisans and peasants however, softer and lighter leather was used for more expensive shoes for higher classes. The leather that was thick on the soles was attached to the upper and heel quarters using a variety of methods, including an inner seam and sewing using needles (Illustration 4: Items 2v-4). The Lining [Rus. The podnariad or podnarjad is sewn to the heel and upper by a particular stitch.
Archaeological material shows that Novgorod shoemakers employed many techniques to decorate their footwear. This included embroidering, stamping, and carving. They also carved their names into the leather or on the bottoms of their shoes to distinguish the shoes.
In the 14th century, a brand new kind of shoe was introduced – openwork boots. They resembled soft shoes in that they had a single cut forward and sides that were standing or slightly bent. Rawhide laces were used to tie the boots to the instep.
The surviving pieces of the leather are extremely rare however Schuh-Bertl has discovered ways to make use of it. They use it to create their Russia leather boots that have become an iconic menswear item due to the fact that they’re extremely durable and nearly impervious to destruction.
Durability
Russian leather shoes aside from looking beautiful, are extremely sturdy. This is due to the unique tanning process which results in a stronger and more supple leather. Additionally, they are incredibly resistant to water and insects. This makes them ideal for long walks. The endurance of these footwear is so good that they are often employed by professional hunters and hikers.
One of the most famous examples of Russian leather was found within the wreckage of the Metta Catharina. When divers discovered bundles of Russian reindeer hides, they quickly became a historical legend. The hides were of a deep claret color and were scented with a distinct smell. Cleverly bespoke shoemakers approached the divers after they had cleaned them. The bespoke shoemakers agreed that they were able to do justice to this legendary leather.
It was tanned using oak bark and then oiled using the tar of birch to impart the waterproofing and hardwearing properties that made it famous. Its popularity grew across the world until Russian Revolution, when the method of tanning and the recipe were lost.
Hermes recreated the appearance and feel of this leather with a method known as “Russian Calf”. The first step is to handpick the highest quality calfskins (only those from animals under the age of one year, instead of the minimum of six months required for normal calfskin). The leather is then put into a tanning vessel made of oak, willow and birch bark, all native to the region that it was crafted. The leather is then dyed using the Russian cross-hatch pattern and finally printed.
Quality control
A lot of shoemakers still use their old methods but are now using new technologies. The Yachting factory, for instance has substituted foreign blanks for production, and produces shoes from start to end in Russia. This allows for greater flexibility to meet the needs of customers and decreases the time to produce. This also improves the overall quality of shoes by removing imperfections.
The giay the thao nam manufacturing process and the materials used are crucial in determining the quality of shoes. Shoes manufacturers must use the finest materials and operate clean, well-equipped factories. To ensure the high-quality of their goods, businesses should also adhere to a strict audit schedule. An experienced inspector knows which tests to conduct and will help you achieve the highest possible standards of quality.
To be sold in Russia footwear must meet certain standards, which includes the testing of harmful chemicals. Hohenstein will test your leather footwear for harmful chemicals in accordance with the LEATHERSTANDARD RL, and issue a certification.
The high-end quality of Russian shoes is a critical factor in the country’s economy. A good reputation for high-quality shoes can attract customers and help boost the economy of the country. Despite the challenges that the Russian shoe industry is still optimistic. For instance the Egorievsk Shoemaker Company continues to invest in its hometown and supports the restoration of cultural landmarks. The company also helps children’s sports, as well as war and labor veterans.
Manufacturing processes
The standards for Russian manufacturing of leather shoes are very strict, since the products must meet GOST and the more advanced Roskachestvo standard. These standards include the strictest requirements for tailoring and toxicity. They are additionally subject to a mandatory test to determine if they meet environmental standards. They must also be constructed from local materials.
The shoemaker is also required to follow the regulations and specifications that govern the process of manufacturing and design. For example, the soles must be durable and waterproof. Furthermore the uppers need to be flexible enough to allow movement in any direction and support the foot’s natural shape. The production of the footwear is based on a full cycle that includes cutting the skin all the way to the packaging of the finished product.
The shoes should be soft and comfortable. They also need to be resistant to abrasion and corrosion. This is the reason that many Russian manufacturers produce footwear with textile uppers. By 2022, this style of footwear is expected to be sold in excess of 34 million pairs.
As per Trap Aggressor (a Ukrainian project for monitoring sanctions), Russian military shoemakers import raw materials and equipment from Europe. They have imported directly 4.1 million dollars worth of goods from European companies, including leather, glue, and parts used in the production of shoe equipment. Inna Khramtsova has been designing shoes for Unichel for more than 20 years. She is aware of the shoes Russian women are buying today and which shoes will be popular in the future.