A warm welcome back to the characterful, impossible-to-cut, hard-to-machine, one-of-a-kind Naked Kudu.
We’ve had countless requests to bring this exceptional material back, and trust us - we’ve wanted to just as much. But as with everything we make, sourcing the best takes time. Naked Kudu has been absent from our collection in recent years simply because the raw material wasn’t available. The disruptions of Covid slowed the supply chain, making it almost impossible to get hold of. Now, with a small quantity available once again, we knew we had to bring it back.
This leather is unlike anything else we work with. Sourced from wild antelope in Southern Africa, Naked Kudu has a distinctive grain, shaped by the scars and marks of the animal’s life. Each skin tells its own story. C.F. Stead began tanning it in the 2000s, working closely with several African communities to obtain hides from the annual kudu cull, a process necessary to manage population size.
The result? A leather that’s rugged yet soft, durable yet flexible. Perfect for a sneaker that’s truly one of a kind.
C.F. Stead: Tanning Leather Since 1904
Crown Northampton and C.F. Stead share a long history. Both companies were founded in the same decade - around 1900 - and through the highs and lows of the industry, we've arrived at the same conclusion: the higher the quality, the more unique the material, the better the shoe.
Based in Leeds, C.F. Stead is renowned for their work with premium suedes and specialty leathers, making the most of the soft waters of Meanwood Beck. Their expertise allows them to tan some of the finest leathers in the world, and Naked Kudu is no exception.
C.F. Stead Sheepscar Tannery in Leeds, England. Tanning leather since 1904.
What Makes Naked Kudu So Special?
Naked Kudu is unlike anything else we work with. It’s full of character, and completely unique. Here’s why:
- A History in Every Pair – The scars, grazes, and natural blemishes on the surface tell the story of the kudu’s life in the wild. No two pairs will ever be the same.
- Soft, Yet Incredibly Strong – Despite its supple feel, kudu has one of the tightest fibre structures of any leather, making it naturally water-resistant and incredibly durable.
- Breathable and Lightweight – For a thick leather (1.8 – 2mm), it’s surprisingly light and flexible, making it one of the most comfortable leathers to wear.
- A Two-in-One Material – The back of the hide features some of the softest and most durable suede of any animal leather, giving it a unique, dual-textured appeal.
- Breaks in Beautifully – Thanks to its natural full grain, kudu moulds to your feet over time, creating a personal fit that only gets better with age.
The end result? Authentic, natural beauty - blemishes and all - with a completely distinctive appearance across the range that brings unavoidable individuality.
A Material Worthy of Great Craftsmanship
Every element of the shoe has been carefully chosen to complement Kudu’s unique qualities. We match the uppers with the best components possible to create a sneaker that balances softness, structure, and durability. The combination makes our Hand Stitch Sneakers unlike anything else on the market:
- Lactae Hevea Sole – Natural rubber for exceptional comfort and flexibility.
- Oak Bark Tanned Toe Puff and Counter – Providing lasting shape and support.
- Veg-Tan Lining – Breathable and comfortable against the skin.
The Science Behind It
We like to back up what we say with science. The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) conducted a technical breakdown of kudu leather and confirmed what we already knew - it’s definitely special!
From their findings:
“Kudu leather has a waxy coating but retains a natural, visible grain. The dense fibre structure provides exceptional strength, while the softer corium layer keeps it supple and flexible. It’s a unique combination of durability and softness that’s rarely found in other leathers.”
Kudu leather under the microscope at the Insitute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT)
How to Care for Naked Kudu
For all its toughness, kudu doesn’t need much maintenance - but like all quality leather, it benefits from occasional care to keep it looking its best. Over time, it can dry out, so we recommend cleaning it with a soft brush and applying Saphir Medaille D'or Creme 1925 - (Neutral) to keep it hydrated.
Earthy Hues – What to Wear Them With?
Available in Chocolate Truffle, Nutmeg, Snuff, Gaucho - each shade is carefully chosen to enhance the raw beauty of Naked Kudu leather. These rich, natural brown hues highlight the unique grain patterns and scars that make every pair one of a kind.
Kudu sneakers have an unmistakable look - distinct from any other leather we offer. The matte, slightly rugged texture pairs effortlessly with denim and casual wear, while the versatility of these earthy tones means they can hold their own in more refined outfits too.
The palette offers versatility - whether you’re drawn to Chocolate Truffle’s deep richness or Nutmeg’s warm, understated glow, these colours bring natural character to whatever you wear.
A Little Extra: Matching Accessories
For those who love to match, we’ve made something special. Order a pair of Naked Kudu sneakers, and you’ll have the option to pick up a matching kudu leather belt at an exclusive price.
And, as always, any footwear purchase unlocks access to our Off-Cuts Collection, where we craft small leather goods from the very same premium materials.
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
There’s a reason kudu has been one of our most requested materials. Its unmatched character, durability, and comfort make it a standout choice for those who appreciate quality footwear. It’s a leather that will last for decades, only getting better with time.
But sourcing it is never guaranteed, so when we get the chance to work with it, we take it. If you have any questions about Naked Kudu or our further upcoming releases from the C.F. Stead tannery, feel free to reach out at info@crownnorthampton.com.
