As with everything we craft at Crown Northampton, the quality of materials is our priority. We’ve spent time trialing and testing various suedes to ensure we use only the best for our sneakers - materials that meet our rigorous standards for quality, durability, and performance.
When it comes to suede, we turn to Janus Calf from renowned British tannery C.F. Stead. Based in Leeds and established over a century ago (just four years before Chris’s great-great grandfather set up his first shop in 1908), C.F. Stead is regarded as one of the world’s finest suede producers. Their legacy and pursuit of excellence align perfectly with our own.
Watch: Behind the scenes as Crown Northampton visits Steads, exploring Janus Calf Suede
The Look of Janus Suede
Janus suede is a full-grain leather with a finely textured nap on smaller skins, giving it a silky, smooth appearance. Each pair of Crown sneakers is cut from the same area of the hide to maintain a uniform grain direction, ensuring a cohesive look. With each hide being unique, this means every pair is distinct - truly individual, just like the people who wear them.
Why Janus Calf Suede?
Janus suede stands apart from other suedes. It’s a full grain leather, not a split hide. That means its fibres are tighter, giving it more structure, better water resistance, and a finer, silkier nap. This isn’t suede that collapses over time - it holds its shape, evolves beautifully, and was originally developed to meet the demands of Northampton’s traditional welted shoemakers.
In fact, the recipe used to tan Janus suede has remained unchanged for 50 years. Shoes made decades ago using this leather are still being worn today. That heritage of longevity and consistency is exactly why we choose it for our Classic Collection sneakers.
The Best Suede for Our Classic Sneakers
The design and construction of our sneakers are closely aligned with the properties of the suede we select. For our classic sneakers, we need a firm, substantial suede that retains its shape. It must be thick enough to support design features like the padded collar, and its tight fibre structure is perfect for skiving and prepping the folded top line and tongue. Full-grain, tightly structured fibres also provide enhanced water resistance compared to split suede, ensuring longevity and performance.
Suede That Wears as Well as Leather
Janus calf suede has been the gold standard for footwear for decades. Originally created for the Northampton shoe trade and designed for traditional welted shoes, this exceptional suede was made to stand the test of time. We’re proud to continue using this heritage suede, which remains the finest calf suede Steads can make, with its original tannin recipe unchanged.
That’s the beauty of it: with a little care, there’s no reason why our sneakers won’t last just as long. And just like those iconic Northampton leather-soled shoes, we offer the option to resole - because, in the realm of enduring quality, a little wear and tear is just part of making them yours. Full-grain and built for durability, this suede delivers consistent quality you can count on, season after season.
How Janus Suede Will Feel
The unique properties of Janus suede, combined with our high-quality lining leather, ensure a sneaker that gradually moulds to the shape of your foot. We recommend wearing them two to four times to break them in. This process is part of what makes these sneakers special — a sign of something designed to last. As they break in, they’ll soften and offer more support, adapting to your foot shape for a more personalised fit.
Looking After Janus Suede
Before they leave our factory, each pair is treated with a water repellent spray to shield them from the elements. To keep your sneakers in top condition, we recommend using a suede brush occasionally to lift the nap and remove dirt, along with applying a suede and nubuck cleaner from our recommended care kits (available on our website here).
Good suede care is simpler than you might think - and with high-quality suede like Janus, a little attention goes a long way. With the right care, these sneakers will reward you with lasting durability and their signature look for years to come.
Additional Accessories & Versatility
At Crown Northampton, we’re all about personalising your experience. If you'd like to explore this suede in a different style, just let us know. As makers, everything we create is made to order right here in our factory. We’re always available to discuss your fit and preferences, ensuring we meet your exact needs.
And, of course, we can craft matching suede belts on request - constructed from identical top-grade materials to enhance your overall look.
Some may think suede is just for summer, but with the quality of our materials, your pair can be worn year-round. Suede offers a more relaxed feel, making it an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a balance of smart and casual styling, perfectly suited for a variety of occasions.
Ready to Experience the Quality of Janus Suede?
Explore our Classic Collection sneakers crafted from premium Janus calf suede and discover the perfect combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and lasting style.
