At Gaucho Ninja, we believe in creating footwear that's not only comfortable and functional but also built to stand the test of time. That's why we're proud to feature Goodyear welted construction in many of our shoes, and to partner with exceptional artisans like the Perez family, whose dedication to traditional leather tanning is unparalleled.
Goodyear Welted: A Mark of Quality
What is Goodyear Welting? Goodyear welting is a time-honored method of shoe construction known for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and resoling capability. Instead of simply gluing the sole to the upper, a strip of leather (the welt) is stitched to both the upper and the insole. The midsole is then stitched to the welt.
Why Choose Goodyear Welted? This process creates a robust and flexible bond, allowing the shoe to withstand years of wear. The key benefit is that when the sole wears out, it can be easily replaced without damaging the upper, extending the life of your shoes significantly.
Award-Winning Construction: We're proud to announce that Gaucho Ninja received a double footwear award in 2024 for our innovative Goodyear Welted Barefoot Shoes and Boots range. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern barefoot technology.
"The Widows" Tannery: A Family Legacy in the Heart of Spain:
A Desert Oasis of Leather: Nestled in Palencia, in the heart of Spain's arid landscape, lies a village steeped in the tradition of leather tanning. For generations, tanneries thrived in nearly every house. Today, only seven remain, carrying on this precious legacy. Among them is the Perez tannery, now affectionately known as "The Widows."
A Story of Resilience: The Perez family's story is one of both artistry and resilience. When Pedro, the family patriarch, passed away at a young age, his wife and their four teenage children faced a difficult choice: abandon their family's tradition or forge ahead. They chose the latter, dedicating themselves to mastering the art of vegetable tanning.
Handcrafted Excellence: With unwavering determination, the Perez family continued to produce exceptional veg-tan leathers, tanned by hand using time-honored techniques. Their commitment to quality and tradition has earned them a reputation for crafting some of the finest, yet often undiscovered, leathers in the world.
Partnering for Excellence: Gaucho Ninja is honored to partner with "The Widows" tannery. By using their exquisite leathers in our Goodyear welted collection, we're able to offer you footwear that's not only durable and comfortable but also imbued with the soul and history of generations of craftsmanship.
