BAREFOOT DESERT BOOTS

::BRITISH HERITAGE COLLECTION::

Exclusively made using only British Handmade Oak Bark Tan leather by the remarkable J & FJ Baker Tannery

* Black Russian Calf uppers by J&FJ Baker since 1862

* Adapted Dainite british made soles for barefoot feel. British Sole & Heel Manufacturer since 1894

* Made with %95 British materials

* Blake welted and manually stitched

* wide toe box

* flat soles / zero drop

* 100% waxed cotton laces made in UK

* Completely handmade in the UK by Gaucho Ninja Leather UK

* Original design by Gaucho Ninja

* Re soleable

* Made to order: LEAD TIME 3-4 weeks

* FOR SIZING CLICK HERE

::Barefoot Chukka Boots::

Inspired by the French doctor and inventor Alexandre Yazdi, these Chukka boots are designed to accomplish a stylish, classy elegant look.
They are made with the best materials the way it was done in the past: to endure.

J F.J. Baker & Co. supplies the most exclusive shoemakers, saddlers, interior designers and leather workers. British leather quality is world-renowned and our unique tanning methods make our product even more sought after.

The Russian Calf by J&FJ Baker is an homage of the coveted Cuir de Russie. This leather is most renowned for its hard wearing property and distinctive hatch grain. It is produced with an oak bark tanning process, true to the original article and is later hand dressed with birch oil during finishing.

The oak bark tannage is a slow gentle process that protects the natural fibers of the leather. It requires 12 months to complete and results in leathers with superior strength and durability. Leathers produced with this tanning method has an unmistakable woody aroma.

Russian Leather is a legendary material that, until 1970’s, was lost in history. During the 17th until the 20th century, Russian artisans and small communities came together to tan calf, reindeer and occasionally horse, sheep and goat hides.  Using closely guarded secret recipes of mixed tree barks, the hides were tanned over long periods of time to preserve the natural fibres of the skin creating a leather with superior strength and wear. Once cured the leather was treated with birch tar oil, as well as other naturally occurring oils and greases, making it resilient to water and insect damage and giving it a wonderful, distinctive aroma.

That was until in 1973 when a chance discovery of a shipwreck, the Metta Catharina, a 200 year old Norwegian double mast, revealed many rolls Russian leather. The ship had set sail from Saint Petersburg for Genoa, but hit a storm and sought shelter off the Plymouth Sound, Devon in 1786. It broke free of its anchor and was washed towards Raveness Point before sinking. Its hold of mainly hemp and Russian leather, as well as a few items of glass and fine china lay for two centuries under the silt of the sea bed. The discovery of the leather in such fine condition is confirmation of the unique material’s resistance to rot and water damage. The outer pieces of the rolls of leather were badly damaged by the years under the sea, however the inner hides were remarkably preserved. 

J. & F.J. Baker & Co Ltd. is the only oak bark tannery in Britain. Luxury leather like Baker's cannot be found anywhere else. They make the highest quality, most durable leather for a wide range of leather goods including shoes, equestrian equipment and interiors. The Baker family bought the tannery over 150 years ago in 1862 and J. & F.J. Baker & Co. Ltd. remains a family business to this day.

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Gaucho Ninja's method of construction allows us or any capable cobbler to replace the outer sole once it's worn out, allowing you to enjoy your uppers all your lifetime.

They are flexible enough to fold in half without damaging them. Being a backpacker in a previous life Gaucho Ninja has made sure you can easily store them in a bag or rucksack as a second pair of shoes after removing your flip-flops or welly boots.

They shape to your feet providing a smooth, close fit. Your feet will delight in the comfort. The soles are thin and flexible too, providing the barefoot feel. If you like to practise stealthy walking like a tracker or Ninja these are ideal to try out or you might simply enjoy the sensation of touching the different surfaces of the ground with your feet.

The slim sole and malleable upper provide a welcome relief for feet that are sore from being cramped all day in hard, tight shoes. This excellent combination can also relieve back pain and promote good posture. Each pair is lovingly made by hand.

The production occurs in a small workshop built by Gaucho Ninja himself.The workshop nestles next to a stream at the bottom of the Black Mountains, a suitable place for a Gaucho and a Ninja….

Each leather is unique, your eyes will delight in the different tones and depth of colour. Each shade reminding you of the grace of a moving animal. Leather is a by-product. Animals are not killed for their skins. By using leather products your ethical conscience can rest assured that you are making exceptionally good use of what would otherwise be waste. For many of us the aroma of naturally tanned leather brings a feeling of wellbeing. In a world filled with highly processed materials our sense of smell appreciates this.

The shoes are made individually, being made one pair of shoes at a time. It slows the process and raises the quality. Cut by hand, stitched by sewing machine on a slow setting, the whole shoe is carefully made to the most detailed finish.

The Dainite sole, made in UK, is fixed with extra strong glue, that can be replaced if need be after heavy usage, as the uppers will get better and better with time.

Treatment for the leather is recommended once a month with natural oils such as neat's-foot oil or any natural leather conditioner. A tin of Handmade Gaucho Ninja Leather conditioner is supplied with each pair of shoes (if available at time of purchase).

For yourself or as a special gift you will feel as if you have bought something both essential and luxurious, irreplaceable and exclusive. These are not just a pair of shoes, but a work of art. Or perhaps, more accurately a work of true craftsmanship.

True craftsmen are an endangered species in our highly technological, mass produced consumer world. We suffer from feelings of disconnection, loneliness, stress. Know that your life will be enriched by a pair of shoes whose story is connected to many other living beings, human and other than human, a pair of shoes that have a story to tell even before they join your story…..

For extra size, please write me and I will be happy to explore the options with you.