Footwear

Shop Artisanal Sandals 10/01 - White

Name: Shop Artisanal Sandals 10/01 - White
Brand: Kowtow Clothing Ltd
Availability: InStock

Kowtow Clothing Ltd · New Zealand

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Artisanal sandal with brass hardware, crafted from vegetable tanned leather. Handmade in Spain.

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What to Consider

Materials & Construction

·Leather — Quality leather develops character and a patina with age — it gets better, not worse. Can last decades with basic maintenance.
·Vegetable-tanned — Tanned using natural bark and plant extracts rather than chromium chemicals. Stiff at first but molds to your body over time. Ages beautifully with a patina unique to you.
·Individually crafted by hand — greater attention to detail and unique character in each piece. Hand-made products can often be repaired by the maker.
·Made by Kowtow Clothing Ltd in New Zealand.

Longevity & Care

Brand at a Glance

Kowtow Clothing Ltd · New Zealand

Kowtow makes minimalist basics and everyday wear in New Zealand using deadstock and organic fabrics. They're certified Fair Trade and focus on ethical production with transparent supply chains and minimal waste practices.

Oras Index63/100

Good to Know

Kowtow's transparency and ethical foundation are strong; areas for deepening include formalizing a repair program (currently unstated in available materials), expanding documented renewable energy practices, and articulating long-term produ…

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·Leather — Condition every 3-6 months to prevent drying and cracking. Avoid prolonged water exposure. Store in a breathable bag, never plastic.
·⚠ Avoid "bonded leather" or "genuine leather" — these are the lowest grades. Bonded leather is essentially glued scraps that peel and flake within 1-2 years. Look for "full-grain" or "top-grain" for real longevity.
·Vegetable-tanned — Keep dry initially while the leather breaks in. Condition with natural oils. Develops a unique patina with sun and use.

Sustainability

·Vegetable-tanned — Uses natural tannins instead of chromium chemicals, making it significantly more environmentally responsible. Chrome tanning produces toxic waste; vegetable tanning does not.

Cost Per Use

·Leather — A well-made leather bag or boot can last 10-20 years, making the cost per year very low compared to replacing synthetic alternatives every 1-2 years.
·Vegetable-tanned — More expensive than chrome-tanned leather but ages dramatically better. The break-in period is worth it.
·Priced around $100 (midpoint of $50–$150 for Footwear). At ~15 uses/month, this hits the $1-per-use "worth it" mark in 7 months — and falls to roughly 11¢ per use across a 5-year lifespan.