The material we have chosen to build this shoe in is called "kudu".

The kudu is a very large graceful antelope that grazes in the Bushveld areas of Southern Africa. The kudu is hunted in limited numbers to maintain ecological balance in national parks. Living wild ensures a lean fat to muscle ratio resulting in a strong tight skin.

Kudu is both breathable and reversible - both sides of the skin may be used. The skin side is nubuck like and has visible scratches and scars resulting from life in the wild. The reverse side of the skin is softer than the softest suede, with a lush and velvety texture.

This kudu skin has been coated with wax and ironed, giving it a rich antique look. As the skin breaks you will begin to see more of the kudu's natural features come to the fore. Although kudu leather does not need to be lined, this shoe is lined using French calf skin in order to maintain a sleek well formed toe, rather than the draping that would otherwise occur.

This shoe is laced with a square leather lace. Gumlite is a rubber-foam compound that is highly water resistant and 30% lighter than traditional rubber. Durable and flexible, it is suitable for all terrain. We have added a leather insert above the heel to match the leather welt.

The Hiker is a handsewn on the last and features a genuine handmade Goodyear welt. A welt refers to a piece of leather which is hand stitched to the upper of a shoe as an attach point for the sole. This process was pioneered by the Goodyear family and is the traditional method for manufacturing men's dress shoes. The upper of the shoe is stretched over the last and stitched to a leather strip known as a welt. The Vibram sole is then stitched to this welt. This is a labour intensive process performed by expert craftspeople and allows for constant airflow through the shoe aiding ventilation, durability and strength.

Like all FEIT products the Hiker is handmade. The Hiker fits a little large.