- Calfskin Leather
Our smooth leather sneakers are made from premium calfskin, sourced as a by-product of the meat industry. Calfskin is known for its soft, smooth texture and fine grain, offering a luxurious feel with lasting durability.
- Suede
Our suede sneakers bring a softer, textured finish to the same minimalist design. Suede is prized for its velvety feel and rich depth of color, and it adds a relaxed, refined look to everyday outfits.
- Rubber Outsoles
Our sneakers are built on rubber outsoles from Margom, chosen for their durability, flexibility and grip for everyday wear.
- Lambskin Leather
Our lambskin leather insoles are sold separately from our sneakers. Lambskin is a soft, lightweight and breathable leather, commonly used for linings and insoles.
All of our leathers come from LWG-certified tanneries (Leather Working Group), which are audited for environmental performance and responsible practices. We are committed to never using exotic skins due to ethical concerns around animal welfare.
Step 1: Clean
Before anything else, make sure your sneakers are completely dry.
- Calfskin leather: Use a soft brush to gently remove dirt and dust. For tougher spots, wipe the area with a cloth dampened in mild soap and water.
- Suede: Use a suede brush to lightly lift away dirt and surface marks, always brushing gently and in the same direction. For deeper cleaning, use a cleaner made specifically for suede. Avoid soap and water, which can stain and stiffen suede.
Step 2: Condition
- Calfskin leather: Apply a leather-specific cream to replenish moisture and restore the natural luster of the leather. This keeps your calfskin soft, supple and fresh-looking.
- Suede: Suede doesn’t need cream, and leather conditioners can darken and flatten the nap. After cleaning, brush the surface to revive its soft, velvety texture. If the colour looks faded, a suede-specific care spray can help refresh it.
Step 3: Protect
Finish with a waterproofing spray made for your material: a leather protector for calfskin and a suede protector for suede. Spray evenly, let it dry completely, and repeat regularly for long-lasting protection from moisture and unexpected weather.
Light-coloured can pick up colour from darker fabrics, such as new dark denim. Be mindful of what your sneakers rub against, and brush the suede gently if any transfer appears.
Caught in the rain? Let wet sneakers air dry naturally, away from direct heat, then brush suede to restore the nap or recondition calfskin once dry.
All of our products are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Italy. We partner with a family-owned Italian atelier with three generations of expertise, chosen for their exceptional quality standards and shared values - people who are truly passionate about their craft.
Our shoes are designed to fit true to size. If you're between sizes or have a naturally wider foot, we recommend sizing up for the best fit.
For optimal comfort - especially with leather sneakers like ours - we recommend leaving about a thumb’s width of space in front of your toes.
Foot volume - the height and width of your foot - is often overlooked. Simply loosening the laces can provide extra space and comfort across the top of the midfoot.
Still unsure? We’re here to help. Reach out to us via our contact page or email us at hello@shopolen.com for personalized sizing advice before placing your order.
Simple - we take a smaller margin. We price our products fairly to support a sustainable business model, not inflated markups. By producing in small, intentional batches and avoiding overproduction, we're able to offer premium quality without the luxury price tag.
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