Our Materials

Vegetable tanning at Pom d'Api

At Pom d'Api, the inner lining of our sandals is made of vegetable-tanned leather. 

In a sandal, the bare foot rests directly on this insole; therefore, for the first insole, we chose one of the oldest tanning methods, which has always been associated with high-quality leather and artisanal craftsmanship.

natural tannins

What is vegetable tanning?

This age-old technique relies on the use of tannins of plant origin, extracted from various types of wood, bark, leaves, or fruit. The hides are immersed in baths and transform over several weeks: the process can last up to 40 days, whereas chrome tanning takes only a few hours.

This process gives the leather qualities of suppleness, strength, and durability. The material evolves naturally over time, developing its own patina and gradually revealing its full richness.

leather design

At the house of Pom d'Api We work in particular with Giemme , a partner based in Tuscany and specializing in leatherwork and vegetable tanning. For over 40 years, they have been perpetuating and enriching this expertise.

Through our various partners, we pay particular attention to the origin of the materials, their quality and the know-how that allows them to be transformed. 

photo sole

A committed choice

At a time when the fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, we seek to prioritize, where possible, more environmentally friendly processes. 

But vegetable tanning is also a choice of expertise and excellence. This traditional method, favored by major leather goods and high-end shoe manufacturers, requires particular expertise. 

This is what motivates us to favor these materials: their quality, their durability, and the expertise that shapes them. These leathers are tanned in Europe, by partners selected for their expertise.

FAQ: Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Is vegetable-tanned leather suitable for direct contact with the skin?

Without aggressive treatment, this leather is a natural material particularly suited to direct contact with the foot.

Is vegetable-tanned leather breathable?

This leather is naturally permeable to water vapor, which contributes to good moisture management inside the shoe. 

Is vegetable-tanned leather comfortable?

Supple and pleasant to the touch, vegetable-tanned leather offers a contact
comfortable with the foot.

How does vegetable-tanned leather change over time?

This leather develops a natural patina with use: its color Its feel and appearance evolve, making each pair a living material.