Luxurious and smooth calf hair shoes are some of the most coveted designs in the high-end shoe market.
They’re famous for their sleek, hair-like texture and subtle sheen. But what exactly are they, and where do they come from? Below, we’ll share everything you need about calf hair shoes!
Understanding Calf Hair Shoes: What Are They Made From?
As the name suggests, calf hair shoes come from the hides of young cows or goats. They are created from the hairy side of the hide, while other types of leather come from the internal side.
The hide is tanned and treated like regular leather, but the pelt is shaved to achieve a smooth, horse-like texture.
The material is first bleached to a pristine white, creating an ideal canvas for dyeing or introducing patterns. Animal prints are the most popular choice for calf hair products, especially cow, leopard, or zebra prints.
Calf hair leather, sourced from the hides of young cows or goats, features a soft texture and natural patterns ideal for luxury footwear (Credit: Simon Mayer / Shutterstock)
Calf hair is also referred to as pony hair, pony fur, haircalf, or hair-on-leather. It’s important to note that the term pony hair derives from the texture only. Pony hair shoes are almost never made from actual ponies.
Ethics and Cruelty-Free Status of Calf Hair Shoes
The ethics of calf hair shoes primarily comes down to personal opinions and beliefs. Genuine calf hair is an animal product, so it’s not vegan.
It’s also technically a type of fur since it comes from the upper part of a hide, which animal hair derives from. However, if the calf hair comes from leather, a by-product of the meat industry, it can be considered cruelty-free.
Calf hair shoes can be considered cruelty-free when the leather is sourced as a by-product of the meat industry, minimizing waste and environmental impact (Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock)
Using these by-products for leather goods helps reduce waste from the meat industry. If the calf hair comes from cows or goats that were killed explicitly for their hides, it sadly can’t be considered cruelty-free.
You can view calf hair leather precisely like other types of leather since it’s just created with the other side of the hide.
Caring for Calf Hair Shoes: Tips to Keep Them Looking New
Calf hair leather is a delicate material that deserves extra care and attention. It’s susceptible to staining and tearing, so treat your calf hair shoes correctly. They can last decades with proper treatment but can also be damaged beyond repair if you’re not careful.
To clean your calf hair shoes, gently wipe them with a damp cloth in the direction of the hair grain to maintain their texture. For more detailed care tips, check out the helpful videos below from Rollie Nation and Poppy Barley.
1. Always stick to one motion; never brush back and forth
Gently brush your calf hair shoes in one direction with a soft brush to maintain their texture and prevent damage to the delicate material (Credit: Poppy Barley / YouTube)
2. Wet your damp cloth with warm water or a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and stains from your calf hair shoes, ensuring you don’t oversaturate the material (Credit: Rollie Nation / YouTube)
3. Avoid getting your shoes too wet
Avoid soaking your calf hair shoes in water, as excessive moisture can cause irreversible damage to the material and shorten their lifespan (Credit: Norb_KM / Shutterstock)
Avoid dirt build-up and matting by periodically brushing them with a small bristle brush. You can invest in a specialty brush, but a regular brush is also fine.
The frequency of brushing will depend on how often you wear your shoes, but generally, once a month is fine. You can also use hair conditioner on your calf hair shoes in cases of extreme matting.
Another cleaning technique is shaking your shoes in a bag with some cornmeal. The cornmeal will absorb dirt, leaving your calf hair shoes clean and fresh.
Be sure to store your calf hair shoes in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temperatures. You may want to store them in a dust bag or box for extra protection.
You can also use a protective spray to keep your shoes in great condition, but make sure it’s specialized for calf hair.
What to Do When Calf Hair Shoes Get Wet
Calf hair leather is naturally water-resistant, but you should avoid getting shoes wet. Excessive exposure to water can cause irreversible damage.
Try only to wear calf hair shoes in dry weather. If you get caught in the rain, dry them immediately with a cloth and change your shoes as soon as possible.
Top Designer Calf Hair Shoes: Must-Have Picks
Luxury shoe designers love using calf hair leather for their most glamorous shoes. Stuart Weitzman has become synonymous with calf hair shoes, using sleek leather on various styles of heels, boots, and flats. It’s also a favorite of Christian Louboutin, Valentino, and Tod’s.
1. Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve 100 Sandal in Classic Cheetah, $495
The classic favorite Nudistcurve in genuine calf hair
2. Christian Louboutin Leopard Print So Kate Booties 85, $1,295
Crafted in Italy from smooth calf hair, the So Kate booties are updated in a bold leopard print
3. Valentino VLOGO Signature Calf Hair Slingback Pumps, $1,090
The Vlogo Signature slingback is made of calfskin with leopard print and VLogo Signature embellishment
4. Tod’s Tasseled Leopard Print Calf Hair Slippers, $995
Tod’s comfy slippers in striking leopard-print calf hair with tasseled trims
Explore More Calf Hair Trends and Styling Inspiration
For readers interested in exploring calf hair footwear and animal print trends, delve into our detailed comparison of cheetah vs. leopard print shoes to distinguish between these popular patterns.
Additionally, discover 10 different animal print shoes that can update your wardrobe, offering insights into various styles and how to incorporate them into your fashion ensemble. For a glimpse into celebrity fashion, read about Katie Holmes rocking Khaite’s zebra-striped calf hair boots, showcasing how high-profile figures embrace these luxurious designs. Lastly, explore 9 different types of Mary Janes to diversify your shoe collection with this classic style.