Our exceptional expertise, dating back to 1958, has earned us the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label. This label is a mark of recognition from the French government, rewarding companies for the excellence of their traditional expertise.
Our manufacturing is carried out exclusively in the South of France, in a single workshop in Aigues-Vives, between Nîmes and Montpellier.
We take particular care in selecting our leathers because the quality of our products depends on the quality of the hides. This requirement naturally leads us to work with the best French tanners. However, if there are no equivalent products in France in terms of quality or finish, we also work with the best European tanners, mainly Italian. This pursuit of excellence goes hand in hand with a value that is dear to us: preserving the environment. La Botte Gardiane uses suppliers for whom the concept of sustainable development is paramount. A symbiosis between traditional facilities and modern tools enables these tanners and sole plate manufacturers to comply with European environmental standards.
This leather, which has no equivalent in France, comes from a Spanish tanner. This 2.6 mm thick bovine split leather is treated with wax to increase its water resistance. Waxed split leather is mainly used for boots worn by professionals in the equestrian world, who appreciate its rustic appearance and the fact that it is easy to maintain using the grease they use for their equipment.
This very thick leather (2.8mm) was originally manufactured by a French tanner, BSC, which recently closed its doors, much to our regret. However, we found an equivalent leather at an Italian tanner, Capital, which has all the characteristics of the original Croupon Camargue. Initially, this leather was mainly intended for use by herdsmen. It was developed with practicality in mind: smooth full grain on the inside for easy donning and doffing, flesh side on the outside, resistant to the external environment and easy to maintain.
This leather is used to make traditional Camargue boots. This light-colored leather develops a patina over time, but you can also grease it to darken it and improve its waterproofing.
Once again, this type of leather has no equivalent in France, so we source it from an Italian producer who is a master in the tanning of genuine hair leathers.
This leather is emblematic of our history, as we have used it since the brand's inception. Suportlo, literally "water-resistant," is an exceptional leather produced by one of the most renowned French tanneries, based in Alsace.
This leather is retanned with hot grease using the same process passed down through six generations. This particular tanning method gives the leather exceptional suppleness: it hardens very little over time, preventing it from cracking. This tanner uses only calfskin from Aveyron; it is the only type that allows for such a thick leather. This significant thickness prevents the leather from sagging on the top and keeps the straps from stretching excessively.
Hot oil tanning gives the leather great suppleness and an incomparable sheen. The calfskin develops a patina over time without ever hardening.
This same leather is used by the biggest French leather goods manufacturers and is recognized for its hypoallergenic qualities (for example, it is used to line the straps of some Swiss watches…).
La Botte Gardiane uses thick leather (2.4 to 2.6 mm) for its boots and ankle boots. Using such thick leather allows us to avoid lining our shoes; linings are glued on with latex adhesives that form a waterproof film and prevent the leather from breathing. Our shoes, designed this way, are waterproof on the outside but breathable on the inside, allowing perspiration to escape.
This leather, obtained using a very specific tanning process mastered by an Italian tanner (which has no equivalent in France), produces an ultra-realistic python-like pattern from calfskin.
Metallic leathers (non-sequined) are produced by a renowned French tanner who also works with the biggest names in luxury. He specializes in tanning smooth, metallic goat and calf leathers. These finishes, with their exceptional appearance, allow for bold designs.
Hydrocalf comes from the same French tanner. This leather is characterized by its suppleness, fine grain, exceptional feel, and excellent water resistance (hence its name, hydrocalf). Natural, supple, soft, and silky full-grain calfskin. An anti-stain treatment ensures that it ages very well over time.
Tanning is crucial to the quality of leather. There are two tanning methods: mineral tanning (using chromium) and vegetable tanning, which is done using plant extracts.
The advantage of chrome tanning is its speed: less than 24 hours compared to a minimum of one month for vegetable tanning, and the versatility of tanning: chrome-tanned leathers can be very thin and become very supple; many colors are possible... they can therefore be used in almost all areas (shoes, leather goods, automotive, etc.). This tanning method has therefore become predominant in the leather industry. Chrome-based tanning is used for 99% of shoe leathers. To find out more about chrome tanning, here is an article on the subject published in the CTC (Centre Technique du Cuir) magazine.
The disadvantages are water pollution with chromium metal (even though European tanneries are all equipped with effective treatment plants) and the risk of allergies: The chromium used in tanning (chromium III) is completely harmless. It is chromium VI, which appears when tanning is poorly controlled, that is allergenic and aggravates fungal infections and is harmful to foot hygiene.
La Botte Gardiane offers a wide range of models in 100% vegetable-tanned leathers guaranteed chrome-free (supplied by a renowned Italian tanner, except for our Camargue calf vegetable-tanned leather, which is supplied by the Masure tannery), ensuring perfect foot hygiene and comfort. This type of leather is particularly suitable for people who are allergic to chromium salts, but also and above all for nature lovers.
Vegetable tanning is done using tannins (hence the origin of the word tanning) extracted from trees such as oak, chestnut, quebracho, mimosa, and acacia. This rather lengthy method (up to 18 months of soaking) led tanners to say, “to get good leather, you need tannin and time.” This process uses only plant extracts, is non-polluting, but uses a much larger amount of water. It is difficult to reconcile everything. By wearing our shoes made with vegetable-tanned leather, you will have eco-friendly and healthy products, entirely made in France, in our workshop located on the outskirts of the Camargue (between Nîmes and Montpellier).
Concerned about the environment, La Botte Gardiane works with suppliers for whom the concept of sustainable development is at the heart of their philosophy. A symbiosis between traditional facilities and modern tools enables these tanners and sole plate manufacturers to comply with European environmental standards. La Botte Gardiane is a member of ECO-TLC, the organization responsible for managing the collection and end-of-life of products. The aim is to preserve natural resources and reduce waste.
Our suede calf leathers are manufactured by a renowned Italian tanner who specializes in suede. All these leathers are treated to prevent color bleeding, ensuring perfect color retention and avoiding any contamination of textiles that may come into contact with the leather (pants, dresses, etc.). This tanner also works with the biggest names in luxury. He carefully selects his raw materials, which guarantees a high-quality finished product that complies with EEC/REACH standards. This tanner's suede calf leathers are characterized by a nap that is neither too long nor too rough, giving them a supple and rounded feel.
This leather, which has no equivalent in France, comes from a Spanish tanner. This 2.6 mm thick bovine split leather is treated with wax to increase its water resistance. Waxed split leather is mainly used for boots worn by professionals in the equestrian world, who appreciate its rustic appearance and the fact that it is easy to maintain using the grease they use for their equipment.
This very thick leather (2.8mm) was originally manufactured by a French tanner, BSC, which recently closed its doors, much to our regret. However, we found an equivalent leather at an Italian tanner, Capital, which has all the characteristics of the original Croupon Camargue. Initially, this leather was mainly intended for use by herdsmen. It was developed with practicality in mind: smooth full grain on the inside for easy donning and doffing, flesh side on the outside, resistant to the external environment and easy to maintain.
This leather is used to make traditional Camargue boots. This light-colored leather develops a patina over time, but you can also grease it to darken it and improve its waterproofing.
Once again, this type of leather has no equivalent in France, so we source it from an Italian producer who is a master in the tanning of genuine hair leathers.
This leather is emblematic of our history, as we have used it since the brand's inception. Suportlo, literally "water-resistant," is an exceptional leather produced by one of the most renowned French tanneries, based in Alsace.
This leather is retanned with hot grease using the same process passed down through six generations. This particular tanning method gives the leather exceptional suppleness: it hardens very little over time, preventing it from cracking. This tanner uses only calfskin from Aveyron; it is the only type that allows for such a thick leather. This significant thickness prevents the leather from sagging on the top and keeps the straps from stretching excessively.
Hot oil tanning gives the leather great suppleness and an incomparable sheen. The calfskin develops a patina over time without ever hardening.
This same leather is used by the biggest French leather goods manufacturers and is recognized for its hypoallergenic qualities (for example, it is used to line the straps of some Swiss watches…).
La Botte Gardiane uses thick leather (2.4 to 2.6 mm) for its boots and ankle boots. Using such thick leather allows us to avoid lining our shoes; linings are glued on with latex adhesives that form a waterproof film and prevent the leather from breathing. Our shoes, designed this way, are waterproof on the outside but breathable on the inside, allowing perspiration to escape.
This leather, obtained using a very specific tanning process mastered by an Italian tanner (which has no equivalent in France), produces an ultra-realistic python-like pattern from calfskin.
Metallic leathers (non-sequined) are produced by a renowned French tanner who also works with the biggest names in luxury. He specializes in tanning smooth, metallic goat and calf leathers. These finishes, with their exceptional appearance, allow for bold designs.
Hydrocalf comes from the same French tanner. This leather is characterized by its suppleness, fine grain, exceptional feel, and excellent water resistance (hence its name, hydrocalf). Natural, supple, soft, and silky full-grain calfskin. An anti-stain treatment ensures that it ages very well over time.
Tanning is crucial to the quality of leather. There are two tanning methods: mineral tanning (using chromium) and vegetable tanning, which is done using plant extracts.
The advantage of chrome tanning is its speed: less than 24 hours compared to a minimum of one month for vegetable tanning, and the versatility of tanning: chrome-tanned leathers can be very thin and become very supple; many colors are possible... they can therefore be used in almost all areas (shoes, leather goods, automotive, etc.). This tanning method has therefore become predominant in the leather industry. Chrome-based tanning is used for 99% of shoe leathers. To find out more about chrome tanning, here is an article on the subject published in the CTC (Centre Technique du Cuir) magazine.
The disadvantages are water pollution with chromium metal (even though European tanneries are all equipped with effective treatment plants) and the risk of allergies: The chromium used in tanning (chromium III) is completely harmless. It is chromium VI, which appears when tanning is poorly controlled, that is allergenic and aggravates fungal infections and is harmful to foot hygiene.
La Botte Gardiane offers a wide range of models in 100% vegetable-tanned leathers guaranteed chrome-free (supplied by a renowned Italian tanner, except for our Camargue calf vegetable-tanned leather, which is supplied by the Masure tannery), ensuring perfect foot hygiene and comfort. This type of leather is particularly suitable for people who are allergic to chromium salts, but also and above all for nature lovers.
Vegetable tanning is done using tannins (hence the origin of the word tanning) extracted from trees such as oak, chestnut, quebracho, mimosa, and acacia. This rather lengthy method (up to 18 months of soaking) led tanners to say, “to get good leather, you need tannin and time.” This process uses only plant extracts, is non-polluting, but uses a much larger amount of water. It is difficult to reconcile everything. By wearing our shoes made with vegetable-tanned leather, you will have eco-friendly and healthy products, entirely made in France, in our workshop located on the outskirts of the Camargue (between Nîmes and Montpellier).
Concerned about the environment, La Botte Gardiane works with suppliers for whom the concept of sustainable development is at the heart of their philosophy. A symbiosis between traditional facilities and modern tools enables these tanners and sole plate manufacturers to comply with European environmental standards. La Botte Gardiane is a member of ECO-TLC, the organization responsible for managing the collection and end-of-life of products. The aim is to preserve natural resources and reduce waste.
Our suede calf leathers are manufactured by a renowned Italian tanner who specializes in suede. All these leathers are treated to prevent color bleeding, ensuring perfect color retention and avoiding any contamination of textiles that may come into contact with the leather (pants, dresses, etc.). This tanner also works with the biggest names in luxury. He carefully selects his raw materials, which guarantees a high-quality finished product that complies with EEC/REACH standards. This tanner's suede calf leathers are characterized by a nap that is neither too long nor too rough, giving them a supple and rounded feel.
This cowhide leather, known as “Croupon,” is tanned using 100% plant-based ingredients, such as Mimosa, Chestnut, and Quebracho bark. Very thick, at 4.5 mm, it is soaked in tannin baths for nearly 30 days, giving our soles strength and prestige. We use it for our boots, ankle boots, low shoes, and also for our sandals.
For our sandals, we use cowhide leather called “Croupon.” The sole of the sandals is made up of two layers of leather (the insole, which the foot rests on, and the outer sole). The heel of the sandals is made of a layer of leather, and the heel tip (the part of the heel that comes into contact with the ground) is made of rubber.
We use the same tanner as for our leather soles, but we use another product from their range, which is also a benchmark in the luxury footwear industry: the upper collar. Made from 100% plant-based materials (without chrome), it guarantees unparalleled foot hygiene.
We use the same tanner as for our leather soles, but we use another product from their range, which is also a benchmark in the luxury footwear industry: the upper collar. Made from 100% plant-based materials (without chrome), it guarantees unparalleled foot hygiene.
Thanks to its formulation and processing technique, Airlite® is very lightweight and provides great walking comfort, excellent abrasion resistance, and shock absorption.
This 100% natural rubber combines comfort, lightness, grip, flexibility, and excellent resistance to breakage and wear.
This thin rubber sole offers great flexibility and good grip with its pyramid-shaped tread. It is particularly suitable for children's shoes.
These micro-ventilated insoles are lightweight and provide good cushioning. You gain height and comfort.
It is an easy assembly, fully stitched, with robust durability and great flexibility. This type of assembly is characterized by the way the upper (the upper part of the shoe that covers the foot) is pressed onto the last. In fact, the upper assembly part is not folded under the insole, as in a standard assembly, but is instead pulled to the side: The upper is held tight against the last and the first part of the sole insert using clips and glue. The most important step in the process is sewing “with a small stitch.” This is a specific sewing method that connects the upper layer and the thick layers of the sole insert. To ensure comfort, we place a 3 mm microcellular midsole between the leather insole and the outsole. This midsole absorbs shocks and provides excellent thermal insulation. The upper, microcellular midsole, and leather assembly sole are sewn together with rot-proof thread. The outsole can be made of Airlite, a genuine foam rubber that is non-slip and highly resistant to abrasion. This is the traditional sole for this type of construction.
Blake stitching makes shoes waterproof for the long haul. With Blake stitching, where the sole is sewn from the inside out, the inner and outer soles are joined together. This keeps the four layers of the sole tight and makes sure they never come apart. Our Camarguaise boots are renowned for their durability. The inner sole, outer sole and layers of leather are made from naturally tanned full-grain leather. This plant-based tanning process is carried out using chestnut, oak and rosemary wood. Unlike chrome-based tanning, which is much cheaper and accounts for 99% of leather shoes on the market, 100% vegetable tanning does not contain chrome. It is important to note that chrome is an aggravating factor in fungal infections, which can be harmful to the health and hygiene of your feet. The first assembly sole is stapled to the last, also known as the articulated and studded pattern. This defines the style of the shoe. The upper, which is the upper part covering the shoe, is placed on the last and stretched over it using a specific machine to assemble the front of the shoe. The upper assembly part is then folded under the last and glued to the first assembly sole. Any blisters or thicker parts are then sanded down to make the underside of the shoe perfectly smooth. This also makes it easier to put the different layers of the shoe sole in place. The first insert part of the sole consists of two thick layers (numbers 4 and 5) that are glued and sewn together. This part is then sewn to the upper and the assembly sole.
This is a simpler assembly. The shoe is immediately comfortable, being much lighter and more flexible than with a mixed assembly. The glued assembly is as strong as the previous type of assembly. However, as the sole is thinner with this type of assembly, it is important to protect the sole and monitor its wear. That's why we recommend placing rubber pads under your leather soles. It's the same construction as in the mixed construction: an articulated and sewn last or pattern gives the shoe its arch and shape (round or pointed, etc.). The upper is pressed onto the last, and the upper part of the upper is then folded and glued to the leather insole of the first assembly. Any blisters or thicker areas that appear on the leather during assembly are then sanded down. This improves foot comfort (no unevenness) and optimizes the adhesion of the glue, especially on oily leathers. The outer sole is then glued under the leather insole from the first assembly.
