FAQ

Product queries

We use natural cowhide for all of our shoes, which can cause a slight variation in color as each hide absorbs dye differently. Each product is crafted by hand and has its own individual characteristics, which contributes to the unique and special nature of your product. Also, we make all reasonable efforts to accurately display the attributes of our products, including composition and colors. The color you see will depend on your computer system, and we cannot guarantee that your computer will accurately display such colors.

Yes. Keep in mind that it's good for leather shoes to be a little snug in the width as they do stretch and start molding to your feet within the first 3-5 wears. We recommend wearing socks while breaking in shoes.

We want to help you keep your shoes looking good. Please visit our shoe care page for more information about caring for your leather shoes and accessories.

We take pride in the enduring quality of our handcrafted products, which is why we offer our customers a 12 months guarantee. ​It's our goal for all customers ​​to​ ​be 100% satisfied with their ​purchase​ ​from Caboclo.​ For more details please check our guarantee terms.

VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER

Vegetable tanned leather is more eco-friendly than chemical tanned leather because of several reasons:

  1. Lower environmental impact: The chemical tanning process used in conventional leather production involves the use of harsh chemicals, such as chromium, which are harmful to the environment. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm aquatic life, and contribute to air pollution. In contrast, the vegetable tanning process uses natural tannins found in plant extracts, which are safer for the environment.
  2. Better biodegradability: Vegetable tanned leather is biodegradable, meaning that it can break down naturally over time and doesn't contribute to waste in landfills. On the other hand, the chemicals used in the chemical tanning process can make leather non-biodegradable, leading to environmental problems.
  3. Improved working conditions: Vegetable tanning is often done using traditional techniques, which creates employment opportunities for local communities and helps preserve cultural heritage. In contrast, chemical tanning is a highly mechanized process that requires fewer workers and can result in poor working conditions.
  4. Reduced waste: The vegetable tanning process uses fewer chemicals and produces less waste than chemical tanning, reducing the amount of toxic waste that needs to be disposed of.
  5. Better for animal welfare: Vegetable tanning is a more humane way to process leather because it doesn't involve the use of harsh chemicals that can cause harm to animals. Additionally, natural vegetable tanning usually uses hides from animals that were raised for food, so it doesn't create an additional demand for animal products.

In summary, vegetable tanned leather is more eco-friendly than chemical tanned leather because it has a lower environmental impact, is more biodegradable, supports local communities, produces less waste, and is more humane for animals.

Vegetable tanned leather can be biodegradable because it is made using natural tannins found in plant extracts, such as oak, mimosa, or quebracho. These tannins react with the collagen fibers in animal hides, creating a stable and durable material that can resist wear and tear.

When vegetable tanned leather products are disposed of, they can break down naturally and return to the environment. The tannins used in the tanning process are organic compounds that can be broken down by microorganisms in the soil or water, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. The collagen fibers in the leather can also be broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that use the material as a source of nutrients

Whether vegan leather is a more ethical choice than vegetable tanned leather depends on how one defines "ethical" and the specific production practices of each type of leather.

Vegan leather is generally considered ethical because it doesn't involve the use of animal products or byproducts, which many people find unethical. The production of vegan leather also typically requires fewer resources, such as water and land, than the production of animal-based leather, which can be more sustainable.

However, not all vegan leather is created equal. Some vegan leather products are made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. These materials can also take a long time to break down and can contribute to microplastic pollution.

In contrast, vegetable tanned leather is often considered ethical because it is a byproduct of the meat industry, meaning that it uses a material that would otherwise go to waste. Additionally, the vegetable tanning process uses natural materials and traditional techniques, which can support local communities and preserve cultural heritage.

Yes, vegetable tanned leather is known for its durability, strength, and ability to age well. The natural tannins used in the vegetable tanning process penetrate the fibers of the leather, creating a material that is strong and flexible.

Over time, vegetable tanned leather can develop a unique patina, which is a natural and beautiful effect caused by the leather's exposure to sunlight, oils, and other elements. The leather may darken or lighten in color, and small scratches or marks may appear, creating a distinctive and personalized appearance.

Additionally, vegetable tanned leather is resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for products that are meant to last a long time, such as bags, shoes, and belts. With proper care and maintenance, vegetable tanned leather products can last for decades and even improve in appearance over time.

It's important to note that the aging process and durability of vegetable tanned leather can vary depending on the quality of the leather and the conditions in which it is used and stored. Proper care, such as regular cleaning and conditioning, can help maintain the leather's appearance and prolong its lifespan.

Shipping & Delivery

We ship worldwide. This will be finalised at check out when you enter your shipping destination details.

Import taxes are governed by trade agreements between nations. They are dependent on specific product attributes and subject to frequent changes. We cannot guarantee you will or will not be charged any customs taxes or duties. Any customs or import duties are charged once the parcel reaches its destination country. The recipient of the parcel must pay these charges. For more information regarding your country’s custom policies, please contact your local customs office.

Returns, Refunds & Payments

You can pay for your goods in various ways as set out below: Credit card or debit card You can enter your payment details at the time you place your order using a valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club cards). Caboclo reserves the right to check the validity of the credit or debit card, its credit status in relation to the order value and whether the address data of the purchaser is correct. We may refuse orders depending on the result of these checks. PayPal By debiting your current paypal account

Once an order is placed, we do our best to fulfill and ship as soon as possible. Please email sales@caboclobrasil.com within 24 hours with any questions or concerns, but we can not guarantee we will have available time to revert the shipping. In this case your order will be subjected to the “shipping and return” terms.

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