A Fine Pair of Shoes × Tricker’s: The Horween Aspen Horse Collaboration
We’re thrilled to announce a major new collaboration at A Fine Pair of Shoes. Teaming up with the iconic British shoemaker Tricker’s to bring you a curated capsule collection crafted in the extraordinary Horween Aspen Horsehide leather.
Why this matters
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Tricker’s has been crafting Goodyear welted shoes and boots in Northampton since 1829, with a reputation for rugged durability, heritage build, and English country spirit.
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Horween Leather Company is one of the great historic tanneries of America (Chicago, since 1905) and their Aspen Horsehide (“DHF” double-horse front) is among their most compelling leathers: full grain, vegetable tanned, tumbled with shrunken grain and rich patination potential.
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For our brand, this partnership hits the sweetspot, high end materials, traditional English construction, and a premium finish that aligns with our ethos at A Fine Pair of Shoes quality footwear that speaks of craft, heritage and subtle luxury.
The Leather – Horween Aspen Horse (DHF)
Let’s look into what makes this leather special:
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“Aspen Horse from Horween is a pure aniline, vegetable-tanned leather produced on Double Horse Fronts (DHF).”
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It features an “eye-catching shrunken grain and a slight glaze, giving the surface a beautiful shine which enhances the rich depth of colours.”
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Each hide is unique. Because of the nature of the horse hide and the finish, grain patterns vary and the leather develops character over time.
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Thickness is in the region of 2.0–2.2 mm for many colourways.
In short, this is a leather that looks great right out of the box and ages beautifully. For our collaboration, that means the upper becomes part of the story rather than just a surface.
The Capsule Collection: Styles & Details
We’ve worked with Tricker’s to select three core models for our capsule, each with its own character and use-case. All share the Aspen leather and top-tier Tricker’s construction.
| Style | Brief specification |
|---|---|
| Bernwood boot (4497 last) | A rugged yet refined boot built for dress down country or smart/casual city use. Goodyear welted, natural split welt, Commando sole for grip and presence. Aspen leather gives it depth. |
| Kielder Cap Boot (4497 last) | This builds on the same last but offers a higher shaft and cap toe detailing for added sophistication. Designed for those who want a boot that can comfortably cross from countryside to boardroom, while retaining country roots. |
| Robert Derby (2298 last) | A derby shoe in the same Aspen leather, ideal as the more formal option in the capsule. Natural split welt, Commando sole, giving the shoe presence without being overly rugged. |
Each model is made in Northampton by Tricker’s craftsmen using their traditional machinery and methods. For us that means longevity, serviceability (resoleable Goodyear welt), and a finish that will age and improve rather than degrade.
Care & Wear Advice
Because we’re using a beautiful aniline leather with natural grain and finish, it pays to treat it with respect from day one:
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Start by applying a good quality neutral leather conditioner to hydrate the leather and protect the surface.
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Use a soft cloth brush to remove dirt/debris after each wear, especially important for a shrunken grain surface which might trap small particles between the grain.
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Apply a light cream polish that complements the colour and tone, but avoid heavy wax build up which can mask the natural texture and prevent the leather showing its full potential.
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Take advantage of the Goodyear welt. At first sign of sole wear consider resoling rather than replacing. These are long term investments.
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Enjoy the patina: The Aspen horsehide will evolve with wear, heel to toe flex, crease lines and exposure to light/moisture.
