The Hill-Side New Low Sneakers Use Japanese Natural Veg-Tan Leather

So, you want a pair of shoes that’ll develop an enviable patina. But maybe you’re not super into boots, or you live somewhere very warm, where those ankle-biters are just too much. If that’s the case, NYC brand The Hill-Side’s gone all out on a pair of sneakers that’ll earn a place alongside (or instead of) the most patina’d pair of boots. Their natural veg-tanned leather sneakers are made with undyed cow hide that’s processed using the more eco-friendly vegetable tanning method, with leather sourced from Japan’s venerated Tochigi Leather tannery.

Thoughtful detailing include double-layered rubber foxing that sports pebbled and ribbed textures, plus a wide-ribbed toe cap, all made using traditional vulcanization and natural rubber. Extra rubber on the back heel slows the wear and tear that any car owner knows all too well. Twill tape binding and similarly toned laces offer a complementary color that’ll become more noticeable as the leather itself acquires that aforementioned patina, and the brass eyelets sport nickel plating.

Each pair was made by hand in Japan, and the sneaks are produced in collaboration with Japanese brand F/CE. Priced at $395 and available from The Hill-Side.