Auburn Leather boot and shoe laces are either Chrome Tanned or Alum Tanned. Chrome Tanned— leather processed with chromium salts “plumps” up the fiber structure for a mellow, pliable feel. Chrome Tanned leather laces are the most widely used in boots and shoes. Properly tanned, this leather produces laces, which have excellent tensile strength and wear resistance with a mellow/feel temper. A Chrome Tanned leather lace is strong yet “tie-able.” Alum Tanned— leather processed with a double salt containing aluminum sulfate. Constricts the fibers for a more rigid, dense feel. Alum Tanned leather is more commonly used for manufacturing sporting goods’ laces, i.e. baseball gloves, and mechanical and belt lacing. A small number of moccasin manufacturers use Alum tanned laces for their “whip-stitching” lace. Alum Tanned lace is very strong but has a more rigid, firm feel. At high temperatures, and Alum Tanned lace will continue to process, “cook”, thus making the lace very dry and brittle. Alum Tanned laces should not be used in shoes which go through a wet-drying operation.

Lace Tannage