Yak leather is a distinctive, high-performance leather sourced from domesticated yaks native to the Himalayan region, Tibetan Plateau, Tajikistan, the Pamir Mountains, and areas as far north as Mongolia and Siberia. Known for its tightly packed collagen fibre structure, yak leather offers exceptional strength and abrasion resistance while remaining remarkably soft and supple. Naturally adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, it is more robust than traditional cowhide, providing excellent resistance to wear, tears and scratches.

Despite its durability, yak leather has a smooth, buttery-soft feel with a flexible handle that requires minimal break-in time. Each hide carries its own unique character, with natural markings, scars and variations creating a distinctive, rustic finish.

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Our Guides Handy Tips, Style Advice & Information

How our shoes are made

For over 140 years, we've been crafting exceptional footwear in the heart of England's shoemaking county. Discover the skilled craftsmanship, traditional techniques and attention to detail that go into making every pair of Cheaney shoes.

Size & Fit Guide

Nothing compares to visiting a Joseph Cheaney & Sons store in person and receiving a fitting consultation from our expert staff. However, we understand that visiting a store isn't always an option for everyone so we've put together this guide to help you choose the correct size

Our recommended polish & creams

If you’re wondering which products and colours we recommend to look after your shoes. We've put together this guide; you will find a comprehensive list of our current leathers with the recommended products. Feel free to use some creative licence within reason.

Wedding Shoe Guide

Regardless of the style or cut of your suit, choosing the right colour shoes for your outfit is crucial to achieving a sophisticated and well put-together end result for your big day.

Style Guide

What's an Oxford and how does it differ to a Derby? How is a Brogue different to a semi brogue? Discover the range of different styles of footwear we design and manufacture in our Northamptonshire based, UK factory and learn more about their origins and history.

Polishing Guide

Polishing, if done regularly, shouldn’t take up too much of your time and won’t be at all arduous, as long as you do the basics right. Discover our top tips and step by step video of how to keep your shoes looking their best and what the best care products are to use.

Sole Guide

Have you ever wondered what the letter(s) B, C, D, R, GV means in the name of the style of footwear; well it references the sole used. Gain insight into the different types of soles we use on our footwear, from a traditional leather to heavy duty rubber sole, there is a sole for every occasion.

Last Guide

The last is the 3-dimensional form on which our shoes are constructed. The shoe proportion, shape, fit, width and character start with the last. If you can identify the last that suits your foot, all the shoes or boots built on that last will fit well.

Leather Guide

We only source high-grade leather from the best tanneries in the UK and abroad to produce our footwear. Our collection includes various leathers and we are constantly discerning new treatments and characteristics to expand our unique collection.

How to care for suede shoes

The common myth is that suede shoes are notoriously difficult to keep looking their best. However, don’t be put off as this really isn’t the case; whether it’s a new pair or you need to rejuvenate an exsiting pair, we’ve created a definitive guide on how to care for and protect suede shoes.