Our Commitment to Craftsmanship & Sustainability
At Pierrepont Hicks, we believe exceptional footwear should honor both tradition and our planet. Every material choice and manufacturing decision reflects this philosophy, combining timeless craftsmanship with environmental stewardship.
Our Premium Materials:
Wild-Sourced Deerhide
Our suppliers and partners work with signature deerhide carefully selected for its exceptional qualities:
- Unmatched softness that molds to your feet
- Natural breathability for all-day comfort
- Outstanding durability that improves with age
- Complete biodegradability at end of life
Deer populations are responsibly managed in many areas to maintain balanced ecosystems, preventing overgrazing and supporting biodiversity (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2018). This approach allows our partners to source deerhide with a minimal ecological footprint, contributing to conservation efforts while creating footwear that’s gentle on the earth.
Responsibly Sourced Cowhide
Our suppliers work with the specific suppliers in the beef industry to transform premium hides into lasting footwear:
- Supports full material utilization
- Reduces waste in the food supply chain
- Provides exceptional durability and character
- Develops a unique patina over time
Studies show that utilizing agricultural by-products like cowhide reduces the carbon footprint associated with hide disposal and minimizes landfill waste (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2021). This approach aligns with our mission to repurpose materials, divert waste, and reduce environmental strain.
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
Our dual-material approach supports multiple aspects of environmental stewardship:
Conservation & Wildlife Management
- Natural habitat preservation
- Responsible wildlife population management
- Support for local ecosystem balance
Wildlife management practices focused on sustainable harvesting, such as conservation models in North America, ensure that natural populations are preserved while fostering healthy ecosystems. These systems have been shown to boost biodiversity and provide long-term ecological benefits (Ecological Applications, 2019).
Waste Reduction & Sustainability
- Zero-waste material utilization
- Minimized environmental impact
- Reduced need for synthetic alternatives
- Extended product lifecycle
By using renewable materials like deerhide and cowhide, which are biodegradable and require less chemical processing than synthetic leathers, we reduce reliance on petroleum-based products. These materials naturally decompose, avoiding the pollution associated with plastic-based leathers (Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2020).
American Craftsmanship
Every pair of Pierrepont Hicks shoes is crafted by master American artisans who:
- Have perfected their craft over generations
- Share our dedication to quality and sustainability
- Transform raw materials into lasting luxury
- Uphold traditional shoemaking techniques
Our careful material selection process ensures that each hide:
- Meets our exacting quality standards
- Comes from trusted, responsible sources
- Supports sustainable practices
- Creates footwear that will last for years
By choosing Pierrepont Hicks, you're not just wearing exceptional footwear—you're participating in a cycle of sustainability that supports wildlife conservation, reduces industrial waste, and preserves traditional American craftsmanship.
Sources:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2018). Sustainable Wildlife Management Practices. Available at fws.gov.
- Journal of Cleaner Production (2021). The Environmental Impact of Leather Processing from Beef Industry By-products. Available at Journal of Cleaner Production.
- Ecological Applications (2019). Sustainable Wildlife Harvesting and Biodiversity Impact. Available at Ecological Applications.
- Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management (2020). Biodegradable Leather as a Sustainable Material. Available at Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management.