Sanders Venice Split Toe Gibson, Savage Brown Grain Leather

Sanders Venice Split Toe Apron Gibson in Savage Brown Grain

The Venice is a split toe apron Gibson from Sanders' Exclusive collection. It is cut in Savage Brown grain leather, fully leather lined and Goodyear welted on a Sanders rubber sole, with "Made in England" stamped inside. It has enough polish for a jacket and enough sole for the walk to the station.

From Rushden, since 1873

Sanders was founded in 1873 by the brothers William and Thomas Sanders in Rushden, Northamptonshire. William had worked as a clicker in London before he came home to start the business. The firm is still family owned, now in its fourth and fifth generations, and still works from the Spencer Road factory it moved into in 1912.

The details

The apron seam runs round the forepart and meets in a split at the toe. That gives the vamp more interest than a plain Gibson without making it fussy. The open lacing has five eyelets a side. Inside is a full leather lining. Underneath is a Sanders rubber sole with a deep tread, Goodyear welted to the upper.

Sizing and fit

Sanders makes the Venice on its ASH last in F fitting, which Sanders lists as its standard width (US D). It is not made in wider fittings. Sizes are UK: 6 to 10.5 in half sizes, then 11 and 12. You should order your normal UK size. On Sanders' own conversion chart, UK 9 is US 10 and EU 43. Sanders lasts differ from model to model. If you are between sizes or unsure, ask us before you order and we will help. 

How to wear it

Brown grain and a rubber sole make the Venice a natural partner for flannels, cords, chinos and dark denim. Wear it with tweed, knitwear or an unstructured jacket. It is a shoe for the office on a Friday and the pub on a Saturday, and more at home in the country than in a boardroom.

Looking after it

Brush off grit after each wear and give the shoes a day's rest. A pair of cedar shoe trees helps the leather dry back into shape and keeps creasing in check. Feed the leather now and then with a brown cream from our liquid and cream shoe polishes, then add a light coat from our wax shoe polishes on the toe and heel. Our horsehair brush set covers applying, buffing and shining. Our leather shoe care guide has the full routine.

See more from Sanders and our full range of men's Gibsons and derbys.

Leather Shoe & Boot Care Guide: How to Clean, Condition & Protect Leather Footwear

High-quality leather shoes and boots are an investment, offering superior durability, comfort, and timeless style. With proper care, they can last for decades, developing a beautiful patina over time. Here’s how to keep your Blake-stitched or  Goodyear welted, full-grain leather shoes and boots looking their best.

1. Remove Dirt & Dust with a Horsehair Brush

Before applying any polish or conditioner, it’s crucial to remove surface dirt and dust.

• Use a horsehair brush to buff away dirt.
• For tougher grime, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, but avoid soaking the leather.

✅ Pair your horsehair brushes with a soft microfiber cloth or cotton duster for gentle cleaning and buffing.

2. Conditioning: Keep Leather Supple & Prevent Cracking

Leather naturally loses moisture over time, which can lead to drying and cracking. A high-quality leather conditioner helps restore essential oils and keep the leather soft.

How to Condition Leather Shoes & Boots:

• Apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a cotton cloth / duster or your fingers.
• Massage it into the leather using circular motions.
• Allow it to absorb for at least 15 minutes.
• Buff off any excess with a horsehair brush for a natural sheen.

✅ A leather conditioner and horsehair brush are must-haves for proper leather care.

3. Polishing: Restore Shine & Enhance Colour

Leather polish enhances the appearance of your shoes while adding a layer of protection.

Choosing the Right Polish:

• Cream Polish: Nourishes and restores colour without excessive shine.
• Wax Polish: Provides a high-gloss finish and extra protection.

How to Apply Polish:

1. Apply a thin layer of polish with a cotton cloth or polish applicator brush.
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Buff using a horsehair brush for a classic shine.
4. For a mirror shine, apply multiple thin layers, buffing with a soft cloth after each application.

✅ A leather polish kit (cream & wax), polish applicator brush, and buffing cloth create the perfect polishing routine.

4. Waterproofing & Protecting Leather Shoes

Exposure to water and harsh weather can damage leather. To protect against rain, stains, and moisture, use a leather protector spray or dubbin wax.

• For smooth leather: Use a water-repellent spray that won’t alter the finish.
• For rugged boots: Use dubbin wax for a heavier layer of protection.

How to Apply Waterproofing Products:

• Spray or rub a small amount evenly over the surface.
• Let it dry fully before wearing.
• Reapply every few weeks or after exposure to wet conditions.

✅ A leather protector spray or dubbin wax ensures your shoes stay protected all year round.

5. Caring for the Soles & Welt

• Clean the edges of the sole using a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Condition leather soles with a sole dressing to prevent drying out.
• If the soles show excessive wear, take them to a professional cobbler for resoling.

✅ Using cedar shoe trees helps absorb moisture and maintain the structure of your shoes.

6. Proper Storage & Maintenance

• Use cedar shoe trees: These absorb moisture, prevent creasing, and help maintain the shoe’s shape.
• Store in cotton shoe bags: This protects against dust and light exposure.
• Rotate your shoes: Wearing the same pair every day reduces their lifespan—allow at least 24 hours between wears.

✅ A combination of cedar shoe trees and cotton shoe bags extends the life of your leather footwear.

Essential Leather Shoe & Boot Care Kit (Recommended Products)

• Horsehair Brush – For cleaning and buffing.
• Leather Conditioner – Prevents cracking and keeps leather soft.
• Cream Polish & Wax Polish – Enhances colour and provides protection.
• Polish Applicator Brush & Buffing Cloth – For even polish application.
• Leather Protector Spray / Dubbin Wax – Shields against water and stains.
• Cedar Shoe Trees – Maintains shape and absorbs moisture.
• Cotton Shoe Bags – Protects from dust and scuffs.

By following this leather shoe care routine, your high-quality Goodyear welted shoes and boots will remain in top condition for years, developing a rich patina that enhances their character over time.

• SKU: p-venc-brn-6
• Brand: Sanders