Tourer Original Black & Cedarwood

Reconstructed from 1960s racing shoes, the Tourer revives the historic colorways once seen on the feet of Formula 1 drivers.
　

❶ Essence — Design & Structure

The Tourer is a chukka boot–style driving shoe inspired by racing footwear from the 1960s, including those worn in Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Built on the GRS last, it combines a sharp exterior with secure, three-dimensional foot support. NEGRONI’s original “dress-finished driving sole” pairs hand-patinated leather welts with a lightweight rubber base. With a 22mm heel height, it adapts effortlessly from casual driving to tailored business attire.

❷ Expression — Materials & Aesthetics

The Original Black & Cedarwood colorway faithfully revives the tones once used on the legendary G.P. Boots of Formula 1. The upper is crafted from Lombardia Tan, a premium vegetable-tanned leather produced in Santa Croce, Italy, using methods unchanged since the tannery’s founding. Its pure, plant-based finish carries a subtle natural fragrance and increasing rarity. The heel is accented with calf leather in authentic cedarwood, exactly matching the tones of the original boots.

❸ Response — Comfort & Sensitivity

The Tourer provides a unique fit that wraps the foot as if in a single piece of leather. While refined in appearance, the last ensures generous toe volume and natural freedom of movement. A layered leather and Ultrasuede® lining enhances comfort, while a horsehide insole reduces fatigue during walking or long-distance driving. The lightweight Vibram Gumlite sole offers excellent grip, while the 80° tapered heel allows smooth pivoting motions essential in driving.

❹ Legacy — History & Heritage

In the 1950s and 60s, Formula 1 paddocks reflected a wide range of footwear—Stirling Moss in loafers, Peter Collins in balmorals, and the G.P. Boots worn by Mike Hawthorn and his contemporaries. Among these, the black-and-cedarwood combination became a symbol of British racing culture. The Tourer Original Black & Cedarwood revives this heritage with modern craftsmanship.

For a deeper exploration of the shoes that inspired this model, please refer to NEGRONI Journal: “The Racing Shoe Specialist”

❺ Vision — Future Outlook

The Tourer Original Black & Cedarwood connects the legacy of historic motorsport to contemporary life. By merging classic design with refined comfort, it enriches both travel and daily driving, carrying forward a timeless colorway into the future.

Specifications

Upper: Lombardia Tan (cowhide | vegetable-tanned | made in Italy) × Cedarwood calf (cowhide)

Lining: Leather × Ultrasuede® layered lining

Insole: Horsehide insole

Outsole: NEGRONI “dress-finished” driving sole

(Vibram Gumlite rubber | ultra-lightweight, high-grip)

Welt: Hand-patinated leather welt, finished at NEGRONI Factory Tokyo

The upper, lining, and insole are crafted in Japan, while the outsole is sourced from Italy.
Final assembly is carried out at NEGRONI Factory Tokyo, where each pair is finished by hand.