Orlando 1837 - Midnight
- Norwegian welt construction
- Vacchetta full grain leather
- Garment-dyed
- Vibram tank sole
- Made in Italy
Guidi Rosellni
Founded in 1896 in Tuscany, Italy, Conceria Guidi e Rosellini was established as a leather tannery and has since built a reputation as one of the world's leading tanneries, supplying materials to many renowned brands.
At the time, Tuscany had easy access to affordable cattle, and the hides of female calves, in particular, were known for their high quality and durability. Against this backdrop, the company also produced work boots designed for laborers and hunters.
Today, Guidi Rosellini presents a collection that revives those original boot designs and traditional craftsmanship for the modern era.


Guidi Rosellini, a revival of classic work boots.
Guidi is a brand widely recognized within the so-called "artisan" footwear world, known for its many iconic models such as the back-zip 988 and the front-zip PL1.
On the other hand, despite sharing the same "Guidi" name, there are quite a few people who have never even heard of Guidi Rosellini.
Guidi Rosellini is a revival line born from the personal passion of the president of Guidi. Because of that, the vacchetta leather (female calf leather) used exclusively for Guidi Rosellini is considered the highest-grade leather produced by the company.
Its iconic leather and the use of Vibram tank soles on all models set it apart, offering a completely different approach compared to Guidi's main footwear collection.
With a history rooted in crafting work boots, Guidi Rosellini continues to produce work-inspired footwear such as the Ruggero 1906 and Morosino 1907.
The Orlando 1837, on the other hand, is a Tyrolean shoe — traditionally said to have been used for hunting and mountaineering in alpine regions.
Vacchetta Leather
Unlike the Morosino and Ruggero, which use reverse leather, the Orlando features full-grain leather. Guidi’s vegetable-tanned vacchetta leather is known for its rich oil content, becoming softer with wear and developing a remarkable patina over time.
The dark brown Orlando shown in the photos is my personal pair, purchased new in 2020 in the same natural full-grain leather, and still worn today.
In my case, rather than carefully maintaining them, I’ve done quite the opposite — wearing them without concern in rain and snow, and only occasionally applying a bit of cream for minimal care.
Although I’ve done some basic care here and there, I haven’t done anything special — it’s more accurate to say that I’ve simply worn them as they are, so it really feels like they’ve "grown on their own."
A sales representative from Guidi also mentioned, "The moment you see Vibram tank soles on them, you know what kind of boots these are," and said that she’s been wearing her Ruggero for over seven years, intentionally without any care, even taking them on hikes and wearing them through rain and snow.
Compared to the natural color, this Midnight version won’t show dramatic changes in color, but as you keep wearing them, creases, scuffs, and marks will form, and the boots will evolve into a pair that’s uniquely yours.
Current models come with a dedicated Guidi Rosellini care cream, so you can use that for maintenance.
Also, with long-term use, the leather laces may eventually break. If this happens within one year of purchase, replacement leather laces can be ordered free of charge, although shipping from Italy will be charged separately. After the first year, replacements are available for a fee.
Fabric laces are also included, allowing you to switch to them if you prefer, or to use as a substitute while waiting for replacement leather laces to arrive.
Timeless design — and that’s what I wanted.
The only model in the Guidi Rosellini lineup made with Norwegian welt construction, this method features two rows of stitching along the welt and is known for its durability and water resistance, requiring significant skill and effort to produce.
The soles are replaceable, making these shoes a piece you can live with for 10 or even 20 years.
While it's common to use cork between the insole and outsole, Guidi Rosellini uses leather instead, a detail that reflects their dedication as a leather specialist. Over time, the leather in the sole molds to the shape of your foot, offering a custom fit the more you wear them.
The last used for this model is different from those of the Morosino and Ruggero, and as a Tyrolean shoe, this design itself is something not found in Guidi’s main collection.
While Guidi Rosellini is often associated with its iconic natural color, this Midnight version is an equally beautiful option. It’s an easy choice for those who prefer darker tones in their wardrobe, and there have been customers who already own a pair in natural and chose Midnight as their second pair.
Compared to the Morosino and Ruggero, the Orlando has a more casual feel, making it well-suited for relaxed, effortless styling. And of course, it pairs perfectly with denim, as one would expect.
The way these shoes age — becoming more beautiful with every crease, scratch, and stain — is of course part of their undeniable charm. But beyond that, it's the timeless design, unchanged from the days when Guidi was making work boots, that continues to make them a piece you want to keep wearing.
No matter how your style or taste in clothing may evolve, these are shoes you can continue to wear. The fact that I’ve been wearing mine regularly for over four and a half years is proof enough of that. And I know I’ll keep wearing them for many more years to come.