Types Of Leather

From kicks to boots to high-fashion heels, the anatomy of leather footwear reveals the artistry and precision behind every pair. Shoes can be made of various types of leather types, each contributing to quality and comfort.

It’s all about the fine details; even smaller components like laces, tongues, and heels can be crafted from varying parts of the animal hide, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. By understanding these uses, you can better identify and appreciate the quality and artistry that go into making a great pair of shoes.

Notably, “genuine leather” is often misunderstood. It’s actually a low-grade leather product made from inferior hide layers, ranking above bonded leather but below top-grain and full-grain. This term is sometimes used to make cheaper goods seem more premium, highlighting the importance of understanding leather grades when assessing shoe quality.

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain material, made from the top layer of the hide, retains the hide’s natural surface, including imperfections. full grain leather shoes are known for their strength, stain resistance and durability, it develops a rich patina over time and is commonly used in high-end dress shoes, boots, and luxury footwear.

Top-Grain Leather

Top-grain material, also from the top layer of the hide, is lightly sanded and refinished to remove imperfections. It is a smooth leather, strong and durable, often used in dress shoes and quality everyday footwear, though it doesn’t develop as rich a patina as full-grain leather.

Suede

Suede, made from the underside of the hide, has a soft, napped finish. It offers a distinct texture and aesthetic, making it popular in casual shoes, loafers, and fashion sneakers, though it is less durable than full-grain or top-grain material.

 Nubuck

Nubuck, similar to suede but made from the outer side of the hide, is sanded or buffed to create a soft, velvety finish. Suede shoes combines strength with a plush texture, lsuitable for both casual and dress shoes.

Sheepskin and Goatskin

Sheepskin and goatskin are softer and more pliable than cowhide, making them ideal for linings and comfortable shoe uppers. They provide excellent insulation and comfort and are often used in luxury slippers and boots.

Exotic leathers

Exotic leathers, sourced from animals like alligators, ostriches, buffalo leather and snakes, offer unique textures and patterns. These materials are prized in high-end footwear for their distinctive appearance and rarity. Exotic leather shoes are known for their luxury appeal and often command premium prices. While requiring special care, they offer unparalleled uniqueness and are frequently used in designer shoes, limited-edition collections, and bespoke footwear.

Corrected grain leather

Corrected grain leather is made from top-quality hides that are sanded and buffed to remove blemishes, then treated with artificial grain for uniformity. While this process creates a smooth appearance and more affordable shoes, it sacrifices the strength and longevity associated with full-grain leather.

Split leather

Split leather, which involves splitting the top grain from the suede surface, is one of the distinct parts of the hide, with fibers becoming softer and looser deeper into the hide. By understanding these uses, you can better identify and appreciate the quality and artistry that go into making a great pair of shoes.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather, also known as reconstituted leather, is a material made from leather scraps and fibers mixed with polyurethane or latex. It’s then backed with a fabric or paper substrate and embossed with a leather-like texture. This product is significantly cheaper, but lacks its durability and quality. In the shoe industry, it’s typically used for very low-end products or non-essential components.