Understanding the Environmental Impact and the Urgent Need for Sustainable Alternatives

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.