While getting shoes for your daily use, you must choose shoes that contain good quality leather. Interestingly, there are many types of leather available. So, you can fall into confusion while selecting the suitable types of leather.
Here we will describe everything you may need to know about shoe leather. I hope it will help you to have a better understanding of shoe leather.
On the contrary, you will get to know how to choose the best kind of leather, grades of leather, and different types of shoe leather.
Now, let’s get to explore more.
Types of shoe leathers
Leather usually comes from different animals. At the same time, it contains identical features and characteristics. Hence, leather is divided into many types.
And you need to have a clear concept of the characteristics of different types of leather for choosing the best one.
Why should you choose leather?
Before describing the types of leather, I would like to provide a clear concept of why you should choose leather over other materials for your shoes.
Though the people wore the shoes for protecting their feet, in modern times, it is means of fashion as well as social status. Interestingly, leather shoes are highly demanded among all kinds of users.
And there are many reasons behind the public choice. Firstly, leather is a perfect medium to protect the foot from wounds. At the same time, leather is breathable as well as waterproof.
However, durability is another crucial reason behind the choice of leather shoes.
Grades of shoe leather
Leather can come from any part of animals. And based on this consideration, leather grades have arrived.
The best leather indeed comes from the backside, and the wicked leather usually comes from the animal’s betty or head.
According to this consideration, here are the primary three grades of leather.
Full-Grain
The full-grain leather usually comes from the hide of the animal. As it is the most substantial part of the animal’s body, the leather is very durable.
Though this type of leather is durable, it is not breathable enough. At the same time, the leather can contain any scratches or damages.
Its thickness is another crucial consideration. While making it perfect for use, the leather can go through a process of thickness. Hence, you will not get the original string leather.
Top Grain
This type of leather is thinner than full-grain leather. Yet, it is prevalent among users. A lot of luxurious products are made from top-grain leather.
On the contrary, scratches or marks can very quickly appear in this type of leather. It is because it doesn’t contain any coating or protection.
Eventually, the top grain leather is less durable than a full-grain. But never be worried. It can last for a very long time if you take the necessary care.
Corrected Grain
If you want to get premium quality leather, you can choose corrected grain leather. You will be able to use this type of leather for a very long time.
At the same time, this leather is usually sanded by the manufacturer to remove scratches and marks. And an attractive coating is applied for extra protection as well.
However, sometimes you may fall into confusion because of its artificial layer. And you may get the wrong product as well. So be careful while selecting the leather.
Different types of leather used for shoe
Now, you are going to learn the characteristics of different types of leather that are used for making shoes.
Pull-up leather
Pull-up leather is a kind of leather that can come from any grain. But the manufacturer applies pull-up techniques on these leather.
Importantly, it will make your shoes durable and robust. So you can wear the shoes for a very long time.
Most interestingly, when you pull the leather, the color of the leather will be migrated. And the leather will turn into a lighter color.
Calfskin
Calfskin leather usually comes from the calves of different animals. It is trendy among users because of its fantastic softness and durability.
This type of leather has a great demand for making men’s shoes. And to change its physical characteristics such as weight, looking, etc. manufacturer uses several finishing processes.
However, compared with any other leathers, calfskin is more durable. At the same time, it is gorgeous and has a fine grain.
Patent leather
Patent leather is a special kind of leather. This type of leather seems different than any other leather. But the truth is, it comes from original leather.
Now, the question is, what makes this leather different and gorgeous? The straightforward answer is a coating of shiny materials makes this leather extra-ordinary.
However, shos from patent leather will be handsome, pleasing, and durable.
Suede leather
This type of leather is used for making high-quality shoes. And it is thinner and softer than any other leather. So user feels pleasant while using the shoes made by suede.
Suede usually contains a blurry finish. Hence, it is famous for fashion purposes. You may get luxurious feels while weaning suede shoes.
Moreover, you can get long-lasting service from suede-made shoes.
Nubuck leather
The nubuck leather has a good reputation for its subtle bristles, smoothness, and pleasing appearance.
The leather is more rigid than any other kind of leather. But you need to take good care of this leather. Otherwise, scuffs can become quickly appear on this leather.
From top-grain leather, nubuck leather is made. So this leather seems enough durable and rugged. Hence, you can use the shoes made by the nubuck leather for a long time.
Shell cordovan leather
Shell cordovan leather is another crucial type of top grain leather. Though it does not come from full-grain leather, it is durable, rugged, and stylish.
Importantly, this type of leather has a smooth and fine finishing surface. And this gorgeous finishing will make the shoes nice looking.
On the contrary, you can use shoes made of shell cordovan leather in dry weather and wet weather.
Polyurethane (PU) leather
Besides natural leather, many kinds of artificial leather are now available. Though you will not get comfort like genuine leather, you can use it for your shoes.
From thermoplastic polymer, PU leather is manufactured. On the primary substance, a coating of polyurethane is usually present to make the leather more gorgeous.
However, you can get a good service from this type of leather. Importantly, it is durable enough.
Check out different types of leather used in shoes:
Use of leather in shoes
Now, let’s explore different uses of leather in shoes. It may help you to choose the proper materials for your project.
- The leather is used for the outsole of the shoes.
- Leather can be used in the insole of the shoes.
- Leather can also be used for shoe lining.
- At the same time, you may need to use leather for the upper side and heel of the shoes.
However, in every part of shoes, you can use leather.
Tips for choosing the right type of leather
Here are some crucial tips that may help you choose the right type of leather.
- Know your project and the requirements of the leather.
- Explore different types of leather.
- Know the grades of shoe leather.
- Measure the leather quality.
- Consider water-resistant materials.
- Think about the suitable color of the leather
Verdict
Though several kinds of shoe leather are available, we have described the most common ones. Interestingly, all types of leather have unique characteristics and use.
So you have to decide which one will be perfect for your project. Then you can select one that can meet your needs.
However, I hope you have got all the necessary information about several types of shoe leather. And the described tips may also help to get the right leather. Never forget to consider the cost and qualities of the leather.
Good luck!
