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CheckoutWhat types of shoe leather are there?
15 минут
Leather is one of the most popular materials for making shoes. It has many benefits including strength, durability, breathability and comfort. However, not all types of leather are the same, and each has its own characteristics.
No. 1 Smooth skin
Smooth leather is the most common type of leather for shoes. It is made from animal skins that are carefully cleaned and polished. Smooth leather can be dyed any color and has a smooth, uniform surface.
Advantages:
- Strength
- Durability
- Easy to care for
Flaws:
- May be subject to scratches and abrasions
Smooth skin types:
- Partially pigmented leather is leather that is completely sanded before dyeing. This leather is very durable and scratch resistant.
- Fully pigmented leather is leather that, after being dyed, is covered in a pattern that fills in problem areas and creates a uniform leather upper. This leather is also very durable and scratch resistant.
- Embossed leather is leather that has a design applied to it using embossing. Embossed leather can imitate reptile skin, wood grain, or other textures.
- Washed leather is leather that has been hot pressed while wet. This skin has an uneven surface with natural wrinkles.
- Patent leather is leather coated with a layer of polyurethane or varnish. Patent leather has a shiny, mirror-like appearance.
- Aged leather is leather that has been artificially aged by applying paint or a special coating. This leather has a worn, vintage look.
No. 2 Nubuck
Nubuck is a type of leather that is made from animal skins with a velvety surface. Nubuck is treated with aniline dye, which penetrates deep into the leather and gives it a natural color and shine.
Advantages:
- Softness
- Elegant look
- Good breathability
Flaws:
- Requires careful care
- May be susceptible to contamination
Nubuck types:
- Regular nubuck is the most common type of nubuck. It is made from animal skins with a grainy surface.
- Oiled nubuck is nubuck that has been treated with a special composition of oils and wax. This nubuck is more durable and water-repellent.
No. 3 Suede
Suede is a type of leather that is made from animal skins with a velvety surface. Suede is treated with aniline dye, which penetrates deep into the leather and gives it a natural color and shine.
Advantages:
- Softness
- Elegant look
- Good breathability
Flaws:
- Requires careful care
- May be susceptible to contamination
Suede types:
- Regular suede is the most common type of suede. It is made from animal skins with a grainy surface.
- Back suede is a suede that is made from the inside of animal hides. This suede is softer and thinner, but less durable.
Other types of leather for shoes:
No. 4 Velor and micro-velor
Very soft and pleasant to the touch materials with short soft pile. Often used to make home and children's shoes. Durable and practical to use.
No. 5 Leather with patina
Artificially aged leather with the effect of wear and tear. Creates a vintage look. Practical material that does not require special care.
When choosing shoes in a store, pay attention to the type of leather. The features of caring for the product and its service life depend on this. The main thing is to choose high-quality genuine leather from trusted manufacturers.
No. 6 Reptile skin
Exotic material made from the skin of reptiles - crocodiles, snakes, lizards. It is distinguished by a unique pattern of scales. Expensive and high-status look of leather. Wear-resistant and durable material.
No. 7 Rozhka
Thick leather with a distinct grainy texture. Natural or artificial matting is durable, moisture-resistant and durable. Often used to make massive, strong shoes.
No. 8 Chevro
Very durable material, made from a thick layer of cattle leather. It has water-repellent properties and is resistant to abrasion. Used for the production of casual and work shoes.
No. 9 Leather with perforation
Leather with a fine perforated pattern of holes. Provides good foot ventilation and moisture absorption. Often used for summer shoes.
No. 10 Metallic leather
Leather coated with a metal coating imitating gold, silver, copper. Gives shoes a catchy shiny look. Requires careful handling so as not to damage the metallized coating.
No. 11 Ostrich leather
This is embossed leather with a characteristic relief pattern that imitates the texture of ostrich leather. It is characterized by high strength and wear resistance. Gives shoes an exclusive look.
No. 12 Shagreen
Leather with a grainy, rough texture. Natural or artificial shagreen is waterproof and durable. Used for casual and sports shoes.
No. 13 Vintage leather
Artificially aged leather with the effects of abrasions, scratches and wrinkles. Gives the impression of old, worn leather. Ideal for styling shoes in vintage style om style.
No. 14 Chevrette
Glossy patent chevro leather. Combines the durability of chevro and the elegant shine of varnish. It is characterized by increased water resistance.
No. 15 Fish skin
Exotic textured leather made from fish skin (shark, stingray, sturgeon). It has a unique scale pattern. Expensive and high-status material.
№16 Leather with 3D print
Modern technology of applying volumetric print to the surface of the skin. Allows you to create exclusive original designs and unusual textures.
As you can see, the variety of shoe leathers is truly enormous. Choose what you like best and matches your style!
No. 17 Boxing leather
Rough, thick skin, often untreated, with visible signs of scars and veins. Used to create military and casual style shoes. It is particularly durable and wear-resistant.
No. 18 Jacquard leather
Leather with an embossed geometric pattern imitating jacquard fabric. Looks stylish and elegant. Suitable for making fashionable casual shoes.
No.19 Skin under the slugs
Textured leather with an embossed pattern that imitates slugs and algae. Creates a spectacular texture and original shoe design.
№20 Holographic skin
Leather coated with a special holographic coating that creates shine and shimmering effects. It looks very impressive and futuristic.
In general, as we see, a huge variety of innovative and exclusive types of leather are used to produce modern fashionable shoes. Choose shoes you like from high-quality and stylish materials!
№21 Leather with laser engraving
A drawing, pattern or inscription is applied to the surface of the skin using a laser. This allows you to create exclusive original designs.
№ 22 Hyper skin
A unique material that combines the properties of leather and technical fabrics. It is characterized by high strength, wear resistance and has water-repellent properties.
No. 23 Leather with flocking
A pattern of colored flocks is electrostatically applied to the surface of the skin. Gives shoes softness and voluminous texture.
No. 24 Linkrust leather
The surface of the leather is covered with colored pieces of natural or artificial leather, forming an inlaid pattern. Creates a mosaic effect.
No. 25 Two-tone leather
Leather dyed using two contrasting colors. Often used in sports and youth shoes to create bright accents.
No. 26 Leather with casting
A relief pattern made of polyurethane or silicone is applied to the surface of the skin by casting. Adds texture and volume.
As you can see, designers use a variety of innovative technologies to create stylish and unusual shoes! This allows you to expand the possibilities of design and implementation of creative ideas.
№27 Perforated leather
Leather with many small holes creating an openwork pattern. Provides ventilation and lightness to the shoe.
No. 28 Leather with foil
A foil pattern is applied to the surface of the skin. Creates eye-catching highlights and reflections.
No. 29 Marbled leather
Imitates the texture and pattern of natural marble. Looks stylish and impressive.
№30 Leather with thermal printing
The image is transferred to the skin using special ink and high temperatures. Allows for photo printing.
№31 Leather with laser texture
A laser creates a 3D relief pattern on the skin, simulating various textures.
№32 Leather with UV printing
The image is applied to the skin using ultraviolet ink. Differs in brightness of colors and clarity.
No. 33 Seamless leather
A single piece of leather without seams or stitching. Emphasizes the natural texture of the material.
As you can see, the range of shoe leathers is very wide. Choose the option you like based on your preferences in appearance and operating conditions. The main thing is that the leather is of high quality and meets your needs!
Choosing leather for shoes
When choosing leather shoes you should consider:
- Purpose of using shoes. If the shoes are intended for everyday wear, then it is better to choose a strong and durable type of leather, for example, smooth or nubuck. For special occasions, you can choose a more delicate type of leather, such as suede or patent leather.
- Fashion style. Leather shoes can be made in different styles, from classic to sporty. The choice of leather should match the style of your clothing.
- Budget. The cost of leather shoes depends on the type of leather, manufacturer and country of production.
Leather shoe care
Proper care of leather shoes will help maintain their appearance and extend their service life. Here are some tips for caring for leather shoes:
- Clean your shoes regularly. To do this, use a soft cloth or sponge and special products for caring for leather shoes.
- Avoid getting your shoes wet. If your shoes get wet, dry them naturally at room temperature.
Conclusions and advice
Leather is a versatile material that is used to make shoes in a wide variety of styles. When choosing leather for shoes, you should consider the purpose of using the shoes, clothing style and budget. Proper care of leather shoes will help maintain their appearance and extend their service life.
Additional tips for caring for leather shoes
- To remove dirt from smooth skin, you can use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm water and soap. After cleaning, the shoes should be wiped dry.
- To remove dirt from nubuck or suede, you can use a special brush for nubuck or suede. After cleaning, shoes should be treated with a water-repellent agent.
- To care for patent leather, you should use special products for caring for patent leather.
- To care for embossed leather, use special leather care products for embossed leather.
Proper care of shoes is the key to their durability and stylish appearance. The key factor here is the material from which the shoes are made. The variety of leather types provides a wide range of choices, but also requires special attention when caring. In this article we will look at the main types of leather and their features.
Choosing a shoe material is not only a matter of style, but also of comfort, durability and care. Each type of leather has its own unique characteristics, and the right choice depends on your needs and preferences. Remember to regularly care for your shoes using suitable products to keep them looking good for a long time.
When choosing shoes, be guided not only by appearance, but also by knowledge of materials. This will allow you to make an informed choice that combines style, comfort and durability. Take care of your shoes, and they will repay you with durability and unsurpassed appearance.
With proper care, leather shoes will serve you for many years.



