Material dizziness! Leather, suede or maybe synthetic? We advise which shoe material to choose

Why does the material of the upper matter?

Shoes made of various materials are available in shoe stores. You can choose from several types of leather - natural, grain and ecological. Suede and nubuck are also very popular. In the case of some shoes, customers choose rubber or felt. Many people also value synthetic materials and fabric uppers. 

Although the choice of materials used in the production of shoes is really wide, it is worth considering this decision carefully. It is the upper that is designed to protect your feet, among others against weather conditions.

For heavy rain, rubber wellies will be much better than suede ballerinas. However, on hot days, instead of leather sports shoes, it is better to wear leather sandals or espadrilles made of breathable fabric.

A well-chosen material of the upper will guarantee you not only the comfort of use, but also affect the durability and appearance of the footwear. Some footwear will only serve you for one season, while another pair will accompany you for many years. 

Also remember that even the most beautiful shoes will not look aesthetically pleasing when their upper fades due to the sun or cracks due to unfavorable weather conditions.

All these aspects are determined by the material from which the upper is made. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of the most popular plastics.

Natural leather shoes - advantages and disadvantages

Leather is one of the most widely used materials in the manufacture of shoes. Its main advantages are flexibility, durability and reliability.

Shoes made of natural leather perfectly fit the shape of the foot, making wearing them comfortable. What's more, they prevent feet from sweating. Natural leather also provides perfect thermal comfort. Choosing shoes made of this material, you can be sure that in summer they will not be too hot for you, and in winter - too cold.

The most important disadvantages of leather shoes include the high price and the need for regular impregnation. If you forget to use special measures, you have to take into account that unsightly cracks may appear on your shoes. Additionally, leather shoes can be much heavier than shoes made of other materials. 

If you choose leather shoes, make sure you treat them properly. In addition to using dedicated products, remember to store them in a dry and dark place, preferably on a special stand.

Are suede footwear reliable?

Suede impresses with its great appearance. It is breathable and light, which makes it perfect for spring and autumn. This material easily adapts to the foot, providing you with incomparable comfort all day long.

The primary problem with suede shoes is the ease with which they get dirty. Keeping them clean can be a real challenge; especially in winter, when the streets are sprinkled with road salt, which can cause unsightly stains.

Commonly used footwear fabrics

Cotton, nylon, polyester, wool… The choice of shoe fabrics is huge! Textiles are very popular among shoe manufacturers.

For good reason! They are stretchy and durable, and their prices are not particularly high. They are perfect for sports shoes or light everyday footwear. Textile shoes are widely available and the choice of designs, colors and styles is almost endless.

Among the disadvantages of footwear fabrics, special attention should be paid to the relatively high difficulty of care. Textiles get dirty very easily, and if you choose shoes made of light-colored materials, restoring their original color can be time-consuming and problematic.

Eco leather and other synthetic materials

The upper of the shoes can also be made of synthetic materials, such as artificial leather or rubber. In many cases, these materials are hydrophobic and cleaning them is not much of a challenge.

Although in the past it was considered the epitome of kitsch and trash, today eco-leather has many supporters. Good quality material almost looks like natural leather, and it is not obtained at the expense of animals.

When discussing synthetic materials, it is impossible not to mention rubber. The rubber boots are water resistant and easy to maintain. They are relatively comfortable and show high resistance to potential damage. Their advantage is also the affordable price.

On the other hand, footwear made of artificial materials may increase the problem of foot sweating. The non-breathable upper is the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Which shoe material should I choose?

Unfortunately, there is no single rule that will help you choose the material of your shoes. It all depends on your personal preferences and the budget you plan to spend on a new pair of shoes.

We hope that after familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of individual materials, choosing the right footwear will not be a problem for you anymore.