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

Why does the upper material matter?

Shoe stores offer shoes made of various materials. You can choose from several types of leather - natural, grain and ecological. Suede and nubuck are also very popular. For some shoes, customers choose rubber or felt. Many people also value synthetic materials and fabric uppers. 

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

Rubber Wellington boots are much better than suede ballet flats for heavy rain. However, on hot days, instead of leather sports shoes, it is better to wear leather sandals or espadrilles made of airy fabric.

A well-selected upper material will not only guarantee comfort of use, but will 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 if their upper fades under the influence of 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 advantages and disadvantages of the most popular materials.

Natural leather shoes – advantages and disadvantages

Leather is one of the most frequently used materials for the production of shoes. Its main advantages are flexibility, durability and reliability.

Shoes made of natural leather adapt perfectly to the shape of the foot, making them comfortable to wear. Moreover, they prevent your feet from sweating. Natural leather also provides perfect thermal comfort. By choosing shoes made of this material, you can be sure that they will not be too hot in summer and not too cold in winter.

The most important disadvantages of leather shoes include the high price and the need for regular impregnation. If you forget to use special products, you must 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 shoes reliable?

Suede impresses with its perfect appearance. It is breathable and light, making it perfect for spring and autumn. This material easily adapts to your foot, providing you with unparalleled comfort all day long.

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

Commonly used shoe fabrics

Cotton, nylon, polyester, wool... The selection of shoe fabrics is huge! Textiles are extremely popular among shoe manufacturers.

Not without reason! They are stretchable and durable, and their prices are not particularly high. They are perfect for sports shoes or light everyday footwear. Shoes made of textiles are widely available, and the choice of designs, colors and styles is almost limitless.

Among the disadvantages of shoe 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 materials, restoring their original color may 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 ecological leather or rubber. In many cases, these materials are hydrophobic and cleaning them is not a major challenge.

Although in the past it was considered the epitome of kitsch and trash, nowadays 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. Rubber wellies are water resistant and easy to maintain. They are relatively comfortable and highly resistant to potential damage. Their advantage is also an affordable price.

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

What 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 no longer be problematic for you.