From sandals to boots, leather is a versatile material that can be used in various shoe styles. The process of leather making has been around for hundreds of years. The procedure itself takes a significant degree of expertise, from selecting the hide, and then the sanding and dying process.
However, not all leathers are created equal. There are differences in leather grains, different animal hides, and even vegan leathers that can be made into stylish shoes. With these options, it is good to know several different types of shoe leather.
Depending on whether you want the best quality, the most durable, or have a visual preference, this is a helpful guide to learn more about the different types of shoe leather.
The Types of Grain
The types of leather grain give you an idea of the leather’s toughness and quality. The more full the grain is, the more rigid and usually more expensive it can be.
Leather grains can range across the different hides used, but usually full-grain leather comes from the part of the animal that was not exposed to damage. From there, other types of grain tend to come from various parts of the hide.
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is seen as the pinnacle of leather goods.
Since it is sourced from the animal hide’s top layer, it is usually synonymous with better quality, which in turn makes it the most expensive option. Additionally, full-grain leather is also extremely durable and can withstand more wear and tear than other types of leather.
Because of its rigidity, full-grain leather is desirable for luxury goods, such as handbags and shoes. This type of leather also provides a “patina,” which occurs when the body oils absorb into the leather and offer an aged look and a tonal shift to the leather.
Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather has more give and is softer than full-grain leather.
Top grain leather is made from a similar layer of full grain but is shaved to remove any imperfections. This means that top grain leather can stretch over time, and maybe more flexible than full-grain.
Still, it is made from the best part of the hide and offers excellent quality, even though it is softer.
Corrected Grain Leather
Corrected grain leather is sourced from the skin that is left over after the top layer has been cut away. This type of leather is also treated with sanding and dyes that give it a fuller grain look; however, it is a manufactured look.
Though it is still a part of the hide, it can be seen as lesser quality since it is the bottom layer, and usually, the best leather comes from the top.
Bonded Grain Leather
Bonded grain leather is created by, as the name suggests, bonding various parts of the animal hide with latexes and other bonding agents. With this type of leather, you may never know precisely how much of the leather is natural, so bonded grain leather is the most inexpensive type you can get.
Different Types of Shoe Leather
Know that you know the different grain levels of leather across all hide types, now it’s time to get into the different hides that are most commonly used in leather goods.
Calfskin
Calfskin is arguably the most popular option for leather, due to its desirable finish and toughness. Calfskin uses the hide of 3-4 weeks old cattle and is very durable due to its rigidness. Additionally, calfskin leather is easy to keep clean and offers a high shine finish when polished, making it an attractive choice for leather shoes.
Pigskin
“Pigskin” is not only a term used for footballs; in fact, pigskin is also a popular source for leather goods. Due to its flexibility, it is optimal for handbags and shoes that require more give in the material. Additionally, pigskin is better at accepting dyes and can change pigments with ease.
Veal Leather
Veal is similar to calfskin. However, the cow’s hide is older. The age of the cow used is between 3-6 months, and the hide tends to be a little bit tougher than that of calfskin. Veal leather is most commonly used in more casual footwear that demands slightly more rigidness and durability.
Exotic Leathers
Though the calfskin and pigskin are some of the most popular options for leather goods, there is also a variety of more exotic leathers that can be used. For example, snakeskin is a popular choice of leather for luxury brands, mostly seen in boots and shoes.
In addition to snakeskin, other skins of reptiles have become famous and synonymous with luxury goods. For example, crocodile skin has been used in various exclusive handbags, some prices going up to six-figures.
Because of the rarity of these materials, they are treated with the utmost precision and care when manufactured. Alligator skin is also a desirable option for shoes and belts, and all of these reptile skins have become desirable due to their flexibility and softness.
Synthetic Leathers
With the question of the morality of the leather making process, many individuals have opted for leather that is not made by animal hide, and rather synthetic materials.
These vegan materials include the use of plastics and are soft to the touch. Since plastic is easy to maneuver, it makes an excellent material for molding into various shoe types.
In addition to plastic, other vegan leather options include the use of cork and recycled rubber. These materials offer a more eco-conscious material that will not do as much harm to the environment, as plastic has caused controversy due to its ocean damage.
The question of “is vegan leather durable?” has been raised, and the findings are interesting. In most cases, vegan leather is durable as long as it is cared for and attended to.
All You Need to Know About Leather
With this in-depth guide, you now know all you need about the various types of shoe leather. From grain type to material, when you are making your next leather purchase, you will know to make an informed decision.
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