Skate shoes can be made from different materials. Many of them are made from Suede, but you should also consider leather shoes if you are on the market to purchase new ones. Leather and Suede are very different in terms of quality and durability, so it’s important to know what to look for in each of these materials if you’re shopping around for the best skate shoes that fit your needs.
This guide compares leather vs. suede skate shoes and details the main benefits of both materials to help you make an informed choice.
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What Are Leather Shoes?
Leather shoes have been around for centuries. They are made from the skin of animals which is tanned and treated to make them durable and ready to be used in many different ways. One of the most common uses of leather is making shoes. Leather shoes are available in all types, such as formal and casual footwear.
Leather is a rigid material that can withstand weather, water, and even extreme conditions such as snow, rain, or sun without any damage. The only problem with the leather is that it can lose its shape if exposed to water for too long or gets wet regularly. Leather can also get ruined easily if it’s not cleaned correctly and on time.
What Are Suede Shoes?
Suede shoes are made from the underside of an animal’s hide. The surface of Suede is buffed to create a soft and fuzzy feel. Suede is often used to make boots and shoes in various styles and colors, as it is a durable material that can be formed into many different shapes.
Making Suede involves shaving the bottom of an animal’s hide with a blade to create thin strips used as a shoe material. The underside of the animal’s hide has tiny fibers exposed, which gives it a soft, fuzzy texture. Cow skin is the most common hide used to produce Suede.
Suede shoes typically have a soft and fuzzy appearance, unlike other leather shoe varieties with a smooth exterior. Suede is also more porous than other leathers, soaking up liquids much faster than regular leather. This can cause stains if you wear your suede shoes in wet or rainy weather.
The Pros And Cons Of Leather Shoes
There are a lot of pros and cons to wearing leather shoes. This can be unclear, especially when you’re trying to find the perfect pair for your wardrobe.
The Pros Of Leather
-Leather is usually more durable than other shoe materials and is an excellent option if you’re looking for shoes that will last you a long time.
-Leather is usually more waterproof than other shoe materials, so it’s a great option if you tend to walk in the rain or snow!
-Leather can be polished, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for shoes that can clean up quickly before heading to a meeting or an important client dinner.
The Cons Of Leather
- Leather is made from the skin of animals, which means that you’re supporting a massive industry that tortures and kills millions of living beings a year—something most of us are against, at least in theory.
- Because leather is a by-product of the meat industry, it is also connected to the environmental problems associated with factory farming. These include water degradation, land degradation, deforestation, and more.
- Leather is not biodegradable—instead, it takes decades for products to rot away in landfill sites. Disposing of leather products responsibly can be challenging, too, as it usually involves incineration.
The Pros And Cons Of Suede Shoes
Have you ever wondered what the pros and cons of suede shoes are? Suede creating a high-quality appearance is one of the most important benefits. What about comfort? It depends on the kind of material suede shoes are made from. If you’re curious about Suede, read on!
The Pros Of Suede
- Suede is a relatively inexpensive material compared to leather.
- Suede is durable and malleable.
- Suede can be made to look like a more expensive kind of leather.
- Suede shoes are an excellent choice for casual wear.
The Cons Of Suede
Suede is a famous shoe material, especially in the fall and winter months.
There are some cons to suede shoes, though:
-They can’t get wet, so they’re not suitable for rainy or snowy weather
-They’re difficult to clean and can easily be stained
-The material can be damaged by skin oils and body moisture
Deciding Between Leather And Suede Skate Shoes
Deciding whether to buy leather or suede shoes can be a tough decision. In most cases, leather is more durable and better suited for the elements; however, Suede provides a distinctive look that makes it unique and desirable.
Suede shoes also require maintenance to look their best. To prevent water stains and other problems, owners should apply a special protective spray before wearing their suede shoes for the first time. This will allow them to face the elements without fear of damaging their footwear. However, if suede shoes become wet, they should be dried by stuffing them with newspaper and allowing them to air dry naturally.
The decision between leather and Suede comes down to personal preference. But be aware that suede shoes require more care than leather ones. It would be best to consistently protect them with a spray before wearing them outside or use a waterproofing solution after you buy them.
Is Suede Better Than Leather?
Yes, Suede is always better than leather. Suede leather is breathable and very comfortable. It lasts longer than leather. Suede is much better than leather in wet weather conditions. It doesn’t get damaged easily, and the surface of Suede is much more appealing than leather. If you like to wear leather shoes, you should invest in Suede.
Are Suede Shoes Good For Skating?
This is a fundamental question, and the answer is yes, Suede shoes are suitable for skating. However, suede shoes are not ideal for all types of skateboarding but are better suited for some, like those who ride longboards.
Most people say that suede shoes are suitable for skating not because of their durability but rather because of their grip. Suede shoes offer a very tight grip on your feet, making it very easy to do tricks while riding a skateboard.
Another reason why suede shoes are suitable for skating is that they are light in weight. They don’t add any extra weight to your feet, so you can easily do tricks without any additional weight on your feet.
Most importantly, suede shoes look fantastic and can make you look stylish when you wear them. You can pair these with any outfit or even wear them on their own if you want to look stylish.
Which Skate Shoes Are The Best?
If you’re looking for a solid, stylish shoe that can support your skating needs and not look out of place in casual environments, suede shoes are worth considering.
While they might not be as durable as canvas shoes or as protective as leather ones, they strike an outstanding balance.
Their versatility, breathability, and lightweight design make them suitable for all sorts of skating. Whether you’re doing street skating, vert skating, or cruising with your friends – suede shoes have you covered.
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Concluding About Leather Vs. Suede Skate Shoes
When choosing between suede or leather skate shoes, both come in different colors, patterns, and materials. The main differences between the two are the price and durability.
The leather skate shoes tend to last a little longer than Suede, primarily because of their material. Suede can have many different textures to it.
Still, most of them aren’t as strong as leather, making it easier for them to tear up quicker, specifically on their toes. If you are looking for something that will last a little longer and take some wear and tear, leather would be a better choice. And if you want that worn-in look, then Suede would be good for you.
