When it comes to making a purchase, you want to make sure you are getting the best quality for your money. This is especially important when it comes to something as important as shoes. So, what’s the difference between nubuck and leather? And which one should you choose for your next purchase? This article will discuss the differences between nubuck and leather, and help you decide which material is right for you!
What is Leather?
Cow leather is the most common type of leather used in the manufacturing of products. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for items that will see a lot of wear and tear, such as shoes and furniture.
Pig leather is often used in the production of gloves and other garments that require a softer material. Sheepskin leather is very soft and is commonly used to make clothing, footwear, and rugs. Goatskin leather is known for its durability and is commonly used to make belts, wallets, and other accessories [1].
What is Nubuck?
There are two types of nubuck: aniline and semi-aniline. Aniline nubuck has been dyed all the way through and has no additional pigment or surface coating. This makes it more susceptible to staining but also allows the natural beauty of the hide to show through.
Semi-aniline nubuck has a light surface coating that protects it from stains and makes it more durable. Nubuck is often used to make footwear, upholstery, and belts because of its strength and durability. It’s also becoming a popular choice for making handbags, as it can take on a beautiful patina over time.
Nubuck is sometimes confused with suede because they have a similar look and feel. But they’re quite different. Suede is made from the inner split of the hide, while nubuck is made from the outer layer of the hide. This means that nubuck is tougher and more durable than suede [2].
Caring for Nubuck vs. Leather
When it comes to caring for either nubuck or leather, you’ll want to use a specific cleaner and conditioner designed for the material. For nubuck, you can use a suede brush or eraser to clean away any dirt or debris. You’ll also want to protect your nubuck from water damage by using a water-repellent spray. When it comes to leather, you’ll want to use a saddle soap or leather cleaner to clean the surface. You should also regularly condition your leather to keep it soft and supple.
To clean leather, start by wiping down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or debris. Next, use a saddle soap or leather cleaner to clean the leather. Finally, condition your leather regularly to keep it soft and supple.
How to Store Nubuck and Leather?
Shoes and clothes as well as things made of these two materials should be correctly stored as they are susceptible to damage. To store the shoes made of nubuck or leather, you will need:
- Shoe trees or shoe forms;
- A box or a cloth bag;
The best way to store nubuck shoes is to use shoe trees or shoe forms. This will help keep the shape of the shoes and prevent them from being squished. Nubuck should also not be stored in plastic as this can dry out the material. Instead, nubuck shoes should be stored in a box or a cloth bag. It can help to put a piece of cedar in the box or bag to keep the shoes smelling fresh.
Leather shoes should also be stored using shoe trees or shoe forms. This will help to keep their shape and prevent them from creasing. Leather shoes should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is important to not store leather shoes in plastic as this can cause them to crack and dry out.
When storing nubuck and leather clothes, it is important to hang them up rather than folding them. This will help to prevent creases and damage. Nubuck and leather clothing should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you must fold your nubuck or leather clothes, be sure to use acid-free paper to prevent discoloration.
If you have wallets made of leather or nubuck, it is important to empty them of any coins or metals as these can cause discoloration. Wallets should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. As for belts made of leather or nubuck, it is important to hang them up rather than folding them.
The handbags made of nubuck or leather also should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is best to hang them up on a hook or keep them in a dust bag when not in use. Don’t fold these items as this can cause creases, especially in leather.
If you have nubuck or leather furniture, it should not be placed in direct sunlight or near heat sources as this can cause the material to fade, crack, and even peel. When storing nubuck or leather items, always stuff them with acid-free paper to help retain their shape and prevent creasing.
It is important to care for your nubuck and leather items correctly to keep them looking their best.
Use these tips to keep your nubuck and leather in perfect condition [3]!
How to fix the leather and nubuck items?
Leather and nubuck items can be unfortunately damaged or get old. The reasons for that can be different: you can scratch it, spill something on it, or just simply didn’t take good care of it. It can happen to the best of leather and nubuck lovers, and when it does – you need to know how to fix it. There are some ways that you can bring back life to your clothes, shoes, and other leather and nubuck items.
For leather items, you will need:
- Leather conditioner;
- Water;
- Cloth;
First, you will want to make a 50/50 mix of water and conditioner in a bowl. Next, take your cloth and soak it in the mixture. Once it is soaked, start rubbing the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to get every inch of the leather. After you have gone over the entire item, let it sit for about 20 minutes so the conditioner can seep into the leather. Finally, buff it with a clean cloth until it shines.
For nubuck items, you will need:
- Nubuck cleaner;
- Water;
- Soft brush;
The first step is to make a 50/50 mix of water and cleaner. Next, take your soft brush and start scrubbing the nubuck in a circular motion. Be sure to get every inch of the nubuck. After you have gone over the entire item, let it sit for about 20 minutes so the cleaner can seep into the nubuck. Finally, buff it with a clean cloth until it shines.
If the leather and nubuck items, shoes, or clothes are damaged beyond repair – it is recommended to take them to a professional.
However, there are some tips on how you can treat that damage by yourself:
- If there is a small hole in the leather, you can try to fix it with superglue;
- If the leather is ripped, you can try to sew it back together with a needle and thread;
- If the nubuck is ripped, you can try to use fabric glue or superglue;
It is important to remember that leather and nubuck are delicate materials. Be sure to take good care of your items and if you are ever unsure about how to proceed – it is always best to consult with a professional.
How to decorate the leather and nubuck items by yourself?
If you have some nubuck or leather items or clothes that don’t look good already or you want to make them look more fashionable, you can always do it by yourself. It’s not difficult at all and you don’t need to be a professional for that. You can easily find some ideas on the Internet or even in this article.
Idea 1. You can use a simple leather or nubuck conditioner.
If you want to make your goods look shiny, new, and attractive – use a conditioner. It will help to improve the appearance and will make the surface softer. You should clean the item before using the conditioner. Apply it with a sponge or a soft cloth in circular motions and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then buff it with a dry towel.
Idea 2. Nubuck and leather are perfect materials for dying.
You can easily change the color of your clothes or accessories if you don’t like them anymore or you want something new. To do that, you need to buy some dye (you can find different colors in art stores) and follow the instructions on the package. It’s better to do that outdoors because it can be messy.
Idea 3. You can paint leather and nubuck.
If you want to add some patterns or pictures to your clothes or other goods, you can do that with acrylic or fabric paints. You can find them in any art store. Choose the colors you like and start painting! Let your imagination run wild!
Idea 4. Add some beads, rhinestones, or sequins to your nubuck or leather item.
This is a great way to make your things more unique and interesting. You can use different materials for that – beads, rhinestones, sequins, etc. Just glue them to the surface with a special glue or sew them on.
Idea 5. Use nubuck or leather for making jewelry.
You can make different kinds of jewelry out of nubuck or leather – bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. You can find some tutorials on the Internet or come up with your designs.
Before you start the decorating process be sure to purchase the necessary tools and materials. You will find everything you need in art stores or online. You should also prepare the leather and nubuck items by cleaning them. You need to do that to remove the dirt and dust from the surface. Use a soft cloth or a brush for that.
As you can see, there are many ways you can decorate your nubuck and leather goods by yourself. Just use your imagination and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nubuck vs Leather
Both materials are highly durable and long-lasting, but they each have different advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account when making your next purchase:
Nubuck:
- Advantages: Nubuck is known for being extremely soft and velvety to the touch. It’s also more resistant to dirt and staining than leather since the surface of the material is tighter and less porous;
- Disadvantages: One downside of nubuck is that it’s more difficult to clean and care for than leather. The material can also be more expensive since it’s not as widely available as leather;
Leather:
- Advantages: Leather is a classic material that has been used for centuries. It’s highly durable and ages well, developing a beautiful patina over time. It’s also relatively easy to care for and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth;
- Disadvantages: One downside of leather is that it’s not as resistant to staining and dirt as nubuck. It can also be more expensive than nubuck, depending on the quality of the leather;
So, which material is better for your next purchase? It depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a product. If you want something soft to the touch and easy to clean, then nubuck might be the right choice for you. But if you prefer the classic look of leather, then leather is probably the way to go.
Leather VS Nubuck VS Suede: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to high-quality shoes and accessories, leather is often the material of choice. But what about nubuck and suede? These two materials are similar to leather in many ways, but they also have some important differences. So, which one is right for you?
Nubuck vs. Leather
Nubuck and leather are both durable and long-lasting materials. They’re also both resistant to water, stains, and dirt. However, there are a few key differences between these two materials.
Leather is made from the skin of an animal, while nubuck is made from the outer layer of the skin. This means that nubuck is less prone to stretching and wrinkling than leather.
Nubuck is also more resistant to scuffs and scratches than leather. However, it’s important to note that nubuck can be difficult to clean and care for.
Suede vs. Nubuck
Suede and nubuck are both made from the outer layer of an animal’s skin. However, there are a few key differences between these two materials.
Suede is made from the innermost layer of the skin, while nubuck is made from the outermost layer. This makes suede more susceptible to staining and water damage than nubuck.
Suede is also typically less durable than nubuck. However, it’s important to note that suede is easier to clean and care for than nubuck.
So, which material is right for you? If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting material, leather is a great choice. If you’re looking for a material that’s resistant to scuffs and scratches, nubuck is a good choice. And if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for material, suede might be the right choice for you [4].
How to choose nubuck and leather shoes?
When it comes to choosing between nubuck and leather shoes, there are a few things you should take into account.
The first is the intended use of the shoe. If you need a shoe that is both comfortable and stylish, then nubuck is probably the better choice. However, if you need a more durable shoe for activities like hiking or running, then leather would be the better pick.
The second thing to consider is the price. Nubuck shoes tend to be more expensive than leather shoes, so if you’re on a budget, leather might be the way to go. For example, leather shoes can cost on average around 100 dollars while nubuck shoes can cost around 150 dollars.
The third factor to think about is maintenance. Nubuck shoes require more care than leather shoes and are not as easy to clean. If you’re not willing to put in the extra effort to care for your shoes, then leather might be a better option.
Finally, think about your personal style. If you prefer a more classic look, then leather shoes are probably your best bet. But if you’re looking for something more trendy, then nubuck shoes might be the way to go.
How to choose leather and nubuck handbags?
Handbags made of leather and nubuck are the most popular accessories not only among women but also among men. Though both materials look very similar, there are several important tips to consider when you are choosing the right handbag.
The first thing you need to do is to decide what you are going to use your handbag for. If you need a large and spacious bag to store various things, then you should better choose a leather handbag. Leather is a more durable material and it will last longer.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a smaller bag that you can take with you on a night out or to work, then nubuck is probably a better choice. Nubuck is softer than leather and it has a velvety surface which makes it more comfortable to carry.
The second thing to consider is the price. Leather handbags are usually more expensive than nubuck ones, but they also last longer. If you want a cheaper option, then nubuck is the way to go. For example, you can find a very nice and spacious nubuck handbag for around 100 dollars. The price depends not only on the material but also on the brand, size, and design of the bag.
The third thing you need to take into account is the care that each material requires. Nubuck handbags need to be treated with a special spray that protects them from water and stains. Leather handbags, on the other hand, require less care and can be simply wiped with a damp cloth if they get dirty.
The fourth thing to think about is design. If you want a handbag with a more sophisticated look, then leather is the way to go. Leather handbags come in different colors and designs, and they can be easily dressed up or down. Nubuck handbags, on the other hand, are usually available in darker colors such as black, brown, or gray.
Finally, it is important to consider the climate in which you live. If you live in a warm climate, then nubuck is the better choice because it is a breathable material and it won’t get as hot as leather. On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate, then leather is the better choice because it will keep you warm.
FAQ
Is nubuck leather real leather?
Leather is one of the most durable materials on earth, but nubuck has a soft surface that can be buffed or sanded to make it more delicate. This means you’ll get less scuffing with your shoes! And since this type comes from an outside layer rather than inside like regular full-grain does there’s no chance for scratches either – just enjoy how luxurious these lovely garments feel in their entirety when worn against skin every day.
What is top-grain leather?
Top-grain leather is considered to be the most luxurious and expensive type of shoe material. It’s made from an entire hide, which has been sanded or buffed until it reaches its perfectionist standards; this makes the top grain incredibly durable as well! Top-grain leather is a great choice if you want your footwear to look classy without compromising comfort.
Is suede real leather?
Suede is made from the inner layer of the skin, which is why it has a softer, more velvety feel. Although it’s not as durable as full-grain or top-grain leather, it’s still a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s both comfortable and stylish.
Are nubuck shoes better than leather shoes?
Nubuck is a type of top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed to create an incredibly soft surface with the velvety feel you want in your favorite pair of shoes. It’s more delicate than regular, but durable enough for everyday wear! If fashion and comfort are what matter most when it comes down to choosing something new – nubuck is a perfect choice because not only will they be super comfortable.
What is the most durable leather?
The most durable leather is full-grain leather. It’s made from the outer layer of the skin, which makes it more resistant to scratches and scuffs. Full-grain leather is a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and durable. Moreover, it’s the only type of leather that gets better with age!
Is nubuck or suede more expensive?
Nubuck is more expensive than suede because it’s made from the top layer of the skin. This makes it more durable and luxurious. If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and comfortable, nubuck is a great choice. The average price for nubuck is 100-200 dollars, while the average price for suede is 50-100 dollars.
Does nubuck leather need waterproofing?
Nubuck leather does not need waterproofing because it’s already water-resistant. However, it’s a good idea to treat your shoes with a water repellant just in case you get caught in the rain! To do this, simply spray your shoes with a water-repellant and let them dry in a well-ventilated area.
How do you clean nubuck leather?
To clean nubuck leather, simply use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a mild soap and water solution if your shoes are particularly dirty. Let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area before wearing them again.
Do nubuck shoes stretch?
Nubuck shoes will stretch over time, but they’re less likely to stretch than other types of shoes. This is because the leather is more resistant to stretching. If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that will last longer and keep their shape, nubuck is a great choice!
How do you care for nubuck leather?
Nubuck leather is easy to care for! Just use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean them when they get dirty. Additionally, you can treat your shoes with a water repellant to help protect them from the elements. Let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area before wearing them again.
What happens if nubuck gets wet?
Nubuck is water resistant, but if it gets wet, it’s important to let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. This will help prevent the leather from shrinking or wrinkling. Wet nubuck looks different from dry nubuck, but it will return to its original state once it’s dry.
Can I polish nubuck leather?
Nubuck leather can be polished, but it’s not necessary! If you do decide to polish your shoes, just use a soft cloth and mild soap. You can also use a water repellant to help protect them from the elements. Let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area before wearing them again.
How long do nubuck shoes last?
Nubuck shoes are incredibly durable and will last for years with proper care. The average lifespan of nubuck shoes is 10-15 years. However, if you take good care of your shoes, they could last even longer!
Are nubuck shoes comfortable?
Nubuck shoes are incredibly comfortable and perfect for everyday wear! The leather is soft and flexible, which makes it conform to your feet. Additionally, the shoes are breathable and won’t make your feet sweat in warm weather.
Should I buy nubuck or suede shoes?
Nubuck is more expensive than suede, but it’s also more durable and luxurious. If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and comfortable, nubuck is a great choice. However, if you’re on a budget, suede shoes are a good alternative!
Useful Video: Nubuck vs Suede vs Rough Out Leather
Conclusion
Nubuck vs. leather is a question that doesn’t have one right answer. It depends on what you’re looking for in a material. If you want something that’s strong and durable, then leather is the better choice. If you’re looking for something that’s softer and has a more velvety feel, then nubuck is the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which material is best for your needs. Both materials are natural and offer their own unique benefits, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
References:
- https://www.euroleather.com/leather/what-is-leather
- https://prestigeleathercare.co.uk/what-is-nubuck-leather/
- https://steelhorseleather.com/blogs/the-journal/nubuck-leather
- https://ozapato.com/leather-vs-nubuck-vs-suede-what-difference/
