5 good reasons to choose leather for your footwear

Leather has traditionally been the material of choice for hiking and mountaineering footwear. Over the generations, nature lovers have trodden the woods and climbed the peaks in leather boots and shoes. Even today, many adventurers remain faithful to natural leather hiking boots when setting out on expeditions.

However, the range of choices has widened considerably. On the one hand, all-leather trekking and mountaineering boots are still available. On the other, we are increasingly seeing the use of a mix of leather and synthetic materials in shoe uppers. This mix is mainly found in lighter outdoor footwear, designed for moderate hiking. Shoe manufacturers tend to choose the upper material according to the shoe's intended use.




You can choose between synthetic and leather

On the other hand, customers often have the option of selecting the lining material according to their preferences. Indeed, brands such as HANWAG or MEINDL offer certain shoe models with a choice between a leather lining and a fabric lining. The latter is usually combined with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex.

The question then arises: what is the ideal material for your hiking or mountaineering boots?

Leather is the most resistant and robust

The more demanding the terrain, the more crucial the stability offered by the boot. This stability plays an essential role in preventing ankle sprains and other injuries. A sturdy shoe also provides exceptional support, instilling the confidence needed to tackle extremely difficult trails.

That's why trekking and mountaineering boots designed for arduous terrain use thicker leather, up to 3 mm, for their upper parts. The increased thickness and rigidity of the leather guarantees unrivalled resistance, something that synthetic materials, such as those used in light hiking boots or even sports shoes, would be unable to offer due to their flexibility.

What's more, leather gives footwear remarkable resistance. Its greater thickness enables it to cope with the challenges posed by rocks, sand and moisture. However, it's important to stress the importance of regular maintenance.

In short, if your quest is for a boot of exceptional strength and resistance, leather is the essential choice.

Leather is more durable

Unlike many other materials, leather exhibits remarkable resistance to wear, retaining its shape and appearance over time, making it inherently durable. The only element that can truly alter its quality is its susceptibility to brittleness. Tiny cracks can alter its stability and diminish its ability to repel water effectively. However, this deterioration can easily be prevented by adopting a proper drying approach and regularly maintaining the leather by polishing.

But are leather shoes really unalterable? As with all footwear, the rubber outsole of leather shoes is subject to natural wear and tear. That's why many models can be resoled.

All in all, leather is distinguished from many other materials by its resistance to wear, its ability to retain its shape and its intrinsic longevity. Its vulnerability to brittleness is the only aspect to watch out for, and it can be effectively preserved by appropriate drying and polishing methods. However, the rubber outsoles of leather shoes, as with all footwear, can inevitably wear out, justifying the possibility of resoiling for the majority of models.

Leather offers the best fit

Lasts are responsible for a shoe's fit. The last is the name given to the plastic model of a foot, around which the boot is shaped. They come in different sizes and for different foot shapes. Lasts enable the upper of a boot to be shaped as required. And unlike soft synthetic fabrics, leather retains its shape, regardless of the number of shipments or the age of the boot.

Leather adapts superbly to the foot

When used as a lining, leather plays an equally essential role in ensuring an optimal fit. In this context, a more delicate and supple leather is used than for the upper. It adapts even more harmoniously to the shape of the foot than a fabric lining would, while maintaining its structure. That's why the experience of wearing boots with a leather lining is so rewarding. Wearing these boots adds the finishing touch and makes them almost like a second skin.

It's true that some voices argue that "only textile linings equipped with membranes make hiking boots waterproof".

However, it's crucial to weigh up all the elements. A properly cared-for and treated leather boot is often sufficiently waterproof in most situations. This is particularly true in arid areas such as southern Europe, or on day hikes where you can dry your shoes afterwards. However, for multi-day expeditions in wetter environments such as Scandinavia, we recommend a textile lining with a waterproof membrane.

Ultimately, the choice of lining depends in part on where you'll be wearing the shoes. Nevertheless, in terms of fit, a hiking boot with a leather lining remains a first-rate choice.

Here's a guide to the ten best and worst ways to care for your leather shoes:

- Opt for leather shoes, as they are ideally suited to the shape of your foot.
- Avoid lending your shoes, as leather can take on the shape of borrowers' feet.
- Clean, dry and treat your shoes promptly after use, especially if they are dirty.
- Avoid storing soil-soiled shoes in the closet, to prevent damage to the leather.

- Ensure proper drying by placing them in a well-ventilated area after each use.
- Avoid exposing them to intense sunlight or high temperatures during drying, to avoid weakening the leather.
- Perform regular polishing and nourish the leather with appropriate products. Find out more about our shoe care products.
- Avoid using oil or grease, as these may alter the leather's breathability.
- Maintain leather by applying hand cream from time to time, to preserve its suppleness.
- Take care of the environment to avoid damaging leather with stones, sharp objects or abrasive surfaces.




Leather makes your shoes superbly comfortable

In addition to fit, a shoe's air circulation and breathability also play a major role in the comfort it provides. When hiking, our feet perspire, causing moisture to accumulate inside the shoe. This moisture and the heat it generates are not only uncomfortable, they can also lead to the formation of painful blisters.

So it's vital to wick moisture away from the inside of the shoe quickly and efficiently. This is where a leather lining surpasses a waterproof membrane, as leather is even better at promoting air circulation.

Particularly for those prone to excessive perspiration, the experience of wearing a hiking boot with a leather lining is highly appreciable. This helps prevent blisters.

Leather is durable

The leather used in footwear actually comes from the meat industry as a by-product. Worldwide, the production of cattle hides far exceeds the needs of the leather industry, eliminating the need to slaughter animals specifically for their skins. Tanneries operate by recycling the animal hides they already have on hand, transforming these raw materials into top-quality leather.

One of the outstanding characteristics of leather is its remarkable longevity. When carefully cared for, leather shoes can last for many years. This longevity contributes to the preservation of resources and the reduction of emissions associated with the production of leather and footwear, as well as their distribution and sale.

The recycling of a natural resource and its extended life cycle are strong arguments in favor of the inherent sustainability of leather footwear.

In conclusion, there are plenty of good reasons to choose leather for your shoes

As you may have noticed, leather has many undeniable qualities. The preferred option, especially for rugged hiking boots and mountain shoes, remains the leather upper. Shoes made largely of fabric can be heavier and often more expensive. However, leather often manages to counterbalance these aspects thanks to its undeniable longevity. What's more, its fit remains superior, especially when paired with a leather lining.