Real leather, or genuine leather is a traditional material for crafting shoes. It is durable and lux...
Real leather, or genuine leather is a traditional material for crafting shoes. It is durable and luxurious. Vegan leather shoes are a product that utilizes a non-animal material, such as PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Consumers choose between these materials based on durability, ethics, and environmental concerns.
Should you wear real leather shoes, or should you choose products crafted from vegan leather?
We will compare these two shoes materials in this article and assist you in making an intelligent decision depending on your needs and goals.
Real or genuine leather is a form of leather that is produced out of animal skin and hides, mostly cattle and sheep.
Tanning is a chemical process by which raw, perishable hides are converted to a stable, durable material. This prevents the material from rotting. The tanning has varied approaches, such as vegetable tanning, where plants are used, and chrome tanning, where chemicals are used.
The most important characteristics of the real leather are its texture, breathability, and incredible durability. It may take decades. With time it acquires a distinctive old appearance known as a patina. The aging process adds a certain story and personality to every item.
Vegan leather, otherwise referred to as faux leather, does not use animals. There are two primary types of it: synthetic and plant-based.
Synthetic vegan leathers are made from plastics like PU and PVC. Plant-based vegan leathers come from natural materials. Examples include Piñatex, cacti, and mushrooms.
Examples of common uses of vegan leather are in shoes, handbags, wallets, and upholstered furniture. It possesses such typical qualities as consistent surface and waterproofness. However, it may not be as porous or as strong as natural leather.
Synthetic vegan leathers cause plastic pollution since they don’t break down naturally. This is in contrast with vegan leathers made of plants that are more environmentally friendly.
The main difference between leather shoes and vegan shoes is connected with these five factors: durability, quality and texture, price, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.
Real leather has a longer lifespan. It is so strong and flexible and does not easily tear because of its naturally strong collagen structure. The vegan leather, however, does not always last long. It is easy to crack, peel, or flake, as it is usually a thin layer of plastic over a material.
Real leather is appreciated because of its organic, irregular appearance, particular touch, ventilation, and soft and sumptuous touch. Slowly it may acquire a visual appearance known as patina, which makes it look even better. Vegan leather may not be so breathable or satisfying to touch.
Leather is normally more expensive due to the high cost of the raw material in the form of hides coupled with the tedious tanning process. Being associated with luxury increases its brand image and value. Vegan shoes, on the other hand, are cheaper to produce under synthetic materials and mass production.
Both of the materials have a serious effect on the environment. Leather production produces numerous emissions from animal agriculture, large amounts of water consumption, and possible pollution from tanning chemicals, including chromium. Vegan leathers made of petroleum are non-biodegradable and emanate microplastics. Plant-based alternatives tend to be less harmful to the environment. They are made of waste materials and have a lesser carbon footprint.
The key social advantage of vegan leather is that this product is entirely cruelty-free, which attracts individuals who are opposed to animal exploitation. The production of genuine leather is associated with the meat industry, hence raising the issues of concern about animal welfare. Certifications such as the use of non-animal sources, such as the PETA-Approved, will assist individuals in locating such products.
The difference between leather and vegan shoes lies in your personal priorities, since it depends on what is more significant to you: lifestyle, budget, durability, or values.
In case you need something long-lasting and classic, then go with leather. It is also breathable and strong by nature, which is why it is comfortable and long-lasting.
Vegan shoes are your best bet in case animal welfare and a cruelty-free lifestyle concern you most. They are cheaper and make a perfect choice in case you are interested in plant-based products.
Vegan leathers such as PU and PVC are non-biodegradable since they are petroleum-based. Plant materials, on the contrary, are more sustainable, e.g., Piñatex or cactus leather, as they are commonly produced out of waste.
Vegan leather is usually not as hard-wearing as leather. There is a chance that some high-quality plant-based and synthetic materials crack and peel over time. Real leather softens and gets a patina with age, making it last decades.
Vegan leather is a diverse group of materials. It can be produced using synthetic materials such as PU and PVC. It can also be produced from new plant-based materials such as Piñatex, cacti, mushrooms, apples, and cork leathers.
Shoe Designer
Innovative and accomplished shoe designer with 18 years of experience in the footwear industry. I have dedicated my career to creating exceptional shoe designs that blend style, functionality, and market appeal.
Brand Manager
Experienced brand manager with a successful 10-year tenure in the shoes manufacturing and trading industry. I possess a strong passion for brand development that drive business growth and market expansion.
