Shoes are very important purchases, since they tend to be more expensive than other fashion items, and they are subjected to more wear and tear than, say, a coat or a button-down shirt. So when you’re choosing a new pair of shoes, you might wonder: should I get genuine leather shoes or should I get faux leather ones? Here are some things that you should take into account: 

Durability vs. price

Genuine leather shoes come with a higher price tag, but you get what you pay for. They can last you for decades with proper care and maintenance. A pair of genuine leather shoes may cost you $250, but you could get 15 years’ worth of wear out of them, while a pair of $30 faux leather shoes may only last for a few months.

Leather shoes are more durable than pleather because leather is a natural fiber that can be used for decades. An example is the iconic 1980s Dr. Martens Boots, more commonly worn these days as a fashion statement. They were initially intended as work boots for the blue-collar factory workers. Pleather, on the other hand, is plastic made from synthetic materials, which means it will break down and wear out faster than leather and it can start to crease. You’ll often experience cracking and peeling, even with more expensive faux leather shoes.

Comfort 

Leather shoes can adapt to your feet over time because they stretch as you wear them. so that they fit comfortably when you put them on again later on down the road. Pleather does not stretch as easily as leather, so it may not fit as well after being worn multiple times.

Being made from natural animal skin, genuine leather is breathable, malleable, and quite flexible. You can easily wear your shoes all day without sacrificing comfort. Faux leather is quite rigid and does not provide that level of comfort. 

Environmental impact 

Leather is biodegradable. That means when it comes time to retire your favorite pair of leather shoes, they won't end up in the landfill—they can be composted or recycled instead.

Also, as leather shoes tend to last for a very long time, they can be considered an investment rather than a disposable item. By purchasing something that will last longer, you are not contributing to fast fashion. 

At Vicson we only use noble leathers to manufacture our shoes. We know how important it is to have a pair of shoes that is comfortable and lasts for a very long time, which is why we go to such lengths to work with the best materials available. If you were looking for a brand new pair of leather shoes, look no further! We have every type of shoe you can imagine, from heels to boots to strappy sandals. Check out our shop!