Nubuck or leather: which is better, comparison of properties and characteristics

Initially, in the 1930s, the raw material for the production of nubuck was deer or elk leather. Modern manufacturing technology involves the use of an outer layer of calfskin, which is further processed through external grinding. Products made from nubuck are sold at a higher price than leather and suede. This is due to the fact that the outside surface of calfskin has a tougher texture compared to the inside used for making suede, which means the material is much stronger and more durable. This textile belongs to the aniline subgroup, but in fact it is not one. This is one of the rarest leather materials. It stands out with a much lighter shade.

Nubuck or leather – which is better?

To make high-quality shoes, many manufacturers use only natural materials that have been valued at all times.
The most common raw material is, of course, leather. More elite ones include suede and nubuck. Many people, out of ignorance, believe that nubuck is a type of artificial leather, so products made from it are more affordable. In fact, to obtain this raw material, the skin of a young animal undergoes a polishing process, which creates a soft and velvety texture.

What is better in winter - nubuck or leather?

Pigskin and calfskin are used much more often for the manufacture of shoes and various accessories. For supporters of traditional options, this raw material is considered an ideal option. However, if you compare all the pros and cons, then what is better, shoes made of nubuck or leather?

In winter, the warmest, waterproof and breathable products become preferred. Pros of standard leather include versatility, waterproofness, strength and durability. Although, with prolonged wear, deep creases appear, which are reflected in the appearance.

Natural nubuck is quite durable, soft and pliable, so with proper care it retains its attractive appearance for a long time and dries quickly. In addition, due to sanding, the material becomes more breathable than regular leather. Frost and snow are not scary for him, but rain and slush should be avoided.

There is also artificial nubuck, which is quite difficult to visually distinguish from natural, but the differences between them are significant. The polymer material is waterproof, but it also does not allow air to pass through, which is very bad for the health of the feet. Although in terms of durability and accessibility it occupies a leading position.

As you can see, each type of leather has its pros and cons. Therefore, when choosing shoes for the winter, you should listen to your feelings, which will help you decide on the ideal option.

How to distinguish visually

You can recognize suede fabric made from reindeer skin by stretching it and looking at the light - the surface will have many pores and small defects that make it heterogeneous. Such defects are the result of the activity of the midge, which ate the skin during the life of the animal. If such a check is not possible due to the design of the product, then you need to touch the material.

Expensive brands not only use high-quality materials, but also often indicate reliable information about raw materials, processing methods in labeling, as well as in the description of collections on their official pages.

If the fabric has a pile on both the outside and the back, it is definitely elite polished leather. In addition, the pile will be velvety and very pleasant to the touch. The material itself is soft and elastic. Additional signs that allow you to distinguish what material you have in your hands - nubuck or suede:

  • The pile should be long, and the material itself should be easy to wrinkle. If the color changes when you run your finger over the surface of the product, then this is a sure sign of an elite material.
  • You should consider the edges. There should be no cuts with different folds.
  • The product model can also help you figure it out. Elite polished leather is used more often for elegant, sophisticated shoes: women's stiletto ankle boots, men's shoes. Nubuck can often be seen in rough boots like Timberland.

Sellers in stores, either unknowingly or deliberately, often call nubuck suede. You should never take someone's word for it; you should always inspect the product yourself.


Check the material by touch


Examine the edges


Pay attention to the product model

Leather, nubuck and suede: description

First of all, genuine leather, nubuck or suede are all types of leather. The difference between the two is actually very simple, depending on what part of the leather is used and how it has been treated. Nubuck is a type of leather that has been treated and polished.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is a type that has not been sanded. For example, raw cowhide is high quality leather. It is made from that part of the leather that is almost free of defects, that is, without cuts, tears or holes of any kind. That's why it doesn't need to be sanded.

Full grain leather is a type of leather that has not been processed at all and bears the original markings of the animal from which it came. The characteristics of the skin vary greatly depending on the type of animal. This is one of the most natural leathers.

Unsanded is one of the most processed and most popular leather options. Its top layer is polished and processed. This group of skins includes the most common types. These leathers are treated to make them more uniform and eliminate any imperfections that may have been found on the animal's hide.

Historically, nubuck was made from deer or elk leather and was introduced to the American market in the early 1930s. At first, this new skin type did not have much success until the Duke of Windsor went on a royal visit to the United States. He wore Oxford shoes made of the new nubuck, and thanks to him the new style became popular.

To make nubuck, an outer layer of calfskin is used, then the leather must be sanded on the outside. In most cases, nubuck is more expensive than suede. This is because the outer layer of calfskin is tougher than the inner layer used for suede and is therefore stronger and will last longer. They fall into the aniline leather group, although they are not one. Aniline leather makes up the smallest percentage of leather in the world. It may differ in a lighter color. However, there is a downside to this because nubuck is sanded on the outside and may have some of the natural imperfections of the leather.

What is the difference between nubuck and suede?

Nubuck is actually a type of suede, and both are typically made from leather such as calfskin, although they can also be made from sheep, cow, goat, or deer hide. At first glance, they look the same, but are actually created and processed differently, as noted earlier. Nubuck and suede differ from each other in that nubuck is created from the full-grain side of the hide, which is the outer part, while suede is created from the bottom part of the leather. Both of these leathers are created by sanding.

Because of this difference, there is a wide price range between nubuck and suede, with suede being the cheapest. Nubuck is made from the highest quality sanded leather used to make high quality leather products.

What is the difference between nubuck and suede:

  • Nubuck has a velvety texture due to polishing, which creates a soft surface. Down are short protein fibers on the surface of the skin that help create a velvety surface.
  • It is stronger and more durable, and more resistant to damage and wear than suede.
  • It also has a genuine leather marking, giving it a rougher appearance than suede.
  • Stronger and thicker than suede. It is usually more expensive than suede. For example, nubuck resists water damage because water simply darkens its surface temporarily and then dries without causing any long-term damage. Although its appearance is more similar to suede, nubuck has more similarities to aniline leather.
  • Nubuck scratches easily. This is a vulnerable skin as it cannot use any type of protective coating.
  • Suede is more flexible than nubuck. It's much more subtle.
  • Suede is a good material for lining shoes, but it is not as durable as nubuck.
  • It can also be painted easily because it has a more porous surface and it is recommended to apply a protectant to the surface.

When caring for suede or nubuck, it is important to choose the right brush for each material. Since nubuck is a harder material than suede, if a nubuck brush is used on suede, it will damage the down. On the other hand, a suede brush used on nubuck will be virtually ineffective.


Many people find that suede shoes are harder to maintain and more expensive than their shiny leather counterparts. This is far from the truth. Suede and nubuck actually require less maintenance. These boots don't need polishing and don't need to be polished at all, so say goodbye to weekly shoe polishing.

Features of materials

Both materials are brushed leather. However, having similar organoleptic properties, they differ significantly from each other in performance characteristics. The differences between nubuck and suede are due to the characteristics of the base raw materials and the specific processing.

Nubuck

Nubuck is made from the skins of cattle: bulls, yaks, buffaloes. Tanning is carried out using the chrome tanning method. The final stage is grinding using fine abrasive materials. The result is a fabric with very short fibers, which is almost impossible to stretch.

Used primarily in shoe and haberdashery production. Thanks to the porous surface, air is perfectly permeable, so feet in nubuck shoes do not sweat. The disadvantages are the following properties:

  • Requirement for care. Without regular treatment with special brushes, the material begins to become shiny.
  • Instability to moisture. On a material not treated with water-repellent impregnations, stains form upon contact with water, the canvas itself becomes rigid and can be deformed.

Typically, manufacturers indicate on the label if the material has undergone special processing. If there is no such mark, you should apply a protective compound to the new pair yourself.

Due to its resistance to impacts and stretching, nubuck is widely used in furniture production. If it is additionally treated with a special oil composition, a completely new material is obtained - nubuck oil, which has moisture-proof properties. Tactilely and visually it resembles natural leather. The material is smooth, stretches well, and when touched there is a feeling of moisture.


Natural nubuck

Suede

Suede is one of the most expensive types of polished leather. The classic version uses reindeer skins. It is acceptable to make leather from elk, goat, and deer. The material is produced using the fat tanning method, which ensures the thinness and velvety feel of the fabric. Its pile is higher and softer. Also, unlike nubuck, suede fabric stretches easily. In addition, suede perfectly allows air to pass through, holds its shape for a long time and retains its original appearance. Excellent for allergy sufferers due to its hypoallergenic properties. When unpainted it has a light beige color. In addition to shoes, it is used for the production of small haberdashery - gloves and bags, country and boho style clothing.

The main disadvantage is the same as that of nubuck - low moisture resistance. It is recommended to use such items only in dry weather. If the product gets wet, it must be completely dry before restoration. Brushes specially designed for suede will help restore the velvety feel.

Treat with water-repellent impregnations only when absolutely necessary - there is a high risk that the material will become more rigid. Before applying, you need to test the effect of the product on an inconspicuous area.


Natural suede

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Nubuck or leather, which is better?

Initially, in the 1930s, the raw material for the production of nubuck was deer or elk leather. Modern manufacturing technology involves the use of an outer layer of calfskin, which is further processed through external grinding. Products made from nubuck are sold at a higher price than leather and suede. This is due to the fact that the outside surface of calfskin has a tougher texture compared to the inside used for making suede, which means the material is much stronger and more durable. This textile belongs to the aniline subgroup, but in fact it is not one. This is one of the rarest leather materials. It stands out with a much lighter shade.

Range

The wide range of materials we sell allows us to produce budget shoes from inexpensive pigskin, model shoes from soft calfskin, and exclusive shoes from hides with original processing. In addition to the type of leather used, shoe upper materials differ in processing technologies, allowing you to make the best choice based on the purpose of the product.

Product diversity by type of raw material:

  • Cattle (cattle)
Leather raw materials made from the skins of cows, bulls, calves of different degrees of maturity of animals (bull, cow, half-leather, outgrowth, flask) are distinguished from others by their high strength, moisture and wear resistance, variability of decorative processing with relative rigidity (with the exception of flask). Practical and optimal in terms of price to quality, reliable cow leather. Raw materials made from bovine hides are coarser and cheaper. Slightly inferior in strength to the skins of adult animals, calfskin is distinguished by greater softness, flexibility, and a smooth surface without bite marks or other defects.
  • Small ruminants (SMR)
The shoe upper, made from goats and sheep (chevro, shagreen, chevret, morocco), is distinguished by a beautiful natural mesh pattern, high elasticity, softness, and the ability to quickly take the shape of the foot. This raw material is perfectly dyed in bright colors. With exceptional comfort, the material is delicate, susceptible to negative influences, and requires careful treatment and care.
  • Pork
One of the cheapest options. It is rough, often has an uneven surface, and is inferior to cattle and sheep leather in terms of moisture resistance, but is quite durable and has high breathability.
  • Horse
The material made from foal, marking or reprocessing is slightly inferior to cattle in strength, density, and water permeability, but is distinguished by a larger area and shine.
  • Exotic animals
Rare leather of reptiles (snakes, lizards, crocodiles), ostrich, kangaroo, camel and other exotic animals is of high quality and unique in aesthetic terms. This “piece” product is in demand by manufacturers of designer shoes. A similar in appearance, but more affordable option is obtained by embossing and applying decorative coatings to raw veal and pork hides.

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Pros and cons of leather

Genuine leather is processed without sanding. To make the canvas, areas of leather are taken on the surface of which there are practically no defects in the form of tears, etc. Thanks to such high quality raw materials, there is no need for grinding. Full-grain fabric is not subjected to any processing, and is equipped with the original marking of the name of the animal from which it is made.

The properties of the skin directly depend on the type of animal. The unpolished type of material is further polished and treated with various compounds. For this, only the top layer is used. The finishing process is necessary to create a more uniform texture and correct any imperfections that might be present in the animal's hide.

The advantages of standard leather are: versatility of use, excellent water-repellent qualities, durability and long service life. One of the disadvantages is the appearance of deep creases with prolonged wear, which affect the aesthetics of the external appearance of the product.

What is better for winter, conclusion

It is worth paying attention to the fact that both types of materials retain heat well and look great. Nubuck can maintain its flawless appearance much longer. However, the leather does not allow water to pass through, and therefore can be used regardless of temperature conditions and type of precipitation.

Types of shoe uppers by processing technology

For shoe production, animal skins are tanned (chrome, aluminum, vegetable, combined, fat). Thanks to various technological and decorative processing (grinding, dyeing, application of impregnations, coatings, etc.), leather raw materials are given the necessary consumer and aesthetic properties. Externally, it can retain the natural pattern of the measure, have a polished front surface or bakhtarma, an extruded pattern (embossing), and various decorative coatings.

Popular varieties, manufacturing technologies:

AnilineVegetable-chrome tanned material with minimal processing, organic dyeing.
NappaThin leather of cattle or sheep, double tanned, with increased elasticity.
ShagreenSheep and goat hides with a characteristic grain pattern.
KidDurable goat material with good dimensional stability and hygienic characteristics.
MoroccoLightly fattened, brightly colored skins of small sheep.
VarnishLeather material from cattle, goats, chrome tanned, coated with varnish film or resins, with a shiny surface, reduced breathability.
NaplakNappa with varnish finish.
YuftSoft combined tanned hides with heavy fatliquoring to increase water resistance.
NubuckChrome-tanned material made from cattle hides with a polished, velvety surface that absorbs light. By applying a special impregnation, nubuck oil (hydrophobic) is obtained.
SuedeLeather made from fat-tanned veal, deer, and sheep skins with the front or melon surface removed, increased ductility, softness, and breathability.
VeloursA fleecy chrome-tanned material made from calf skins, MRS, which looks similar to suede, but is inferior to it in terms of water resistance and dimensional stability.

Which shoes are better for winter: leather or nubuck?

In winter, you want to look stylish and at the same time feel comfortable. Bad weather, frost, ice, and slush somewhat limit the choice of shoes. The catalog presents models made of genuine leather, nubuck, and velor. The assortment is large, so you can get confused. Let's figure out which is better: leather or nubuck.

Leather lovers strongly advise buying leather shoes. Fans of nubuck and suede took the other side. Any materials are suitable for winter. The main thing is to wear it correctly and take care of it. This article contains tips to help you choose the perfect pair. Let's figure out how nubuck differs from leather.

This is genuine leather that has undergone special processing. During dressing, it is tanned and polished. The result is a soft, finely fleecy surface. It resembles suede, but is made from different raw materials. Soft, pliable, but durable material ensures active air exchange. With proper care, it does not allow moisture to pass through and dries quickly. It looks elegant and presentable - these are advantages.

The material is afraid of water and slush - this can be considered a disadvantage. In such conditions, it quickly loses its attractive appearance. Nubuck differs from leather in price. The material is considered elite. Nubuck models are much more expensive than leather ones. We recommend these options for frosty snowy days. In slush, it is better to change into leather boots or shoes.

Differences on the shelves:

  • Raw materials

For suede - the most expensive materials; for nubuck and velor - high-quality, but more affordable.

  • Water repellent properties

Suede does not absorb water well, velor and nubuck require the use of special water-repellent agents.

  • Velvety

Suede - on both sides, velor - on one side (bakhtarma), nubuck - on one side (the front part of the leather).

  • Pile height

Suede - high pile, nubuck and velor - low.

  • Shoe care

Simpler for suede, more careful for velor and nubuck.

Genuine Leather

Leather shoes are considered universal. Suitable for any outfit, for any weather. Do you think black or brown boots are boring? Thanks to the wide range of colors and variety of textures, it can offer interesting options for every day and “going out”.

The advantages of leather over nubuck are strength, durability, and water resistance. It is not afraid of slush, water, and dries quickly. Allows your feet to breathe. Maintenance will be required to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Use special creams, waxes, and impregnated sponges. The compositions protect the surface from cracking and creases, add shine, and repel moisture.

Any material has pros and cons. It’s impossible to say for sure which is warmer: nubuck or leather. The result depends on the internal insulation. If your feet get very cold in cold weather, choose shoes with natural or faux fur. Do you travel by car or are you rarely outside? We recommend looking at models insulated with fleece, fleece, and natural wool. They keep your feet warm and comfortable!

Practical advice on fabric care

There are also many differences in caring for nubuck and suede. To maintain the original appearance of your shoes and easily clean them from dirt and dust, it is recommended to carry out the following procedures:

SuedeNubuck
Cleaning from dustThis should be done using rubber brushes. Dry cleaning allows you to remove an invisible layer of dirt and restore brightness and depth of color. Spray foam with a cleaning function is used. After 5-7 minutes it is removed along with mud deposits. Dry dirt is removed using an eraser, brush or clothes roller with a sticky layer.
Water protectionAlthough suede is waterproof, it does not withstand rain and slush well. Additionally, products with water-repellent properties are used. You need to treat the surface 10-20 minutes before leaving. Waterproof impregnation is sprayed until the product stops being absorbed. This protects the nubuck from moisture.
Oily stainsIn the first minutes after the rain begins, a sticky surface (machine oil, dust and dirt) forms on the road. Grease stains from suede are removed with a paper napkin (fresh), then with talcum powder or potato starch. After drying, clean with a brush (simple). Removed with potato starch and ammonia. The crumpled pile is lifted with a brush.
Pile restorationUse a simple sponge on the side where there is no abrasive layer.Hot steam, brushes with sparse and high bristles.

If you follow simple care rules, your shoes and clothes will last a long time. Don't neglect these simple but important recommendations. Remember - each material requires special attention and a careful approach to wearing.

Source

Secondary school (military scientist) Zernograd

The municipal budgetary educational institution secondary school (military science) of the city of Zernograd was founded on September 25, 1996.

The first building stone of the school was laid in October 1992 by a construction company (India) and already on September 25, 1996, the spacious, cozy, bright classrooms of the school were waiting for their first students.

At that time, the school was named, according to resolution No. 595 of the Zernograd district administration: Municipal secondary school No. 16.

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