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Leather is the most logical material for footwear because it is made from a hide or skin and is a natural foot covering. Most of the leather used in shoe construction is made from cattlehides. Because of leather's internal structure of fibers and surface pores it has excellent breathability and becomes a natural insulator. The tensile strength of leather is 2 times stronger than a 1/2 inch rope and yet it will still form to your foot. Not all types of leather are the same and each has it's own use in shoe upper leathers. Below we will discuss some of the more popular shoe leathers and what style shoe they are best suited for.
Calfskin
Calfskin is called the aristocrat of all shoe upper leathers. It has the purest grain of all shoe leathers, very fine and firm. The leather is supple, resists scuffing, is very lightweight, has great tensile strength and polishes handsomely. It is used in men's and women's dress shoes.
Pigskin
Pigskin is durable, supple and breathable. It is quite versatile and can be made in it's natural grain, embossed smooth, or given a suede or brushed surface. Today it is used mostly in casual shoes. In it's brushed finish it is very durable and easy to clean.
Kidskin
Kidskin is made from the skins of goats. It is very light and is one of the strongest of leathers. Kidskin has excellent resilence and softness for comfort and polishes well. It is quite expensive and is used mainly is women's better-grade dress shoes.
Cordovan
Cordovan is the only leather not made from a hide or skin. It is made from an oval-shaped ligament called a shell that is found on the butt of a horse. It is often referred to as "shell cordovan'. It is very expensive and is used in men's better-grade dress shoes.
Side Leather
This is by far the most common of shoe upper leathers. It is called a side leather because a hide can weigh 50 lbs. or more, for ease in handling they are cut in half (2 sides). Because of it's versatility it is used in almost all types of footwear. Side leathers come in different weights and have a wide range of applications, from men's work and outdoor boots to women's fashion shoes.
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