One of the first decisions you make when choosing a pair of hiking shoes is the choice of material. Mesh, full-grain leather, nubuck or suede — we reveal everything about the different options.
Choosing the material for hiking shoes
A good hiking shoe is one that meets the walker's needs — in terms of ankle support, comfort and flexibility alike. These needs vary depending on the hiker's level and the type of terrain they usually tackle. Almost all of these characteristics (rigidity, comfort, resistance) overlap in the choice of shoe material, which makes it a significant decision. It's often one of the first things that guides us when choosing a pair of hiking shoes. Let's take a look together at the different characteristics that define each material available on the market.
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Full-grain leather
Full-grain leather is leather in its raw state. It is the most built-to-last, most durable, most resistant to abrasion and most water-repellent material available, though it also has the drawback of being the heaviest. Ideal for long treks in the wild and for seasoned hikers, smooth leather shoes are however less supple and less breathable than their nubuck or suede counterparts.
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Nubuck leather
Nubuck is produced by treating leather, specifically by sanding the outer surface of the leather. The end result is a soft, velvety feel, much like the skin of a peach. Nubuck shoes are therefore more supple and breathable than full-grain leather shoes, but also more delicate and therefore less durable.
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Suede leather
Like nubuck, suede is produced by sanding the leather, but from the inner side of the hide. And just like nubuck and full-grain leather, suede has the advantage of being a noble, living material — making it particularly comfortable and fairly resistant, even if the lifespan of nubuck or suede shoes is more limited than those in smooth leather (though they offer greater flexibility).
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Mesh
Mesh shoes — that is, shoes made from synthetic fabric — are the lightest of all, but consequently the least resistant to abrasion and wear over time, which has a significant impact on their durability. They also lack the water-repellent and hydro-resistant properties of leather.
