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 suits the needs of the hiker, both in terms of ankle support, comfort and flexibility. These needs vary depending on the hiker's level and the type of terrain they typically cover. Almost all of these characteristics (rigidity, comfort, resistance) come into play when choosing the material of the shoe — a choice that should not be overlooked. It is in fact one of the first decisions that guides us when selecting a pair of hiking shoes. Let's take a closer look at the different characteristics that define each of the materials 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, the most durable, the most resistant to abrasion and the most water-repellent material, but it also has the drawback of being the heaviest. Ideal for long nature treks and seasoned hikers, smooth leather shoes are however less flexible and less breathable than their nubuck or suede counterparts.
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nubuck leather
nubuck is obtained through a leather treatment process, more specifically by sanding the outer surface of the leather. The result is a soft, velvety feel, much like a peach skin. nubuck leather shoes are therefore more flexible 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 obtained 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 that of smooth leather shoes (though they offer greater flexibility).
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Mesh
mesh shoes, i.e. those made from synthetic fabric, are the most lightweight of all, but as a result the least resistant to abrasion and wear over time, which significantly affects their durability. They also lack the water-repellent and water-resistant properties of leather.
