Materials & Symbols

A wide range of materials and their combinations are used today in the production of footwear. Leather, rubber, synthetic materials and textiles are the materials mainly used for uppers. Each material has its own specific characteristics. The differences are not only in appearance but also in the characteristics, performance and treatments. The materials significantly influence the life of the footwear and in many cases dictate their use. However, the most used natural material with ideal characteristics for footwear is LEATHER. Leather breathes, is soft, has good shock absorption capabilities, and adapts perfectly to the foot. Several basic types are recognized:

• Smooth leather – has a soft surface with small pores, can be shiny or matte.
• Tumbled leather – has an extremely soft and wrinkled surface.
• Patent leather – has a smooth, shiny surface; is sensitive to damage and frost.
• Nubuck – has a suede-like finish and has traces, removable by brushing, even after the light touch of a finger.
• Leather – a type of leather used for the soles of formal footwear.
• Crust – section of a hide, therefore under the skin.