Shoe Care

[dieworkwear]

Genuine leather is the lowest quality leather and is more like MDF is in the wood world.

This is a misnomer that came out of a Saddleback Leather marketing video. If you search for it on Reddit, there have been many discussions about it.

 

[taxgenius]

What would you guys recommend for Utah Calf leather sneakers?

 

[JustPullHarder]

I think the issue with white sneakers is that the only way to make them white is to effectively coat them with something. Compare that with most dress shoe leathers that are dyed through. This would explain why the conditioner doesn't get absorbed.

NB just because it's coated doesn't mean it's low quality leather.

 

[Ejx]

Cool guys I totally get dress shoes and leather items, full grain is way better. but like @JustPullHarder said, sneakers are coated and treated, so no patina, aging and all those advantages full grain has when not painted over.

I'm guessing feel might be a bit different but durability will probably be the same in this case.

Does this sound correct?

 

[Duke Santos]

The point with leather sneakers is that most aren’t made of full grain leather. Most sneakers including common project are made of chrome tanned leather. A chemical process which improves whitening of the leather, adds toughens and makes it more durable. Therefore it’s not necessary to condition leather sneakers. Cleaning them with a product like Jason Markk suffices. Dirty leather and soles can be restored and whitened by brushing with a solution of plain white toothpaste. Other than that sneakers don’t require much maintenance. Wiping with a damp cloth is enough to remove dirt. Actually there are very few manufacturers that produce vegetable tanned full grain leather sneakers. The firm Crown Northampton being one of them. They even produce cordovan sneakers which can cost up to a thousand dollars.

The Crown Northampton's are truly a step beyond other high end sneakers. I watched a video where two pairs (one cordovan and one veg tanned) were deconstructed down to the bones. The quality of construction and materials (bark tanned leather for the toe and heel stiffeners!) used in them is stupendous.

I don't think I'll go full blown shell, but a pair in #8 CXL are definitely in my future.