Suede or leather chukkas for winter/autumn?

[evac]

Hello,

I've been thinking of getting a pair of chukkas for fall/winter, but I'm not sure whether to buy suede or leather ones. I live in Norway, so the winter is quite cold, snowy, but quite dry - not that much slush.

What do you consider to be the best material for winter. Will leather chukkas be better than suede?

Been thinking of getting suede ones from Velasca, or leather ones from Meermin. Do anyone have additional suggestions in the same price range as well?

Thank you.

 

[heldentenor]

If you're not dealing with salt/slush but are looking for something stylish, I'd say suede all the way. Pebble grain can look great, too. Smooth leather seems mismatched to chukkas if you can do suede/grain leather.

 

[Anm1984]

My go to rain boots are suede, and I wear it in the winter as well. I think it's far better in such circumstances than leather, even grained. Think about it, how do you clean suede shoes? You wash them with suede shampoo, can't do that with leather.

 

[evac]

Cheers for your replies guys. I think I'll go for the suedes. Do you have any advice as to how to take care of them during fall/winter? Is it sufficient with a water-protecting spray and a cleaner/shampoo?

 

[Sander]



Cheers for your replies guys. I think I'll go for the suedes. Do you have any advice as to how to take care of them during fall/winter? Is it sufficient with a water-protecting spray and a cleaner/shampoo?

Yes, absolutely.

 

[Anm1984]

The hanger project has a great section on cleaning suede. I used to spray with nano protector but now I don't even do that, although I should not for rain or snow, but it will help with any liquid like coffee oil whatever.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

If I recall from the leather thread, I believe suede had the least amount of desity compared to other leather types. Based on that, I would not suggest such a chukka for cold winter wear, although I understand it is an iGent winter staple.

For the purposes of heat retention, I would go with a pebble grain like leather. The compact nature of its creation should prove a better heat insulator.

I'm sure my example is contrary to the status quo, but there is some logic behind it. Either way, enjoy whatever you decide to buy...

 

[Anm1984]

I agree with you, my answer for suede was in regards to precipitation. I never get cold feet and can't wear anything lined so suede at colder temps is fine for me but yes it certainly breathes the best and therefore insulates the least.

 

[evac]

Cheers for your input guys. I never really get cold on my feet, and if it's really cold outside, I wear wool socks. So for my part the suede/leather choice is simply in terms of which material can handle autumn/winter the best.