Leather, Mesh, Nubuck or Suede upper

One of the first decisions you make when choosing a pair of hiking boots is the choice of material. Mesh, full grain leather, nubuck or suede, we tell you all about the different options.

A good hiking boot is one that is adapted to the needs of the walker, both in terms of ankle support and comfort and flexibility. These needs vary according to the level of the hiker and the type of terrain he or she is used to walking on. Almost all of these characteristics (rigidity, comfort, resistance) overlap in the choice of shoe material, a choice that is not to be underestimated. This is one of the first decisions we make when choosing a pair of hiking boots. Let's take a look at the different characteristics that define each of the materials available on the market.    

Full grain leather

Full grain leather is the leather in its raw state. It is the strongest, most durable, abrasion resistant and water repellent material, but it also has the disadvantage of being the heaviest. Ideal for long treks in the wilderness and for hardened hikers, smooth leather shoes are however less flexible and breathable than their nubuck or suede cousins.  

Nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is obtained after a treatment of the leather, more precisely an external sanding of the leather. The final result is a soft, velvety feel, much like a peach skin. Nubuck leather shoes will therefore be more supple and breathable than full grain leather shoes but also more fragile and therefore less durable. 

Suede leather

Like nubuck, suede is obtained by sanding the leather, but from the inner part of the hide. And like nubuck and full-grain leather, suede has the advantage of being a noble and lively material, so it is particularly comfortable and rather durable, even if the life span of nubuck or suede shoes is more limited than that of smooth leather shoes (but they offer more flexibility).

Mesh

Mesh shoes are the lightest of all, but consequently the least resistant to abrasion and wear, which is reflected in their durability. They also lack the water-repellent characteristics of leather.