| Tel: 020 7486 4664 |
| Fax: 020 7486 4644 |
Special Footwear
& Orthotics
12 New Cavendish Street
London
W1G 8UN
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Leather
The finest leathers are used in our handmade bespoke shoes
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Only the finest quality materials
 At Special Footwear and Orthotics we believe in using only the finest quality materials to ensure that you receive not only a high standard of craftsmanship, but also shoes of great durability.
Many different types of leather
There are many different types of leather that can be used in the making of shoes, it is made from different animals and there are many different types of finishes, each with its own characteristics. Here follows a brief description of the most common animals used for the production of leather and also the different finishes.
Contact us now for more information.
Types of leather
Full grain leather
Full grain leather is produced from the top side of the leather which is the outside. The surface is smooth and polishable.
Suede
Suede is produced from the under side of the skin and has a distinctive nap. The nap can be altered to be very fine, or long and almost hairy in appearance.
Pigmented leathers
Pigmented leathers have a slight surface spray of colour added at the final stage. This produces a uniform appearance which is more suited to formal shoes and leather goods.
Corrected grain leather
Corrected grain leather has the surface buffed away, taking away any imperfections. A glossy appearance is created by applying a smooth coating of finish colour. Though corrected grain is a less expensive leather it still takes skill to manufacture so as to ensure consistency and durability.
Nubuck
Nubuck is produced from full grain leathers. The grain is abraded away to create a slight surface nap. This can be adjusted to be very fine, or a longer softer effect can be produced.
Foiled leather
Foiked leather is primarily used for dancing shoes. A coloured, metallic foil is placed on the grain side of the leather and permanently bonded to it, offering comfort with elegant shoes.
Oiled and Waxed leather
Oiled and waxed leather has oils or waxes coated onto the surface of the leather to produce a tacky finish that gives improved grip. They can be used in many sports like American football gloves.
Laminated leather
Laminated leather has a layer of film laminated onto the surface. Laminated leathers may not withstand wearing conditions in upholstery and footwear and are therefore usually restricted to leather goods and low quality shoes.
Aniline
Aniline is the highest quality material. The colour is only from the dying process. The leather is literally ‘naked’ which allows the natural beauty of the leather to show through. All skins will have some faults, even aniline leathers. Slight scratches or surface marks are part of what makes up this natural material and should be regarded as such. These faults do not affect the performance of the leather.
Printed leathers
Printed leathers can have any kind of pattern or design placed on the surface. The designs are embossed onto the leather surface under pressure and add to the character of the material but the structure of the leather remains unaffected.
Animal skins used to make leather
Cattle
This is the most commonly used skin for making leather with approximately 65% of leather produced from cattle.
Cow leather (more commonly called calf) is available in a great variety of sizes due to their relatively large size, can be used for a great range of products from shoes to upholstery.
As a cheaper alternative Buffalo leather is sometimes used instead of cow.
Sheep
About 20% of leather is produced from sheep.
Sheep skins are much smaller than cow skins and for that reason it generally cannot be used for making footwear or furniture. It is, however ideal for making clothing due to its softness and flexibility.
Goat or Kid
Goat leather only accounts for about 5% of the leather produced in the world.
Goat skin has a very characteristic pattern and so gives a unique look to shoes made from this leather. Goat skin is used for a variety of products from gloves to footwear and even upholstery. It is well known for producing a much finer suede than cow hide does.
Pig
10% of leather is produced from Pig skins.
Pig skin is known for being recognised by the hair pattern which is left on the leather even after the hair has been removed. Pig skin produces a fine suede. The leather is used in a range of products from shoe lining to upholstery.
Other
Leather from the skins of other animals such as kangaroo, snake, crocodile and some fish is also used in the manufacture of leather goods.
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Special Footwear & Orthotics
12 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 8UN
Tel: 020 7486 4664 Fax: 020 7486 4644 Email: info@specialfootwear.co.uk
For custom made orthotics, see also Orthotics Online
For ready made foot care products, visit The Orthotics Online Store
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