Even with a design in mind, it is almost impossible to pick just a pair of shoes while shopping because you are equally on the lookout for comfort and style.
This could make your shopping experience more stressful and confusing than you had planned.
Well, this is because not only are the options endless, but each pair delivers a different touch to your dress, and you would want your choice to up your fashion game or take it down.
A major factor for consideration is the material that the shoe is made from. An understanding of the uniqueness of each material can help you decide how suitable a shoe type is for you depending on the occasion.
While there are a lot of shoe types available in the market, here are 10 common materials you can't miss at either the walk-in stores or online stores, and included for each are their distinguished characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.
1. Leather
This is the most common type of shoe in the market; the shoe section can't be complete without them.
Real leathers are made from cowhide and other animal skin tanned to give a lasting material, and about 80% of this is supplied by China, the world's largest producer.
It is the number one shoe material majorly because of its durability, adaptability and water resistance. Breathability is dependent on the size, thus thin leather material is very breathable and light while heavy leather retains heat and sweat, and is also more susceptible to water absorption.
Quite often, leather is known to give a smooth and hard texture but there are variations depending on the animal used, resulting in a rugged, soft, and waxy appearance.
A leather shoe is not a luxury, it's a must-have! They help you impress your boss and appear sharp for any professional occasion.
Their versatility and aesthetic appeal cause leather shoes to be the first thought for lots of occasions, which could range from a professional meeting to a dinner date.
Pros:
- Leather shoes can repel abrasion and withstand wear and tear, they are durable
- They retain heat and can keep the feet warm during cold weather
- They can be diversified for different occasions
Con:
- The first drawback is the high price for good quality.
- Extra care is needed to maintain them.
- It is an animal product, so If you are a strict vegan, leather shoes might be of your consideration
2. Synthetic materials
Made to imitate leather, they are a blend of artificial fibers, usually an external polyester fiber which could be woven or non-woven, and an internal synthetic of less quality which doesn't have a perfect surface.
The end product is a fabric that has a plastic and harder texture when compared to natural leather.
Pros:
They are a suitable option if you want to avoid animal products
They are less expensive compared to leather
They require less maintenance
Cons:
They are less flexible than natural materials, and hence might not fit every leg shape
They are not very durable
3. Suede
The velvety material is also from animal skin, except that, unlike leather that is made from the outer side, it is made from the soft underside of the animal skin, particularly lambskin.
As a type of leather, being from a different part of the animal skin explains Suede’s matte characteristics as opposed to the sheen appearance of traditional leather and why it is less durable.
Aside from that it accentuates styles for various purposes, Suede shoes are equally lighter and pliable, hence they can fit different shapes of leg.
They can accommodate a small amount of water, so a small quantity of water works perfectly fine for its maintenance but that doesn't mean you want to wear them in the rain.
Pros:
- They have good aesthetics and are appealing to the sight
Cons:
- Extra care is needed for maintenance
4. Rubber
These shoes are the most suitable for heavy-duty assignments and wet conditions, but Rubber shoes are not limited to work boots and rain boots.
They can also be mixed with other materials such as serving as the soles for most canvas shoes and parts of foam shoes to make stronger footwear.
Pros:
- When used as a sole for shoes, a large number of materials can benefit from the strength of Rubber which makes it slip-proof, to maintain good traction.
Cons:
- When not in a mix, they are totally waterproof but not breathable, hence might not be convenient to wear for long.
- They can also be heavy
5. Textile
This includes natural and synthetic fibers and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and structures with the common ones being cotton, wool, polyester, and nylon.
They have a varying appearance, durability, and water absorption depending on the type of fabric employed.
Pros:
- They are very breathable
- They are relatively cheap
Con:
- They get dirty very easily
6. Canvas
Not necessarily fragile as you might think, this hemp cloth material can either be light or strong depending on the weave.
Despite the ever-changing trends on styles in shoe fashion, canvas shoes still remain in touch with fashion needs.
With little maintenance needed and ease to wear, they offer comfort and convenience. Not overly fanciful, they are a good fit for a wide range of dressing, making them the best option when you are least sure of what to wear.
While most people see them as regular wear, when matched appropriately, they can take your dressing from being casual to making a statement of style.
Pros:
- They are more pocket-friendly compared to leather and suede
- Canvas shoes are made from light materials, hence are comfortable
Cons:
- They are not very durable, especially in wet conditions
7. Cork
Gotten from the bark of the oak tree, the material is so named because it looks like the cork on your wine bottle.
It always appears alongside other materials and is mostly used as a footbed in many footwear. It can also be found on the fore part as cork sheets as well as a belt or heels for footwear.
It is very strong and very resistant to wear and tear. It is usually light and has soft cushioning qualities, making it easy to work with.
Pros:
- They are renowned for arch support
- They easily adjust to the shape of your foot
- They have shock and water resistance
- It is another vegan alternative to durable material like leather
Cons:
- They could be more expensive
8. Foam
Made from synthetic materials like latex, neoprene, polyurethane, polypropylene, or vinyl-coated fabric. Foam is a major material included as the midsole of sports shoes.
However, shoes made purely from foam are otherwise known as ‘Memory foam shoes’ which are made from polyurethane.
They are flexible and soft with pockets for air, and are excellent for light sport activities due to their flexibility, and because they cushion the feets from much impact from the floor surface.
Pros:
- They give good arching support and stability
- They absorb shock
Cons:
- They retain heat and sweat which could cause smell
- They can absorb lots of water depending on their thickness and number of air pockets.
- They are not as durable as the other materials available.
9. Gore-tex
This is manufactured by W&L Gore & Associates and is made from thin layers of synthetic fabric membrane.
It is renowned in sports footwear as not just being breathable but exceptionally waterproof and strong.
Pros:
- They are strong and provide extra protection to the feet.
Cons:
- They are not very comfortable in hot conditions
- It is not eco-friendly
10. Velvet
This speaks the language of luxury and class. It enhances the aesthetics of the footwear to give a touch of sophistication and elegance.
Historically produced from silk and housed in Europe, Velvet has been around for centuries now as a solid and luxurious choice both in the shoe and clothing industry.
It is not just a fiber like the others but is rather a structure of specific soft and very dense fibers, including natural fibers like silk, cotton, and wool as well as synthetic such as rayon and polyester.
Pros:
- It gives a cool but classy look
Cons:
- They are expensive
- They require more care for maintenance
There is no best material and there is no one-size-fits-all, the choice of shoe material to go for depends on your personal preference, need, and budget.
While leather is known for longevity, synthetic materials offer ease in maintenance and velvety shoes give a finishing touch to a classy appearance.
Each material serves its specific purpose, and though some can be suitable for more than one occasion, the goal of your purchase is to get a good buy for your money.
