How to choose leather shoes: a buyer's guide
What sets real leather apart from synthetics, how to check quality right in the store, and which details matter when picking a new pair.
A good pair of leather shoes is one of those purchases that pays you back every day: it lasts for years, keeps its shape and only gets more comfortable with time. Telling a quality pair from a mediocre one in the store is not always easy though. Here is everything worth knowing before you buy.
Why genuine leather
Real leather breathes, so your feet do not sweat the way they do in synthetic materials. It gradually molds to the shape of your foot: after a couple of weeks a leather pair feels like you have worn it for years. Most importantly, with the right care a quality pair lasts five years or more. You can read more about the material itself on Wikipedia.
How to spot real leather in the store
A few simple checks you can do on the spot.
Press your palm against it: genuine leather warms up in seconds, synthetics stay cold.
Look closely at the surface: the pores of real leather are uneven and never repeat, artificial materials show a repeating pattern.
Press gently: real leather forms fine creases and springs right back.
Smell is a clue too: genuine leather has a distinct, pleasant scent that synthetics simply do not have.
Stitching, soles and details
On a quality pair the stitching is even, with no loose threads. The sole should flex with your foot: hold the shoe by the toe and heel and bend it slightly. If the sole is stiff as a board, your feet will tire quickly. Check the inside too: in good shoes the lining is leather as well.
Try them on at the right time
Try shoes on in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen: that way you will not get the size wrong. Walk around the store for a minute or two. Quality leather shoes are comfortable from the very first step: a good pair needs no "they will break in" excuses.
What comes after the purchase
After buying, it all comes down to care: cleaning, conditioning and proper storage. We covered it in detail in our leather shoe care guide.
At Nine Shoes we have put together a collection of genuine leather shoes: browse it here or come try them on at 19 Abovyan St, Yerevan. Drop by and we will help you find your pair.