Why Choose Genuine Leather Over Fake?

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When you go shopping for leather shoes, do you ever wonder if they’re real or fake? Many people forget to ask this question, but it matters more than you might think. Real leather lasts longer, feels better, and even looks more stylish as it ages. While fake leather may appear similar at first glance, it often fails to hold up over time and lacks the same comfort and quality.
Today, people shop for original leather shoes online. But how do you know if you're buying the real ones? And more importantly, why does it even matter?
In this blog, we will examine the key differences between genuine and fake leather and help you understand what sets real leather apart.
How to Spot: Genuine v/s Fake Leather
While shopping online or in-store, you can determine whether the leather is real or fake through
Feature |
Genuine Leather |
Fake Leather |
Smell |
Has a natural, earthy smell |
Smells like plastic or glue |
Touch |
Feels soft, grainy, and warm |
Feels smooth, cold, and artificial |
Look |
Shows uneven patterns and visible pores |
Looks uniform and machine-made |
Price |
Usually more expensive due to quality |
Often cheaper, may signal it's not real |
Tip: Take your time to observe the material closely. Real leather often has small imperfections and a unique texture that fakes can’t match.
Real Leather vs. Fake Leather: Which Should You Choose?
Durability
One of the biggest reasons to choose real leather is its long-lasting nature. A pair of well-made leather shoes can last for years, even decades, with proper care. Real leather gets softer over time without losing its strength. It often looks better as it ages, developing a deep, rich tone called a "patina."
In contrast, fake leather starts to break down quickly. It may look fine at first, but after regular use, it will begin to show signs of wear. The surface may crack, peel, or become sticky in hot or humid weather. That’s why fake leather doesn’t last long and often costs more in the long run, as it needs to be replaced again.
Comfort and Breathability
Genuine leather is breathable, allowing air to pass through the material. It keeps your feet cool and dry, which is especially important if you wear your shoes all day. Real leather also molds to the shape of your foot, making your shoes more comfortable with each wear.
Fake leather, on the other hand, does not breathe. It traps heat and moisture, which can make your feet sweat and feel uncomfortable. It also tends to be stiffer and less flexible, which can cause blisters or soreness after wearing it for long hours.
A Better Look and Feel
Real leather has a natural, rich texture that synthetic leather can never match. Over time, real leather develops a beautiful finish, adding character to your shoes. No two pieces of leather are the same, so each pair of leather shoes has its unique look.
Fake leather may look shiny or smooth at first, but it usually doesn't age well. As it wears out, it can start to look cheap and worn out. The uniform texture gives it a plastic look, which diminishes the natural look.
Environmental Considerations
Real leather, especially when tanned using vegetable-based processes, can be biodegradable. It breaks down naturally and doesn’t contribute to long-term plastic pollution. Also, most real leather is a by-product of the meat industry. This means the hides would otherwise go to waste, so using them for leather reduces overall waste.
At first, fake leather might seem like the more eco-friendly option because it's not made from animals. But in reality, it’s more complex. It is made from plastic. These materials are not biodegradable and need hundreds of years to break down. During production, synthetic leather also uses chemicals that can harm the environment.
Value for Money
Real leather might seem expensive at first, but it offers better value over time. Because it lasts longer and performs better, you don’t have to replace your shoes as often. It saves you money and reduces waste.
Fake leather might be cheaper at the beginning, but you’ll likely spend more replacing worn-out pairs. This makes real leather a smarter choice in the long run.
Choosing the Right Shoe Store
With so many online stores out there, it’s important to shop from a trusted one. Choose a store that knows leather well, clearly explains what the product is made of, and offers easy returns. Kings Traders is a popular choice in Dubai for leather shoes and accessories. They’re known for good quality and help you pick the right shoes without giving up on style or comfort.
CONCLUSION
A decision to use genuine or fake leather is not a matter of price. It's about quality, comfort, and durability. Shoes made out of real leather have a comfortable fit, great longevity, and provide a vintage look. They are environmentally friendly and are also more sustainable in most instances, especially when they are created with a sense of responsibility.
Fake leather may look like a good bargain, but this is usually a bad bargain. Genuine leather comes out as the obvious shoe of preference when you want a shoe that will last several years, fit and support your feet, and reflect your taste as well.
Before going out to buy something again, you should examine the material first. Find quality and buy in reliable stores, where quality and comfort are the prescribed majority.