Material Types

On this page you will find an explanation about different types of material. Are you looking for shoe care articles? Then visit our shoe care page. Shoe care items are limited available online. A wider range of shoe care products can be purchased in one of our stores with tailor-made advice. You can also visit a specialized shoemaker for advice and the right shoe care product.

Leather (smooth)

One speaks of smooth leather when the grain side of the leather is visible. The grain drawing and folds are still visible even after processing. Extra treated leather, also known as 'enriched leather', gets a different look such as: shadow finished, bleached alcohol, tamponned or white washed. Nappa and soft leather are sensitive types of leather that are very soft and pleasant to wear. Another example of fine smooth leather is dyed through and through (analine dyed). This has a transparent finish with natural characteristics, is sensitive to moisture, dirt and has an absorbent character.

Greased leather

Greased leather is treated with a wax on the grain side, also known as "pull-up" and "scratch leather". Regular maintenance is recommended to maintain the wax content.

Metallic

Metallic is a gloss coating / paint spray layer (with glitter / perlato effect). Metallic is fragile and must be treated with care.

Lacquer leather

Lacquer has a striking glossy appearance, is dirt and moisture-repellent and is often applied in liquid form. Leather, textile or synthetic material are used as the basis for lacquer. Lacquer can be smooth or processed like a croco print. Due to the impermeable nature, the shoe will be saturated faster with moisture. That is why it is important to ventilate the shoe regularly.

Suede and nubuck

Suede is the side of the non-grain leather that is lightly ground. Suede is sensitive to water and highly absorbent. If the grain side is lightly sanded, nubuck is formed. The light sanding gives it a very fine effect (velvety). The material looks like suede, but has a much tighter structure and is always of good quality.

Matte leather

Matt leather receives an enriching treatment and is not finished (such as smooth leather) and sanded (such as nubuck) and is often lightly treated with wax (beeswax).

Wax suede / Oiled suede

One speaks of waxed or oiled suede if it is treated with an oil.

Textile

Textile is a fiber fabric. There are natural textiles such as linen, wool and cotton. Nowadays, many synthetic fibers are also processed that are strong and elastic.

Gore-Tex®

Gore Tex is a thin plastic membrane with micro-fine pores between the inner lining and the upper material. This allows perspiration to escape in the form of water vapor. However, large moisture drops from outside do not penetrate the membrane. This keeps the material dry.