What Is Faux Leather Shoes? Is It Real Leather?

Are you a fan of leather products? Do you own leather jackets, shoes, or handbags? If yes, then you may have been introduced to the term faux leather. It is a type of leather that has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordable price and similar appearance to real leather. But what exactly is faux leather and how does it compare to genuine leather?

Let's go through some important details about faux leather and its properties in this guide.

Is Faux Leather Real Leather?

Faux leather shoes are made from a synthetic material called PVC leather or PU leather. It is an artificial leather that is stamped with a leather-like grain to make it look like genuine leather. Unlike real leather, faux leather is not made from animal hide and does not require any animals to be harmed in the making process.

Other terms used to describe faux leather include pleather, synthetic leather, or artificial leather. These terms are often used interchangeably and all refer to the same type of material.

Most of the time, you can't tell the difference between faux leather and real leather. This is especially true when it comes to shoes, as both materials can be dyed and textured to look alike.

Benefits of Faux Leather Over Real Leather

Fake leathers are environmentally friendly and don’t use animal products. That means if you are a vegan or care about animal welfare, then faux leather is the way to go. It is also a more affordable option for those on a budget.

Let's talk about in detail the benefits of faux leather over real leather:

Vegan-Friendly

As mentioned earlier, faux leather is made from synthetic materials and doesn't require any animal products. This makes it a great option for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or care about animal welfare. Faux leather shoes are also a popular choice among vegans as they can be just as durable and stylish as real leather shoes.

Versatile & Stylish

Faux leather shoes come in a variety of colors, styles, and designs. They can easily be dressed up or down, making them a versatile choice for any outfit. With advancements in technology, faux leather can now mimic the texture and appearance of real leather almost perfectly.

Low Maintenance

One major advantage of faux leather is that it is low maintenance compared to real leather. Faux leather shoes do not require any special cleaning or conditioning products. They can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains.

Durable

Contrary to popular belief, faux leather can be just as durable as real leather. In fact, some types of faux leather may even outlast genuine leather due to its resistance to fading and cracking. This makes it a great choice for everyday wear and tear.

Lower Cost

Faux leather is often a more affordable alternative to real leather. Since faux leather is made from synthetic materials, production costs are lower compared to the process of obtaining and treating animal hides for genuine leather products. This means that faux leather shoes can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of real leather shoes.

Read related article: How To Clean Faux Leather Shoes the Right Way

Disadvantages of Faux Leather

While these vegan leather shoes have many benefits just like real leather shoes, they are limited to some extent, unlike real leather products. Here are some of the drawbacks of faux leather shoes:

Breathability

The first would be the breathability issue. In the battle of faux leather vs real leather shoes, real leather is more breathable as it is made from natural materials. This allows your feet to stay cool and dry, preventing foot odor and sweat. Moreover, faux leather tends to trap moisture and heat, making it less comfortable in warmer climates.

Durability

Yes, faux leather shoes are durable, but they may not be as long-lasting as real leather shoes. Real leather bags, shoes, and other accessories can last for five to ten years or even longer with proper care. On the other hand, faux leather shoes may start to peel or crack after a few years of regular wear and tear.

Environmental Impact

Aside from the feal, leather production, and waste disposal, faux leather production can also have a negative impact on the environment. The process of making synthetic materials requires energy and chemicals that can contribute to pollution and environmental damage. Most production processes also involve the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource.

How to Care for Faux Leather Shoes

If you happen to have a pair of faux leather shoes, you may be wondering how to maintain them. Here are some tips to help keep your faux leather shoes in good condition:

• Regularly wipe down with a damp cloth.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Do not machine wash or dry clean.

Follow these simple steps and your faux leather shoes will last for a long time. Keep in mind that proper care and maintenance can also extend the lifespan of real leather products.

Closing Thoughts

Many people are drawn to faux leather for its affordability, style, and ethical production. While it may not have the same prestige as genuine leather, faux leather shoes can still be a great alternative for those who want a more conscious and budget-friendly option.

Whether you choose real or faux leather, what's most important is that you are comfortable and confident in your footwear choice.

If you have real leather shoes, you might want to invest in a shoe shine kit that comes with everything you need to keep your leather shoes looking sharp.

Make sure to check out Stone and Clark's Leather Shoe Shine Kit, a convenient