Is fake leather better than real leather for shoes?

[atgbrahsrs]

For real, this is my anecdote:

- Bought some real leather Adidas minimalist sneakers for like 70 usd, lasted 4 months.

- Bought then some higher quality (full grain real leather) ones for 200 usd, lasted 6 months.

- Bought fake leather Adidas for 50 usd, almost 1 year going strong.

On the former two the uppers got scratched or torn or had a faded look.

Since fake leather is basically bendy plastic, super resistant to punctures, tears and cleans easily.

Same shoe style, same walking habits, same terrain.

[Zackad]

Depends what you're using them for, and your operative definition of "better"

Economically, and for normal day to day purposes with no maintenance/care performed? get fake leather.

If you are willing to take care of the leather, real leather will always look and feel better, and last longer.

[atgbrahsrs]

Depends what you're using them for, and your operative definition of "better"

Economically, and for normal day to day purposes with no maintenance/care performed? get fake leather.

If you are willing to take care of the leather, real leather will always look and feel better, and last longer.

Minimalist pure white sneakers to go out when there is no formal shoe requirement and i am not in the gym. So basically, everyday shoes.

Better in terms of durbability.

Not sure if putting shoe cream would make a difference - real leather seems more delicate and prone to getting punctured.

[GooBaaa]

Why would you buy pure white shoes for everyday wear

[atgbrahsrs]

Why would you buy pure white shoes for everyday wear

I am officecel so they wouldn't get too dirty.

They just go with everything - jeans, chinos etc

[outfoxxed]

fake leather is for poor people and homos.

[Ten_Hearts]

For real, this is my anecdote:

- Bought some real leather Adidas minimalist sneakers for like 70 usd, lasted 4 months.

- Bought then some higher quality (full grain real leather) ones for 200 usd, lasted 6 months.

- Bought fake leather Adidas for 50 usd, almost 1 year going strong.

On the former two the uppers got scratched or torn or had a faded look.

Since fake leather is basically bendy plastic, super resistant to punctures, tears and cleans easily.

Same shoe style, same walking habits, same terrain.

But what you mean by lasted 6 months? Like for anything there are different grades of quality when it comes to leather. There are also other factors with shoe construction that can impact longevity. With leather you usually got to do some car for them but I find leather in general last longer and looks better.

[usersignup2]

On the former two the uppers got scratched or torn or had a faded look.

leather is preferable if you want to show wear and age. if your goal is NOT to show wear and age, then vinyl. Downside is vinyl doesn't breath whatsoever.

if your leather was torn due to wear, then it was crap leather. if your sneakers faded for reasons not due to abrasion, then it was crap leather. not all leather is created equal.

[DarthCholo]

leather is preferable if you want to show wear and age. if your goal is NOT to show wear and age, then vinyl. Downside is vinyl doesn't breath whatsoever.

if your leather was torn due to wear, then it was crap leather. if your sneakers faded for reasons not due to abrasion, then it was crap leather. not all leather is created equal.

what this man said. White leather is the worse color to choose. Frankly might as well go with synthetic if you want shoes to be white. Dress shoes in black or brown or any other color will outlast anything synthetic simply because it can be reconditioned with conditioner and dyes in worst cases. but the wear can add to the character of the shoe.

[tricepertops]

A lot of 'genuine leather' shoes are low quality pressed leather that peels, pig's skin etc.

For sneakers I'd just get whatever. For dress shoes, good quality leather looks and feels far superior.

[Zackad]

Minimalist pure white sneakers to go out when there is no formal shoe requirement and i am not in the gym. So basically, everyday shoes.

Better in terms of durbability.

Not sure if putting shoe cream would make a difference - real leather seems more delicate and prone to getting punctured.

If you're willing to put in the care required for real leather and actually buy some quality leather shoes, I'd go for real.

If you just want something that will continue to look good for a while and will be the lowest maintenance, I'd get fake and just clean them as needed.