Maria Zakharova

A woman devoid of good taste, even in stylish dress it will be tasteless.

Content

The velvety, suede-like look of leather has recently appeared in shoe and furniture stores, and shoppers are still left with many questions. Find out whether such a material is really durable, what its artificial analogue is used for. Find out what care it requires at home and for what purposes it is used.

What is nubuck

If you see the inscription “nubuck leather” in a store, rest assured that this is a natural material, a special type of leather made from animals, mainly large ones. To ensure that the product does not lose its properties, the base is specially treated. The product is classified into three types:

1. natural;
2. artificial;

Properties of nubuck

Find out about nubuck - what kind of material it is, what its characteristics are. If it is not familiar to you, but is often found in shoe boutiques, check its main qualities. Water resistance, impermeability, and durability are valued in shoes. Nubuck has all these properties if it is made specifically for sewing shoes, sneakers, and boots. If leather is processed for furniture finishing, then strength, wear resistance, and water-repellent properties are needed.

Understand the difference between nubuck and suede, because these materials feel and look similar. The main difference is that the processing is carried out using different materials, and suede is also obtained from the tanned skin of small livestock. When tanning, nubuck is initially treated with salts, and suede is treated with fats. The first type of leather is easier to clean than the second, and it is a little easier to care for.

The material is very delicate, soft, light, fleecy to the touch. Using various chemical compounds and abrasive substances it is possible to achieve the desired consumer properties. Sand and chrome mineral salts are used for processing. Hydrophobic oil nubuck is finished with fatty compounds: to improve its water-repellent properties, it must be oiled during production.

Genuine Leather

What is nubuck leather? After treatment with salts and sand, the natural base becomes soft, slightly fleecy, pleasant to the touch, and breathable. It is often used in the furniture industry. Italian craftsmen appreciated the tactile properties of the fabric; furniture made from it is in demand and expensive. Almost no shoes are made from such a base - only sandals, because it:

1. more decorative than practical;
2. does not withstand difficult climatic conditions;
3. It is not very resistant to stains and is difficult to clean.

Artificial nubuck

No animal skin is used in the production of this foundation. Various polymers are combined and layered on top of each other. The result is a high-quality material with properties such as:

• durability;
• dirt and moisture resistance;
• high resistance to temperature conditions, exposure to sunlight;
• softness;
• strength;
• resistance to stains: products are easy to clean and care for;
• low price.

The color range of artificial nubuck allows this base to be included in the production of both furniture and shoes. When purchasing furniture to order, you can paint the base in any tone. Among the colors in which the products are made are red, brown, black, beige, light blue, yellow, and pink. Artificial leather products of this type are:

1. indoor and outdoor shoes, boots, shoes;
2. furniture upholstery;
3. decorative napkins;
4. bags;
5. gloves.

Nubuck shoes: pros and cons

The advantages of nubuck shoes include a high level of strength and tactile qualities. But this foundation also has disadvantages, and there are many of them. What is nubuck for shoes? There are a number of nuances, for example:

• the need to buy special brushes for cleaning;
• rapid loss of appearance when worn in slushy weather;
• difficulty in cleaning is a significant drawback for those who are not willing to spend a lot of time caring for their shoes;
• mandatory use of antistatic agents and other chemicals - the fabric will have to be treated regularly.

Night ghoul 09.26.2010 - 23:20

If all domestic shoes are made from ordinary leather, then foreign hiking shoes, the same trekking boots, are mainly made from nubuck.

Azamator of F***ed 09/27/2010 - 12:01

So nubuck is leather treated in a special way. As far as I understand, the benefit is the greater durability of nubuck, especially when using this type of shoe.

minorite 09.27.2010 - 12:30

Nubuck is basically suede.
Oiled nubuck differs in processing method and properties - greater strength and elasticity, but practical applicability only for shoes and in technology.

Azamator of F***ed 09.27.2010 - 12:49

Nubuck is basically suede.

minorite 09/27/2010 - 01:02

Azamator of F***ed
Suede seems to be the back side, and nubuck is the treated front side, and nubuck is supposedly much stronger than suede.

No 😊

Suede is fleecy, and nubuck is matte (without lint!) That is, suede is specially “shaggy” to obtain a fleecy layer, and nubuck, on the contrary, is sanded for smoothness.

slayer77 09/27/2010 - 08:17

Night Ghoul
How is it different from leather? What's better?

Having worn American army boots for many years, I can answer ONE thing!!!
UNpretentiousness!!!, no need for creams, constant care, just buy a water-repellent spray, and that’s it, nubuck is very easy to clean, here’s an example: I used Altama 4156 for 5 years, every autumn, when it gets cold, I wash my boots in warm water with soap, and that’s it,

Azamator of F***ed 09/27/2010 - 12:55

Suede is fat tanned, and nubuck is chrome tanned.
Suede is fleecy, and nubuck is matte (without lint!) That is, suede is specially “shaggy” to obtain a fleecy layer, and nubuck, on the contrary, is sanded for smoothness.

What can I say? So Wikipedia is lying.

minorite 09.27.2010 - 15:30

on the grain side, or outside - if Wikipedia finds a piece of nubuck with outside, then this is the source, otherwise this is just the creativity of Wikipedia 😊

minorite 09/27/2010 - 16:57

has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside
That is, on one side or the other.
Nubuck is similar to suede
That is, it is similar to suede.

Azamator of F***ed 09.27.2010 - 17:05

Nubuck is similar to suede. It differs in that suede is created from the inner side of a hide, whereas nubuck is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness along with a fine grain

Those. Nubuck is similar to suede. It differs in that suede is made from the inside, and nubuck from the outside. I have no idea where the truth is 😊.

minorite 09.27.2010 - 17:32

So in the first sentence there is copy-paste from one source, and in the second from another 😊
It may be this way or that, but that’s not the main thing. Important, that different methods are being processed.

Night ghoul 09/28/2010 - 12:39

In Russian pedivics it seems to be written that the wear resistance of nubuck is LESS than that of ordinary leather...

minorite 09/28/2010 - 01:10

But in reality it’s the other way around (well, if it’s high-quality nubuck).
So Russian fagot is such a fagot 😊

1024spb 09/28/2010 - 23:17

About Wikipedia.

minorite 09.28.2010 - 23:28

1024spb
About Wikipedia.
In one of the topics on this forum, someone wrote a phrase that I often remember. Because it is vital.))))
"In respectable society it is not polite to refer to Wikipedia"

Probably one of the schoolchildren said troll 😊
Wikipedia has a lot of useful links and other sources.
To use these sources you need to turn on your brain.
But this is difficult for a schoolboy.

damn 01.10.2010 - 23:00

Night Ghoul
wear resistance of nubuck is LESS than regular leather

vice versa.
But nubuck has a minus - it doesn’t breathe.

Assee 01.10.2010 - 23:27

But nubuck has a minus - it doesn’t breathe.

Exactly? How then to position trekking shoes in the upper price range, made of nubuck, with a Gore-Tex membrane? Water-repellent emulsions are also sold, officially certified specifically for such shoes.

damn 01.10.2010 - 23:46

Assee
Water-repellent emulsions are also sold, officially certified specifically for such shoes.

can't breathe anymore

damn 01.10.2010 - 23:53

Assee
how then to position trekking shoes in the upper price range,

there is extra money - welcome!
waterproof shoes will be 100 pounds outside made of nubuck, only made of nubuck, without
other materials. with impregnation of course. what's inside is a membrane, a multi-layer construction that works like nubuck.

Oddball89 01.10.2010 - 23:55

Just like that. Not breathing.
Someone urgently call Danner (La Sportiva, Scarpa, write your own), say “You know, nubuck doesn’t breathe!”

damn 02.10.2010 - 12:28

The lining breathes and not nubuck. call 03

Assee 02.10.2010 - 08:54

The lining breathes and not nubuck

Where exactly does it breathe if, in your opinion, it is clogged with nubuck on top? Or, do you suspect a marketing conspiracy everywhere to fool simple-minded buyers, and completely reject the existence of the work of designers, engineers, and technologists?
And, explain, where did you get information about the non-breathing properties of nubuck (natural, naturally)?

there is extra money - welcome!

This statement is completely inappropriate.

PS: I recommend doing a little research on the issue of trekking shoes and the properties of those used modern materials. Then, you won’t be so confident in writing outright false information.
For your information, with certain processing, quite trivial, almost any leather has the ability to “breathe”. Not necessarily nubuck, although that is included. Maybe you confused it with leatherette? Well, with them everything is indeed much more interesting and varied.
And, with the waterproofness of leather/nubuck, you obviously went overboard. It even gets very wet. Any skin has a porous structure. Dead, it does not have the ability to automatically feed on animal fat produced through the glands by the body. Therefore, a lot of chemical compounds and permanent surface coatings for leather shoes have been invented.
PPS: At the same time, I urge you to be a little more mature in discussions, and not try to insult your interlocutors if you cannot justify your opinion.

Gadyukin 02.10.2010 - 10:20

But for me, these nubuck shoes have two important advantages, the first is that the smooth leather scratches very quickly, the second is that nubuck has the ability to self-clean from the same dirt, you used to run through soybean fields in the fall, you come back in dirty shoes, they stand and dry , stamped his feet - all the dirt fell away, the skin was clean.

1024spb 02.10.2010 - 10:38

But for me, these nubuck shoes have two important advantages, the first is that the smooth leather gets scratched very quickly, the second is that nubuck has the ability to self-clean from the same dirt, you used to run through soybean fields in the fall, you come back in dirty shoes, they stand and dry , stamped his feet - all the dirt fell away, the skin was clean.

Absolutely agree.

Slonyara 02.10.2010 - 18:04

The simplest option is a rubber boot, put a cotton stocking in it, and turn the stocking over the top. Perforate part of the upper, for example, on the cushion of the boots, allowing air to have more access to it in some area. Inserts made of woven materials into the upper of the shoe. But the skin breathes in any case, albeit to varying degrees, unless it is covered with PVC film - then no. 😛 Now, if the lining doesn’t breathe, then at least it’s leather or not leather – it’s a big deal. The Chinese sometimes suffer from this, for example, the upper is leather and the lining is synthetic.

Gadyukin 02.10.2010 - 19:17

You can also ruin your skin with the wrong cream, then it’s definitely not with or without a membrane, it won’t breathe. Although I have never cleaned squirrels or altams or soaked them in any chemicals, I’ve been killing altams for 10 years, I’ve been wearing squirrels for three years.

damn 02.10.2010 - 21:39

Assee
Where exactly is she breathing?

inside the layers, but what? (did you think outside, through nubuck?)))

Assee
Where did you get information about the non-breathing properties of nubuck?

wore.

Assee
I recommend doing a little research on the issue of trekking shoes and the properties of the modern materials used. Then, you won’t be so confident in writing outright false information.

take your trekking boot apart and don't fantasize out loud. No one has canceled physics, but miracles do not happen.

Assee
Maybe you confused it with leatherette

didn't appreciate it...

Assee
Well, with them everything is indeed much more interesting and varied.

So wear it and be happy.

Assee
All skin has a porous structure

sanded nubuck has clogged pores after sanding
(believe me, they don’t clean them)

Assee
I urge you to be a little more mature in discussions, and not try to insult your interlocutors if you cannot argue your opinion.

I’m not going to prove that you’re not...(insert the right word... yourself)

Gadyukin 03.10.2010 - 07:26

In what "inner layers"? Can you imagine what a membrane is, in particular Gore-Tex, and how it works? This is a thin polyethylene (polyurethane) film with micro-holes through which water in a liquid state does not pass, but in a vapor state it does. What is the point of finishing the inside of a shoe with a membrane if the leather does not “breathe” and does not remove vaporous moisture from the membrane to the outside of the shoe? Therefore, for shoes with a membrane, they also produce creams with special impregnations so that these very pores in the leather do not become clogged. It’s funny to hear about pores in the skin that are clogged after sanding and not cleaned, it’s like unblown pasta 😊.

Oddball89 03.10.2010 - 10:39

No use, he's just a very fat troll. We still have to try to think about “inside the layers” 😀

Night ghoul 03.10.2010 - 10:41

About breathability. My second-hand nubuck boots (from GriSport) seem to be quite permeable. I washed them. The inner foam lining absorbed a lot of water. This water has been climbing to the surface through the skin for 24 hours, so it is always moisturized. If the leather did not allow water to pass through, the boots would have dried out long ago on the outside, while remaining wet on the inside. Rubber boots, for example, behave this way. And many berets too...

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Nubuck is the name given to high quality genuine leather. Its main difference from smooth and easy-to-care leather is its fine-pile surface. No, not like suede, but more polished. Nubuck also differs in the types of leather from which it is made. This is cattle leather that has been chrome tanned and polished.

In terms of moisture resistance, it is in many ways inferior to smooth leather, but at the same time superior to suede. In other words, nubuck is leather that has been specially treated and is an intermediate material between smooth leather and suede.

Today, nubuck products are especially popular, as they look expensive, status, noble and solid. Previously, few could afford such luxury. Today, the material and products made from it are more accessible. However, they frighten buyers with the lack of care information, as a result of which they quickly lose their original appearance. But those who know how to care for this special leather, and are also familiar with the means for cleaning it, which are presented in a large assortment by manufacturers, preserve the beauty of nubuck for a long time.

Many ordinary people, out of simplicity or ignorance, confuse nubuck with suede or velor. And there are those who consider it fabric. However, it is not. And not because people everywhere are stupid. It’s just that nubuck became popular not so long ago and is more or less available to the general public. In fact, this is a unique material. This is what further discussion will be about.

Buyers often wonder – is it leather or not? Leather. Just a different tanning. There are several ways to tan leather, which allows you to achieve different final results. And it is precisely this method and the source material itself that determines the final cost of the product made from it.

Woven nubuck

Tanning is carried out using fat, salt, tree extracts, sand and other related materials. Each craftsman has his own secrets and the final set of tools and materials for leather dressing.

So let's start with the source material. Suede is made from the skin of small cattle, and nubuck is made from large cattle, that is, from deer, elk and yaks. These are rarer animals. Therefore, their leather is more expensive, and with it the resulting material.

Suede is produced using fat and fat-formaldehyde compounds, and nubuck is processed using mineral salts, often chrome. This treatment makes the leather more pliable and wear-resistant. And also capricious. However, shoes and furniture upholstery perfectly resist stretching and impact loads.

Greased nubuck

What causes the capriciousness of this type of skin? Demanding on the external environment. He also needs constant care. Its main advantage lies in aesthetic and tactile pleasure. Thus, a sofa upholstered in nubuck gives the most unique sensations - light, velvety and enveloping with trembling tenderness. In turn, shoes made from it look chic in combination with any style of clothing, emphasizing the elegance and nobility of its owner.

The material is used in two directions - furniture and footwear. In both cases it is successful and in demand. Let's look at each of the areas separately.

• In furniture

Upholstery of upholstered furniture with nubuck

• In shoes

Nubuck shoes are comfortable, beautiful, and can be of any color and design.

The most common use of the material. And more expedient. Thus, the material not only looks good, but also fulfills its functions and tasks, including preventing overheating and hypothermia of the feet, protection from moisture, and original product design.

Natural oiled nubuck with water-repellent properties is most often used in shoes. Its natural counterpart is more suitable for furniture, as it is more pleasant to the touch.

Kinds

Nubuck can be natural, artificial and oiled. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, taking into account which it is used in certain products of the shoe and furniture industry. And now in more detail about each type:

Material of animal origin. That is, it is natural cattle leather, tanned using chrome salt, and then treated with fine materials (sand or sandpaper) from the front side.

Natural nubuck

A material with a soft velvety surface and small pile, which is airtight and has minimal maintenance requirements. Quite often used as upholstery for Italian upholstered furniture - beds, sofas, armchairs, chairs.

This is not a wear-resistant material, so it requires regular treatment with antiseptics and special solutions. It has a more decorative function than a practical one.

This faux leather made from synthetic materials. Outwardly, it really looks like natural nubuck, only more wear-resistant, does not absorb moisture and does not allow air to pass through. Whether these are pros or cons should be considered separately in each individual case. On the one hand, shoes made of such material will always protect you from bad weather in the form of rain, on the other hand, they will not allow your feet to breathe, as a result of which they will sweat and acquire an unpleasant odor.

Synthetic nubuck

Artificial nubuck is produced by the process of alternately spraying polymers on top of each other. On appearance and ease of use of the material is affected by the diameter and length of the sprayed fibers. The copy costs less than the original, but the second one pleases with longer operation and use under a wider range of temperatures and mechanical influences.

It is of natural origin. The material undergoes additional treatment to remove moisture. It is distinguished by a damp surface, increased wear resistance and less whimsicality in comparison with natural nubuck.

Obtaining raw materials is a longer process and consists of several stages. During tanning, the leather is impregnated with a special composition that includes various oils. It is this oiling that gives the leather increased water-repellent properties. Also, thanks to oil treatment, the surface does not look so velvety - it is more moist in appearance.

Oiled nubuck shoes

Since we have dealt with the types of leather, we can safely move on to the most important and worrying question for users: what kind of shoe material is nubuck? We won’t even discuss why we’re talking about shoes and won’t go into detail, because this is the most popular way to use the material.

By the way, you shouldn’t believe the popular opinion about the capriciousness of nubuck shoes. Whatever type it is made of, the main thing is to know and adhere to just a couple of rules when caring for such products.

Caring for nubuck shoes is not difficult - it is delicate.

Your nubuck shoes will look great if you follow simple rules care

The first and most important thing that the owner of leather shoes should do is to protect them from moisture and dirt. That is, if weather forecasters promise rain, and especially if it is already knocking on the ebb of your window, do not wear your favorite moccasins, shoes, boots or boots.

Secondly, the quality of nubuck is negatively affected by all kinds of chemical reagents used in winter when sprinkling snow and snow crusts formed on the snow-covered streets of winter cities. This is also a reason to refrain from wearing your favorite pair of shoes. At the same time, nubuck itself is not afraid of frost! Therefore, at any other time, products made from it can be worn for your pleasure.

By adhering to these two rules, you can extend the life of your shoes for a long time. But this is not all that can be said about caring for products made from this noble material. So, further... It is equally important to start caring for nubuck on time. Since it is not particularly distinguished by its high moisture-resistant qualities, lack of care can reduce them to a minimum, as a result of which the material will quickly get wet and wear out quickly.

To extend the life of nubuck shoes for a long time, do not wear them in wet weather or on snowy streets sprinkled with chemicals.

When caring for nubuck, you cannot use regular shoe polishes. The manufacturers of the latter know this. But shoe owners don’t always know. Therefore, we hasten to inform you that there are special products for this type of leather - impregnations and aerosols. It is better to stock up on them immediately when buying shoes. The label of each product requires detailed study and mandatory labeling indicating that it is suitable for nubuck products.

Do you think that's all? No. Funds alone are not enough. To care for nubuck shoes, you also need a special brush that removes dirt in such a way that the fleecy surface retains its original appearance. Important! For soles and heels you need to use a different brush.

Only purchased shoes should be treated with a special impregnation. Until this is done, the use of shoes is not recommended. This procedure is necessary to extend the life of the product.

The first cleaning is carried out in several stages, while the shoes are generously moistened with an impregnating agent. New shoes It is recommended to treat with impregnation at least three times, each layer of which must dry before applying the next.

Caring for natural nubuck

So, the following care is required for natural leather:

• daily cleaning in the morning and evening using special products and a brush;
• prohibition of using water to remove dirt. The sole and heel are cleaned with a damp cloth, the surface of the leather is cleaned with a special eraser or brush;
• shoes are cleaned only after the surface has completely dried;
• The end of dry cleaning should always be treatment with a special spray that protects against getting wet and restores color.

Remember to brush and condition every day by special means Finally, treat your shoes with a special spray that protects them from getting wet and restores color.

Nubuck shoes are most popular in winter, when dirt and dampness do not come to visit so often. In cold weather, feet in such shoes do not freeze. In addition, it is very light and comfortable to wear. The main thing is to prevent shoes from coming into contact with the reagents that are sprinkled on snowy streets. If this happens and white spots appear on the skin, then they should be treated with a damp sponge, which will absorb the salt. In addition, the sponge can be moistened with ammonia. Afterwards, the shoes are dried and treated with a special spray. Interested in how to restore the natural state of the pile? Hold the shoes over the steam and the lint will straighten out on its own.

Cleaning heavy soiling

Since nubuck products cannot be cleaned with water, solvents or products containing petroleum products, the question arises of how they can be cleaned from stains and dirt. For example, shoes are dirty with ice cream or something greasy. In this case, sprinkle a little salt on the stain, which, after drying, is cleaned off with a brush or dry sponge. But that is not all. The remaining stain is wiped with a damp sponge, previously soaked in a soap solution. The last stage is drying and treatment with special means.

In addition, you can try to remove any stain on nubuck using a regular eraser. The main thing is to dry your shoes thoroughly first. Just under no circumstances should you do this near heating devices! The best option is newspapers to stuff shoes with.

As you can see, maintaining the attractiveness of nubuck shoes is quite easy if you know the rules of care and cleaning. Now you can safely update your wardrobe with new moccasins, shoes, boots or boots made of noble and beautiful material– nubuck.

When choosing shoes, a bag, a wallet or a belt, the buyer often has to deal with different materials. Among them, genuine leather and suede predominate, but increasingly, designers are using nubuck to create beautiful things. What it is and what it is made of, many do not know. There is nothing surprising about this. Treating leather in such a way that it acquires a velvety texture became a relatively new technology.

Origin of material

Many consumers confuse nubuck and suede. Although they have slight similarities, there are still many more differences. Suede is thinner and more delicate. It is impossible to say about nubuck that it is a wear-resistant material. But it is much less susceptible to moisture and dirt. It is used most often for the production of shoes.

The word “nubuck” itself has English roots; its literal translation means “new deerskin.”

It may have originally been made only from deerskin, but now it is made from cattle hide. The material is given a unique texture by grinding with abrasives. The leather is lightly rubbed to create a low pile. Thanks to this, it has a pleasant velvety surface.

Application

Many people think when they see nubuck that this material is only suitable for sewing demi-season or winter shoes. But experienced craftsmen who work with genuine leather in any form, will not agree with the opinion of the majority.

Nubuck is a noble material. Its natural shades, delicate aroma, velvety surface and durability (with proper care) allow you to make high-quality shoes and other accessories.

Most often you can find bags, wallets and belts, but in the West, furniture covered with nubuck is very popular: comfortable, cozy sofas. Few people like familiar leather ones for home interiors. There are several reasons for this. The skin is cold in winter, but in summer, on the contrary, it can get quite hot.

Be that as it may, boots, shoes, sandals, shoes made of nubuck are its most common use.

Deerskin shoes

Not every buyer chooses shoes for themselves not by appearance, but by studying the characteristics different models. The maximum that a person expects from shoes or boots is that their feet always remain dry and warm.

Nubuck breathes well. This leather is an ideal option for sewing. It will keep you warm until frost, and on a fine autumn or spring day it will also be comfortable.

The water-repellent properties of ordinary nubuck are not very good. Manufacturers warn that it does not need to be wet. It is better to wear such shoes in dry weather. If there is no other way out, then it can be treated with special moisture-repellent agents.

Varieties

In addition to products made from traditional types of material, manufacturers offer customers shoes made from artificial or oil nubuck. What is it and how do these types differ from simple fleecy leather? To give the material additional moisture-repellent properties and a longer service life, it is impregnated with a special fat solution.

After this treatment, the nubuck changes a little. It becomes as if wet to the touch and becomes significantly heavier. In this form, it is used for sewing winter shoes for children and adults. Impregnation makes the material very durable and resistant to water, dirt and various chemicals that are often sprinkled on the streets in winter.

Artificial nubuck looks very similar to natural nubuck. The resemblance is strong. A person who does not understand the intricacies will not immediately distinguish a fake.

In terms of properties, these are two completely different materials. Of the minuses, it should be noted that artificial nubuck does not “breathe”. But resistance to mechanical damage, waterproofness, good appearance are big advantages in using this material.

How to care for nubuck shoes

This question is one of the most frequent and painful. Why is that? You need to know how to care for nubuck before the shoes are put into use. This is a rule without exception.

To maintain its chic appearance, the product must be carefully looked after. In order to reassure the owners of shoes made from this wonderful material, it is worth saying that the care procedures themselves are very simple, even a child can handle them.

After purchasing shoes (before going out for the first time), they need to be sprayed several times. This is a special water-repellent spray paint for nubuck. It comes in different shades, so choosing the right spray for a specific pair of shoes is not difficult. This preventative measure will help avoid chafing where the skin touches the trousers and on the ankles.

Nubuck needs to be tinted every time after use. But before processing the material, it must be dried and cleaned of dust, dirt, and sand. For this purpose, special brushes are used. There are several varieties, all of them are good. If you already have a special sponge or brush for suede in the house, great! It will also cope with its task; it can also be used to care for nubuck. If you need to buy a brush, there are plenty to choose from. They come from bristles with soft and delicate bristles, foam rubber and rubber.

Heavy stains on nubuck should be carefully wiped with a cloth soaked in water, but the shoes should be dried immediately. This will help avoid an unpleasant “greasy” appearance.

So, the answers to the question: “Nubuck - what kind of material?” - received, but there are a few more important points:

• Dry cleaning is mandatory - washing shoes under a tap or rinsing them in a basin will ruin them forever, and it will no longer be possible to return the product to normal condition.
• The use of special cleaning products is allowed - this is a foam that is applied to previously cleansed skin. After application, it is cleaned with a rag or sponge, and the shoes are dried.
• For the winter, shoes or boots should be put in cardboard box or linen bag. A plastic bag for nubuck leather is not the best option.

Reading time: 13 minutes

What kind of material is Nubuck? This is a type of leather and its name is a combination of the words new and buck. Nubuck leather is a type of polished leather that allows a grained surface to mimic the appearance of velvet or suede.

Natural nubuck has a soft and velvety surface that is used on the upper side of shoes and furniture. This material is more expensive than suede due to its durability. Nubuck is difficult to differentiate from suede as both materials look and feel almost identical. The main difference between nubuck and suede is that nubuck is buffed on the outer surface of the leather, while suede is buffed on the inner surface. Because the outer surface is more durable than the inner, nubuck lasts longer. It has many uses, and many companies choose to use nubuck instead of suede to make the product stronger and last longer.

Many people love the soft feel of velvet. The problem is that velvet requires quite a lot of maintenance and is not durable. Nubuck leather offers an alternative.

The material owes many of its unique properties to the way it is processed. If fat and fat-formaldehyde compounds are used to tan suede, nubuk is treated with mineral salts, often chrome salts. As a result of such tanning, the leather becomes more pliable and wear-resistant, but at the same time capricious. Products made from it are tensile-resistant and have excellent shock resistance.

Some characteristics of nubuck are similar to aniline leather.

• Nubuck is very soft to the touch
• Nubuck leather is very sensitive and scratches easily
• Drops of water temporarily darken the skin, but after drying it returns to its original color

Kinds

Nubuck comes in several types, and each of them has its own characteristics.

• Natural is a material tanned from the skin of cattle. For dressing, chrome salt is used, after which the face is treated with fine materials. This can be sand or sandpaper.

The material has a delicate velvety surface and small pile. It is airtight and does not require much maintenance. However, it is not wear-resistant and must be regularly treated with antiseptics and special products. It has more of a decorative function than a practical one. More often used for upholstery of upholstered furniture - sofas, armchairs, etc.

• Artificial nubuck is made from synthetic raw materials by alternately spraying several layers of polymers. Externally, this material is actually similar to the natural version, only it is hydrophobic and does not allow air to pass through. And although shoes made of this material perfectly protect against rain, your feet will sweat in them.
• Oil (oiled) is of natural origin. The material undergoes special additional treatment to remove moisture: during manufacturing, it is impregnated with a composition of various oils. As a result, not only does its wear resistance increase, but the greased nubuck acquires not a velvety feel, but an external dampness. Here's what it looks like:

Why is nubuck preferable to velvet or suede?

The main reason why nubuck is preferred over velvet, suede or synthetic materials is durability. Manufacturers of velvet shoes and other clothing using velvet tend to have problems sewing the material, leading many to use polyester corduroy as an alternative.

However, with synthetics, the authenticity of the product is lost and the risk of poor workmanship increases. Nubuck shoes are made from cattle leather, producing a thicker fabric than velvet, allowing the manufacturer to control the production of shoes, wallets and the rest without the typical durability issues that weaker materials present.

The top portion of the animal's hide is sanded to remove any imperfections that may be on the skin. And in “traditional” leather, this step is performed as desired, in an attempt to imitate suede or velvet.

Softer material than "traditional" leather

When you think of leather goods, the first things that come to mind are Italian shoes, wallets and belts. And while these products definitively dominate traditional leather, they are not representative of leather's versatility, especially when it comes to nubuck. The traditional material has a very rough texture, which is necessary for wallets and items that will be constantly folded and unfolded.

For example, nubuck shoes do not require the same thickness of leather. The result is a level of flexibility for the user that doesn't strain the stitching or detract from the overall design.

What is nubuck made from?

According to Wikipedia, “Nubuck is similar to suede, but is made from other types of leather, usually from cattle.” Here the added thickness affects the layer level and not the overall product.

In traditional leather, the animal hide is not sanded and is used with all its rough edges. For leather to be usable, it must be multi-layered (thus it will be in a thicker state). Nubuck is thicker and requires fewer layers. Therefore, when the overall layer is thicker, the overall product tends to be thinner.

What is nubuck in comparison with mass material, its pros and cons

In addition to the durability mentioned earlier, synthetic materials present several problems for the buyer. Of course, there are nubuck shoe suppliers who mass produce them, but there are many local manufacturers who also offer quality products.

According to Forbes, non-mass-produced products can have more consistent results by creating one perfect unit at a time. Joanne Mueller, Forbes Contributor

And while the Forbes article focused on single-cavity presses versus mass sewing methods, it's safe to conclude that similar results can be found in machines that must cut, glue, squeeze, embroider and mold (since most shoes have rubber soles) - they will have a higher level of nonconformity in mass production than in one-off production. The fact is that synthetic materials are usually used in mass production, and not at the private level. The reason is that the materials are sold in bulk (both in the size of the material rolls and in quality), which is not ideal for a local leather manufacturer.

Nubuck is considered a high-quality or luxury leather. This in itself puts the product above quality leather. However, the added value is demonstrated by the added elasticity of the upper leather and the versatility of its use.

Flaws

Leather shoes Nubuck tends to be a little more susceptible to water damage than “traditional” leather. As with any leather product, water can cause the material to first expand (as leather is an absorbent material) and then overcompensate by contracting as it dries. This puts stress on the adhesive, seams and other areas of the shoe. It is also prone to cracking and tearing if not regularly maintained.

• Besides water damage, buyers should be aware that nubuck is a little more susceptible to staining than regular leather.
• As the pores open up a little more and polish is applied to the surface, any stains or dirt that comes into contact with the boot should be cleaned off immediately.
• The surface of the nubuck also needs to be dyed to begin with, so any dyes that accidentally spill (like wine or other such stains that tend to have permanent effects) become more difficult to remove.

How to care for this skin?

Perhaps the biggest limiting factor for a particular material is the care and maintenance required to keep the item in good condition. Stains and dust work their way into the threads of the material and this requires a deep level of cleaning, sometimes special equipment if you have sofas. This is both expensive and ineffective.

When it comes to leather, maintenance usually involves using a cleaner. This is the case with nubuck. The only concern is maintaining the fibers that create the illusion of velvet. Some cleaners and solvents have been shown to have an adverse effect on maintaining this soft feel, and therefore anyone using a leather cleaner or conditioner should check their specifics.

What is the best way to care for nubuck leather boots? Proper care is critical to maintaining quality. Dirt and moisture have little effect on boots that are properly cared for.

Ventilation

Insoles absorb a large number of moisture and should be removed after every long ride as they dry out the outside of the boots faster. This is especially important after many hours of wear. Ideally, a soaked leather boot should be dried for 24 hours before being used again.

Cleaning nubuck boots

Never leave your boots dirty. Be sure to remove the laces before cleaning or polishing your boots. After you remove the insoles and laces, remove any dirt from the surface. Nubuck is susceptible to staining and any stains should be removed as soon as they appear. Do not allow stains to dry as they will be very difficult to remove completely.

• Moderate levels of soiling require only cleaning with warm water and soap, which can also be used to clean the sole.
• Very dirty boots should be treated with cleaning products designed specifically for boots. This type of product can be found in well-stocked shoe and sporting goods stores.

Since cleaning and detergents open the pores and leave the skin unprotected, water will be instantly absorbed. To avoid wet boots on your next ride, it's important to thoroughly soak your boots to close the pores and restore their water-repellent properties.

Drying

After cleaning leather boots with water, you must dry them completely before further processing. The best way To ensure this, let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Also, if you have cleaned the inside of your boot, you can stuff it with newspaper for 30 minutes to get rid of the excess water and reduce drying time.

Leather boots somewhat sensitive to heat. Therefore, we recommend keeping the drying temperature to 37°C or lower. Do not place boots on a dry surface or near a radiator, fireplace or other heat source. Damp skin can become brittle and shrink, often leading to cracks and other damage.

Impregnation of nubuck boots

A cleaned boot's pores are left open by cleaning agents and it easily absorbs water. Saturate the boots to close the pores.

• If the boot has Gore-Tex® waterproof technology, it is important to use a special treatment.
• Shoes without Gore-Tex® can be treated with any type of leather treatment.

It is preferable to apply the stain in two layers, but let them dry first before adding the second. Then let the boot dry again.

• Impregnation maintains the breathability of the boots, and they will not absorb water.
• Proper care prevents dirt from sticking to the outer material and protects against wear and tear. On the other hand, untreated leather will be very susceptible to exposure.
• Remember to clean your nubuck boots frequently with shoe balm or wax and polish them properly. This is especially important after they have gotten wet, as shoe polish provides extra protection.

What types of impregnation should I use?

For materials with an unsanded surface, wax-based shoe care products are generally recommended. After thorough cleaning, it may be helpful to use a liquid sealer as a base coat. Boots with waterproof Gore-Tex technology® must be treated with special impregnation.

Avoid using high oil products on unsanded leather as this reduces breathability and can lead to sticky feet.

Boots without Gore-Tex® can be treated with any type of leather treatment, but we do not recommend care products with creosote (resin) for environmental reasons.

Cream impregnation for shoes Saphir Graisse HP Dubbin

Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator Spray dye for suede, nubuck and velor

Shoe care product Duke of Dubbin Duke Velours Nubuck, 100 ml, clear	Liquid cream for the care of shoes made of suede, velor, nubuck and textiles. Protects the product from moisture and prevents the formation of persistent stains. Refreshes color and makes the product softer and more pleasant to the touch.
Shoe care eraser Collonil “Nubuk Box/Vel.Nub.Box”, for suede, velor, nubuck	The Collonil eraser “Nubuk Box/Vel.Nub.Box” is designed for dry, delicate cleaning and combing of suede, velor and nubuck items. Suitable for use after using impregnating agents and wet cleaning. The eraser is two-layer. The second layer is used as a crepe brush. Eraser for dry, delicate cleaning and combing of suede, velor and nubuck items. Suitable for use after using impregnating agents and wet cleaning. The eraser is two-layer. The second layer is used as a crepe brush.
Shoe spray Collonil “Nubuk+Velours”, for suede, velor, nubuck, color: clear	Collonil "Nubuk+Velours" fluorine-based spray is intended for the care and protection of products made of suede, velor, nubuck, textiles and membranes. Provides long-lasting protection against moisture, dirt and grease. Maintains breathability and quality of the material. Updates color. Fluorine-based spray for the care and protection of products (clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, etc.) made of suede, velor, nubuck, textiles and membranes. Provides long-lasting protection against moisture, dirt and grease. The breathability and quality of the material to the touch are maintained. Updates color.

Using creams on nubuck and suede leather

Boots made of nubuck and suede require special care to prevent them from drying out. We recommend using a sponge to apply a special nubuck care cream that does not ruin the appearance. These products are less likely to clog the skin compared to regular products wax based. Heavy brushing creates heat, which helps in absorption into the skin. Gentle cleaning with a stiff brush - great way Refresh the original look of nubuck and suede leather.

SILVER Cream-paint for shoes Premium restorer for nubuck.

Many leather manufacturers suggest using a brush regularly to remove dust.

How often do you need to take care of your boots?

The frequency of impregnation depends on the volume of use.

Rule of thumb is look at the shoes; when they begin to absorb water and darker spots appear at some points, it is time for proper care. Before longer excursions or multi-day walks, it is recommended to thoroughly sanitize your boots. Properly treated boots will repel water.

Shoe polish can be reapplied as often as you like. Remember that proper care will significantly extend the life of your boots.

Storage

Store your boots in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Never store wet boots in damp areas or in a car as they are susceptible to mold and discoloration. Also, do not store them directly on heated floors, as this will dry out the rubber and reduce the life of the sole.

With frequent and proper care, your leather boots will serve you for many years!

Furniture cleaning

When cleaning nubuck furniture, it is recommended to vacuum it once a week to remove dust.

To clean up spilled liquids or to remove greasy stains should be used on nubuck cotton fabrics or leather cleaners that are approved for nubuck.

Caring for nubuck furniture is very difficult. It is ideal for a home where neat adults live. You should not use such expensive furniture in homes with children or pets, as they can easily tear the nubuck or stain it.

Why should you buy nubuck?

Although there are several disadvantages to using more thin skin for your shoes and clothing, the good news is that the material is still much cheaper and more durable than its alternatives. The aesthetics of nubuck are generally considered equal to luxury products. This doesn't mean you have to shell out a lot of money on shoes or even a nubuck sofa. There are so many manufacturers that the price range varies greatly.

Of course, the cheaper the purchase, the more admixture of synthetics and organic materials there will be, but the choice is yours.

Cheaper, more durable, aesthetically pleasing, higher quality manufacturing and ease of maintenance make it clear that nubuck is the solution for anyone looking for an alternative to velvet, standard leather or synthetics.