Is it worth buying nubuck boots: what kind of material is nubuck

For people who value fashionable yet sturdy footwear, nubuck boots are a popular option. However, what is nubuck exactly, and is it a material that’s right for you? This particular kind of leather is distinguished from other materials by its own special qualities.

Nubuck is a favorite material for both formal and casual boots because of its rich appearance and velvety texture. To keep its appearance over time, it also needs extra attention. Determining whether nubuck is worth the investment can be aided by being aware of its advantages and disadvantages.

This post will discuss what makes nubuck special, how it stacks up against other materials, and what factors to think about before investing in a pair of nubuck boots.

What kind of material is nubuck – description

According to Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia:

"Chrome tanning is applied to nubuck, a fine-haired leather, during the dressing process. Small abrasives, like sand or skin with fine grains, are used to sand the skin off the face. Although nubuck is primarily made of cattle leather, it resembles suede on the outside.

Notably, the material name is spelled incorrectly as nubuk and nabuck.

Table description:

What is another name for nubuck
Natural material or synthetics? genuine leather and synthetic substitute
What it looks like, what it feels like? dense, hard, smooth, fine-haired
Application shoes, clothes, furniture upholstery, leather goods
Stretches or not? weak
Recommendations for cleaning

Properties

Nubuck’s fine pile gives the appearance of velvetiness. The material appears to be unevenly colored. Although suede shoes appear more practical and robust, many people find the so-called "plush effect" to be highly appealing. That is accurate. Nubuck is stronger and thicker because cattle leather is used in its production. However, because of the particulars of processing, it is more vulnerable to moisture.

Natural nubuck’s characteristics

Water resistance low
Breathable properties high
Shock resistance high
Tear strength high
Dirt resistance low
Wear resistance high

The leather is treated with chromium salts to make it soft, highly porous, and breathable. Grinding also gives the leather a lighter, more refined tone. It becomes susceptible to moisture at the same time. Water causes nubuk to swell, and once it dries, it may become overly harsh and coarse.

Types

Three varieties of nubuck exist:

  • Natural. It is a specially tanned animal skin. Sometimes leather with mild defects is used to make nubuck. After grinding, they become invisible.
  • Artificial. It is a type of flock and is made of polymeric materials. Finely chopped pile is glued to a dense textile base (woven or not). Uniform distribution of the pile is achieved due to a constant electrostatic field. Unlike traditional flock, it has a Teflon coating. Nubuk fabric is rare and is used mainly as upholstery for furniture.
  • Nubuck-oil. This is a premium natural material, oiled for moisture protection. It feels damp to the touch, is darker in color and a little heavier than regular nubuck. Thanks to the fatty film, nubuck oil practically does not get wet or dirty. Considered the highest quality and most expensive.

Does artificial nubuck get wet or not??

Low moisture resistance is the only factor deterring many people from purchasing nubuck shoes. Although the synthetic equivalent is widely accessible, nubuck oil is prohibitively expensive. Whether it gets wet or not is still up for debate. The response to this is evident:

Since artificial nubuck has no pores, it repels dirt and water flawlessly.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the most widely used materials in the creation of shoes for men and women is nubuck. There is a great demand for both real leather and imitation leather. They each have unique benefits and drawbacks.

Table:

Natural nubuck for shoes Artificial nubuck for shoes
Pros Cons Pros Cons
Flexible, easily adapts to the shape of the foot, does not rub Wet without the use of special impregnation Attractive appearance at a low cost Does not allow air to pass through, due to which feet in such shoes often sweat and freeze
Breathable, feet in shoes do not sweat, even if it is hot Difficult to care for, and requires the use of special cleaning products to maintain a neat appearance Does not get wet A special brush is needed for care
Retains heat perfectly Durable Serves 1-3 seasons
With proper care, lasts a very long time Relatively easy to care for
Resistant to creases

Caring for nubuck

Nubuck shoes need to be regularly maintained in order to maintain their presentable appearance.

It is advised to get specialized tools right away:

  • a brush for raising the pile and cleaning dry dirt and dust;
  • eraser for removing stains;
  • aerosol with water- and dirt-repellent properties;
  • cleaning foam;
  • spray paint to restore color.

Typical maintenance includes the following:

  1. Treatment of boots with a water-repellent aerosol immediately after purchase, and then approximately once every 1-2 weeks (with regular wear).
  2. Daily brush cleaning (dry only).
  3. Daily drying at room temperature and airing.
  4. Washing (replacing) insoles as they get dirty.
  5. Removing stubborn stains with an eraser.
  6. Cleaning heavy dirt with a foam cleaner or soap solution and a soft cloth.
  7. Dyeing nubuck once every 2-3 seasons.

It is advised to use an electric shoe dryer to completely dry wet shoes or to use moisture-absorbing materials like newspapers and bags. It’s critical that the shoes dry in a full day. Cleaning with alcohol and solvents is strictly prohibited. Shoes made of nubuck should only be kept in a box or linen bag with ventilation holes.

Artificial nubuck and nubuck-oil

Oil-impregnated natural nubuck and synthetic nubuck don’t require as much maintenance. They virtually never absorb water and get dirty less frequently. Nevertheless, you still need specialized products in this situation.

To ensure that shoes last a long time, they must:

  1. Use water- and dirt-repellent products.
  2. Remove dirt and lift the pile with a special brush.
  3. Regularly air out shoes and wash (change) insoles.

The distinction is that these shoes are more tolerant of wet cleaning. They can be cleaned using a standard soap solution. They virtually never fade and also hold paint better. Most likely, a can of dye won’t be necessary. However, a foot sweat repellent spray could be useful.

Although nubuck boots are a fashionable and long-lasting footwear option, it’s crucial to know what nubuck is before making a purchase. Top-grain leather known for its plush appearance and smooth, velvety texture is called nubuck. Nubuck is more resilient than suede, but it still needs to be properly cared for to keep its quality. Nubuck boots can be an excellent investment that blends style and utility if you’re willing to put in the work to maintain and clean them.

Cost

When comparing shoes of the same model, nubuck typically costs roughly the same as leather. Because of its more complicated production, suede is a little more expensive.

There are, however, some exceptions. For instance, hand-sewn shoes crafted from premium nubuck will cost tens of times more than chain store suede boots. or another illustration. Leather can be several times more expensive than nubuck made from skin that has flaws (which, remember, are easily rubbed off during its production).

With a stand-in, the narrative is evident. It is always less expensive:

Real nubuck low autumn boots typically retail for eight to ten thousand rubles. Three to four thousand rubles will buy you the same model made of a substitute.

Reviews

Reviews on nubuck shoes are incredibly contradictory. Just as frequently as it receives praise, it also receives criticism. Most men enjoy wearing nubuck shoes. What they write about it is as follows:

  • Olga: “A lot depends on the quality of the nubuck. My Salamander boots have served for 3 years. And even then I threw them away because I got tired of them. Never cleaned them thoroughly. I only brushed off the dried dirt with a brush, and washed off the dusty marks with a rag”.
  • Igor: “I only wear nubuck shoes. I buy regular ones, not oil. The main thing here is to buy a water-repellent impregnation. It costs as much as a plane, but the effect is obvious. The boots do not get wet, salt solutions do not stick, the shoes are always clean. Beauty! I impregnate a new pair thoroughly (pour in 100-150 ml). Then I just refresh it".
  • Lizochka: “I bought nubuck winter boots. It’s something! You can only stand in them beautifully for an hour, and that’s it. My feet are stuffy, they sweat. Like walking in rubber boots”.
  • Eva: “I’m a fan of shoes. I have every kind. I took nubuck boots (artificial) to run in the slush. And they are cheap, and they don’t get soggy. There is no discomfort when wearing. My feet don’t sweat, it’s comfortable, like in slippers".
  • Natalia: "I bought red nubuck boots. Oh, and I suffered. Worse than with suede shoes. At least you could wash them with a damp cloth. But nubuck gets a little wet, and after drying, disgusting stains and streaks remain. You only need to clean it with a special product. But the paint still washes off after cleaning. The color of the boots on the toes is very different from the top. It is impossible to match the paint. I will never buy nubuck shoes again.".
Pros of Nubuck Boots Cons of Nubuck Boots
Durable and long-lasting material Requires regular maintenance
Soft and comfortable to wear Prone to stains and scratches
Stylish, with a unique texture Not suitable for wet conditions

Nubuck boots are a popular option for people who value a sophisticated yet rugged look because they combine style and durability. Nubuck’s smooth, velvety texture gives an air of refinement, and the material’s durability guarantees that the boots can withstand regular use.

Nubuck does, however, need a little more maintenance than other materials. Because of their susceptibility to scuffs and stains, they require routine care to maintain their best appearance. This care includes brushing and applying protective sprays.

Nubuck boots may be a valuable addition to your wardrobe if you value both style and functionality and are prepared to put in a little maintenance effort. They are a flexible choice that can improve any ensemble because of their distinct texture and robustness.

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Anastasia Belova

I have been working in the textile industry for over 12 years. My main hobby is studying the properties of fabrics and their impact on our everyday life. I love to talk about new products and share practical tips on caring for different materials. My collection contains hundreds of fabric samples from all over the world, and I am ready to share my findings with you!

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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