Split grain – what kind of shoe material is it??

The phrase "split grain" may appear to you when shoe shopping. Although it’s a material that’s frequently used in shoes, not everyone is familiar with its precise meaning. When choosing shoes that suit your needs and style, having a better understanding of split grain can help you make an informed decision.

While split grain leather can be found, it is not the same as top-grain or full-grain leather. It is a less expensive option because it is derived from the lower layers of a hide. It is more versatile in the shoe manufacturing process and offers durability even though it is less expensive. It can also be treated to have different finishes.

Understanding split grain and how it’s used in shoes can give you more confidence when making your purchase, regardless of your questions about the quality, longevity, or how it stacks up against other leather varieties.

What is it?

You are aware of the type of shoe material that split leather is. Let’s reveal your cards if you’ve never heard of it!

  • This is a semi-finished product of genuine leather;
  • The fabric is obtained by shepherding (separating) layers of cattle hide;
  • There can be from three to six layers – each of them is used for different purposes.

It is mostly utilized in the production of shoes, but it is also found in bags and belts. This is the primary leather used to make work gloves, athletic shoes, and workwear.

Now that we know what split leather in shoes is, shall we continue? Let’s discuss how this special fabric is made!

Manufacturing process

You must take into account the production process in order to comprehend the type of upper material that it is—split leather!

  • The skin is removed from the animal – it is processed and tanned;
  • The prepared leather is not suitable for a bag or shoes, so it is first divided into several layers;
  • The layers are impregnated with a thin polymer layer to create a protective film;
  • The surface is polished with a steel plate, embossed – this stage is necessary to get rid of folds and scratches;
  • In some cases, the material is additionally glued to increase strength.

Natural cattle leather is found in split leather (cattle)! Experts can identify between various kinds of fabric. Another post will tell you what materials eco-leather is made of.

After the top grain of a hide is removed, the lower layers of the hide are used to make split grain leather. Although it doesn’t have the same natural grain or durability as full-grain leather, its affordability and capacity to be coated or treated to resemble higher-quality leathers make it a popular choice for footwear.

Types

Not everyone is aware of the distinctions between various kinds of content. There are a few key details that are worthwhile being aware of! Thus, three categories of fabric exist:

  • Face;
  • Medium;
  • Hide.

The names of the various types derive from the layer of leather that is used, as one might expect. Examine the current varieties to find out what kind of material it is—100% split leather. Let’s examine each choice in more detail.

What is split leather, also known as face leather?

  • It is used for high-quality expensive products;
  • It is practically no different from natural fabric in appearance and performance characteristics;
  • The natural pattern is preserved.
  • During manufacturing, the top layer of leather is destroyed, so the material loses its moisture-proof properties;
  • To improve the properties, the fabric is processed. Finished products are sold with a coating of acrylic resins, PVC or polyurethane;
  • The resulting artificial coating is quite durable; an additional fabric pattern is created.

Noting that this is a suede split is also important. It is a thick cloth with soft, fluffy villi that is made of cow or pig skin. It feels really good to the touch and stretches with ease.

One can respond to the query, "What is a velour split?" in a similar manner. The same material goes by these two distinct names.

The word "hide" refers to subcutaneous tissue. Products for the dissolution of collagen are made with this kind.

Now that you know what a real leather split in shoes is, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of the material that is available in all stores.

Pros and cons

Now that you know what kind of material is natural split for shoes, let’s examine both its advantages and disadvantages. These characteristics are what define how widely the fabric is used!

Let’s begin with the good things, of which there are many:

  • Low cost;
  • Tolerates the effects of chemical reagents well;
  • Repels moisture;
  • Durable and practical in use;
  • Has an attractive texture;
  • Incredibly wear-resistant.

The drawbacks are unavoidable; it would be impossible to ignore them. Some potential drawbacks of the content are as follows:

  • Does not stretch well;
  • Does not restore shape;
  • Deforms under high temperature;
  • The lining fabric does not allow air to pass through well.

Pros and cons are examined! Purchasing shoes or bags made of this fabric is advised by experts, and there’s no question about it—it’sthebest option. If you’ve already bought the product, you also need to know how to take care of it.

Care

Any sane person knows that your beloved handbag or pair of shoes can last longer with proper maintenance. Isn’t it simpler to abide by a few basic guidelines than to keep buying new or repairing products?

The guidelines for caring for sandals and sneakers are quite similar to those for suede, so you don’t need to worry about it.

  • Dry thoroughly after wearing – avoid exposure to sunlight, radiators and heaters;
  • Buy a special rubber brush to clean the upper from dust and dry dirt every day;
  • The sole can be wiped with a damp cloth;
  • Before going outside, be sure to apply a water-repellent compound to the surface – you can find it in a shoe store.

Moreover, the following helpful advice can be used to clean split leather shoes:

  • Use a special sponge and brush sold in the store;
  • Buy spray paint and impregnation to even out the color and remove dirt;
  • Wipe the stains that appear with ammonia solution, soap solutions or gasoline;
  • Another effective folk remedy is bread crumb. Just rub the stain!

We mentioned that suede products and split leather shoes require similar maintenance. If the two materials differ in any way, what are those differences? Discover more below!

Read about the benefits and drawbacks of nubuck in a different article; useful.

Differences from suede

To determine which material is superior, suede or split leather, you must evaluate their respective qualities. Since both of them are naturally derived from animals, as you already know, this is where their similarities end and their differences start. We will go into greater detail about them later.

Suede Split leather
Quickly restores shape after compression Can retain wrinkles and unevenness
The pile is thick, but not fluffy The pile can fluff up
Made from the top layer of animal skin Inner layers of leather are used in production
The surface is not perfectly smooth The pile is perfectly even
On the inside you can notice roughness and veins The inside is also perfectly smooth
Made from the skins of large and small cattle by fat tanning Obtained by doubling thick leather
Very soft to the touch It is distinguished by greater rigidity when touched
Easily stretched The surface is loose, stretches with difficulty

You now understand how suede and split leather are different. If you can afford it, invest in suede products; they will bring you satisfaction for many years despite their high cost. Split leather, however, is also excellent in its own right. You can read reviews about what kind of material split leather is for shoes below. The opinions of those who have already worn products made of this material can be evaluated.

This is an explanation of fabric oil, which is used in many modern sewing projects.

Feature Description
Material Split grain is a type of leather made from the lower layers of a hide. It"s less durable than full-grain leather but more affordable.
Appearance It has a smooth surface, often coated or finished to improve its look. It may not have the natural grain of higher-quality leathers.
Use Commonly used in shoes, handbags, and accessories where cost is a factor. It offers a balance between quality and price.
Durability Less durable and resistant to wear than full-grain leather. It may show signs of wear and tear more quickly.
Care Requires regular conditioning to maintain flexibility and appearance. Avoid prolonged exposure to water.

A flexible material that is frequently used in the footwear industry is split grain leather. Because of its distinctive texture and ability to withstand daily wear and tear, it is a popular option for shoes.

Split grain leather performs well and is more reasonably priced than top grain leather, despite not having the same opulent feel. It’s a fantastic choice for people trying to strike a balance between price and longevity.

It’s crucial to think about how much maintenance split grain leather shoes will need when selecting them. This material can give you value for your money by lasting a long time with proper maintenance.

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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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