View source for Leather shoes

<p align=center>
[[bild:LEATHER-DICTIONARY.jpg|300px]]
</p>


<p align=center>
[[bild:Shoe-shop-leather-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>


== History==
It's not known when leather was first used to make shoes but the earliest find was excavated by archaeologists in an Armenian cave in 2010. Estimated to be 5,500 years old - between the Neolithic and Bronze Age - the shoe is made from one piece of [[Cow leather|cowhide]] with a grass lining.

The famous footwear from the glacier mummy Ötzi is about 5,300 years old. This shoe structure was surprisingly complex. The upper (outer shoe) was made of [[Deerskin|deerskin]] with hair side facing out as protection against moisture and the sole was made of [[Hide - Skin|bearskin]] with hair side facing inside, offering excellent heat retention properties.

But the earliest representation of people wearing shoes is believed to be the drawings of hunters found in the Altamira Cave in Spain dating back about 15,000 years.

The oldest actual footwear was a pair of sandals unearthed by archaeologists from the Arnold Research Cave in Missouri, USA. Made from plants they are 8,300 years old. 


<p align=center>
[[bild:Römische-Legionärssandale-1-Jh-n-Chr.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Roman legionary sandal 1st century AD (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''
</p>


<p align=center>
[[bild:Leather-shoes-historical-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Cow's Mouth shoe 16th century (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''
</p>


==Why [[Leather|leather]]?==
Shoes are made from many different materials and in infinite colours and shapes. In the early days, the shape and appearance of a shoe was solely to protect the foot against injuries and the climate. However, in more modern times shoe styles have been heavily influenced by fashion and used to display the status of the wearer. As well as being more comfortable and better suited to the weather, modern footwear is specially designed for specific uses, including women's and men's shoes, slippers, sneakers, [[Leather boots|boots]], hiking boots, sandals and much more.

Throughout the centuries, leather has been the primary material for shoes, mainly because it was always available in sufficient quantities. Today, although a variety of materials are used to make footwear, leather is still paramount, for a number of reasons. It can be [[Formed leather|formed]], sewn, and made [[Waterproofing leather|waterproof]] without losing its [[Breathability of leather|breathability]]. It is also very [[Leather quality|robust]] and offers excellent protection against foot injuries. You will never sweat as much in leather shoes, compared to those made from other materials. While fabric is also breathable, its waterproofing qualities and the level of protection it provides against injuries is significantly inferior to leather. Through these superior properties leather, is still the best material for shoes. Most substitute materials are processed solely for price reasons.


== Materials and Figures ==
A wide variety of leathers are used to make shoe uppers and it's not always easy to clearly differentiate between the types. The most common types of leather are [[Pigmented leather|pigmented smooth leather]] (pigment binder coating on the [[grain side]]), [[Aniline leather|aniline leather]] ([[Open pore leather|open pore]] grain side leather), [[Pull up leather - Greased leather - Waxed leather - Oiled leather|waxed or oiled leather]], [[Suede|suede]] and [[Nubuck|nubuck]]. [[Vegetable-tanned leather|Vegetable-tanned]] [[Cow leather|cow hide]] is commonly processed for sole leather. In Europe, footwear manufacturers are required to clearly [[Genuine leather|state]] the type of materials and processes. 

The [[Leather industry#Footwear industry|shoe industry]] is the world's largest user of leathers, manufacturing 14 billion pairs of leather shoes a year. Of these some 11.5 billion are made in Asian factories with 8 billion pairs coming from China alone, making it the biggest producer. By comparison, only 26 million pairs of shoes are produced in Germany and roughly 5 million pairs of shoes are made in the UK (discounting the two main producers ‘New Balance’ & ‘Hotter’ ([http://britishfootwearassociation.co.uk britishfootwearassociation.co.uk]). 

Top of the shoe-buying tree is the USA. Statistically, every American buys six pairs of shoes every year. In Europe, Japan and Canada, consumers purchase between three and five pairs per year, whereas the average Chinese customer buys 2.5 pairs of shoes per year.

In Germany, every woman has 17.3 pairs of shoes at home and men have 8.2 pairs (according to a survey carried out in 2014). This statistic is also confirmed by the output behavior. According to a study from 2015, women spend twice as much on shoes as men.


<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhauslage-hochwertig-001.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Stiefel-Schuhgeschäft-001.jpg|250px]]
[[bild:Schuhe-Markt-billig-001.jpg|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Expensive brand shoes - shoes in the shoe shop - cheap shoes on a market stall.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

== The [[Genuine leather|labelling requirement]] for shoes ==
In Europe, footwear manufacturers must fulfil [[Genuine leather|labelling requirements]] on all their items: Directive 94/11/EC (European standard): Directive of Euorpean Parliament and Counciel on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to labelling of the materials used in the main components of footwear for sale to the consumer. 

They are obliged to state clearly the exact materials used in making the different parts of the shoe either in words or symbols. 

'''The following components of a shoe must be identified in terms of the material used:'''

[[bild:fibel27.jpg|100px]]
[[bild:fibel28.jpg|100px]]
[[bild:fibel29.jpg|100px]]

''Image 1:'' '''Uppers''': The outer surface area of the upper.''

''Image 2:'' '''Lining and insole''': The surface area of the lining and insole inside the shoe.''

''Image 3'': '''Sole''': The outer sole that is in contact with the floor. 

The specified material must make up 80% of the total materials used. In the event of several materials being processed (e.g. leather and textile as upper material), the main materials must be specified.

'''The following materials are distinguished:'''

[[bild:fibel30.jpg|100px]]
[[bild:fibel31.jpg|100px]]
[[bild:fibel32.jpg|130px]]
[[bild:fibel33.jpg|100px]]

''Image 1:'' '''[[Leather]]''': This is genuine animal hide and skin without any changes to the original structure of the fibre. Materials that consist of dissolved or crushed leather fibres and processed into sheets are not "[[Leather|leather]]". Any colour film or layer applied to the surface of leather cannot be thicker than 0.15 mm.

''Image 2:'' '''[[Coated leather - Laminated leather|Coated leather]]''': This is leather with a painting or film thicker than 0.15 mm, but no more than 1/3 of the total thickness. Anything above this, then it must be described as synthetic leather.

''Image 3:'' '''Textile''': This means all natural and synthetic fabrics.''

''Image 4:'' '''Other Material''': This covers all the materials not covered in the upper groups, such as rubber or plastic for soles.''


== [[Leather quality]] of shoes==
There are many criteria that define the quality of a shoe: 

* Rub fastness (the resistance of the leather surface to mechanical abrasion) 
* Water vapour permeability
* Tear resistance (the force that must be applied to increase existing tears)
* Discolouration (the staining of socks caused by the leather lining inside the shoe)
* Adhesion of the [[Leather dye - Leather color - Leather colour|leather colour]]
* Bending behaviour
* Light fastness (resistance of the material's colour to fading)


==Main leather terms for shoes==

===Upper===
The upper is leather on the visible side of the shoe. It makes up the bulk of the processed leather for shoes. The [[Types of leather|variety of processed leathers]] is unlimited, including skins and hides from many [[Exotic leather|species]]. It is common for uppers to be made from [[Cow leather|cowhide]], [[Calfskin|calfskin]], [[Goatskin|goatskin]], [[Sheep leather|sheepskin]] and even [[Horsehide - Horse leather|horsehide]] at a premium price. Skins of exotic animals are also used to make shoe uppers, including [[Crocodile leather]], [[Snakeskin|snake leather]] and many other [[Exotic leather|exotic leathers]]. Depending on the desired look and finish, leather can be [[Leather grain|coarse or fine-grained]], [[Gloss of leather|matt or glossy]], [[Metallic leather|metallic]] or [[Leather dye - Leather color - Leather colour|luminous]]. Most upper leather is [[chrome tanned|chrome-tanned]].


<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-002.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-001.jpg|255px]]
[[bild:Schuhe-003.jpg|245px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Upper leather in many variations: [[Leather dye - Leather color - Leather colour|coloured]] - [[Perforated leather|perforated]] - [[Carving leather|carved]].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

=== Sole leather ===
When the sole of a shoe is made of leather, it's called a leather sole. Sole leather is [[Thickness of leather|thick (2.5 - 6 mm)]] not very pliable and solid [[Vegetable-tanned leather|vegetable-tanned leather]]. 


<p align=center>
[[bild:Ledersohle-04.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Ledersohle-06.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Leather sole, made in Spain with a sensitive [[Suede|lightly sanded]] leather.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Ledersohle-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Ledersohle-02.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Leather sole made in Germany from [[Cow leather|cowhide]] with [[Crocodile leather|crocodile]] upper leather.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Rauleder-unter-dem-Schuh-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Not really [[Leather care|easy to care]]: Golf shoes with white [[Suede|suede]] as sole and rubber studs.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/5IcCL3o2958&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow> 
</p>
<p align=center>
''[https://www.colourlock.com/Leather-Sole-Oil/1049-en/ COLOURLOCK Leather Sole Oil].''
</p>


===Leather lining ===
Shoes can have a leather lining inside. It is not the leather where the foot rests but the part which is in contact with the upper part of the foot in the shoe. A leather lining therefore needs to feel good and be [[Breathability of leather|permeable to water vapour]], so you do not sweat. Leather from [[Cow leather|cowhide]], [[Calfskin|calfskin]], [[Goatskin|goatskin]], [[Sheep leather|sheepskin]] and [[Pig leather|pigskin]] is used to make shoe linings.


==[[Leather care|Shoe Care]] - Leather selection==
There are a wide range of [[Leather care|leather care products for shoes]] and most retailers offer their own company-branded shoe care products. However, there is an endless choice of [[Types of leather|leather types]] in footwear. From easy-care [[Pigmented leather|pigmented smooth leather]] to [[Pull up leather - Greased leather - Waxed leather - Oiled leather|pull up leather]] to highly sensitive [[Aniline leather|aniline leather]] or [[Suede|suede]] and [[Nubuck|nubuck]]. Often, customers are not aware of the sensitivity of some types of leather and expect [[Waterproofing leather|waterproofing]] treatments to be very durable or last a lot longer.

'''Important'''
* Leather shoes are available in all imaginable types of leather. Some of these many types of leather are very sensitive and not easy to maintain. These include suede, nubuck or aniline leather. These porous leathers are always sensitive! Waterproofing treatment will not make the shoes permanently impervious to stains. Always carry out a water rubbing test. 

Leather shoes are available in all imaginable types of leather. Some of these many types of leather are very sensitive and not easy to maintain. These include [[Suede|suede]], [[Nubuck|nubuck]] or [[Aniline leather|aniline leather]]. These open-pore leathers are always sensitive! No amount of [[Waterproofing leather|waterproofing]] treatment will make the shoes impervious to stains. Over time the waterproof treatment will wear off and the leather will always retain its sensitiveness. Always carry out a water rubbing test. Rub a drop of water on the surface to check if it penetrates the surface of the leather and darkens it. If water does penetrate, remember the shoe or boot is not suitable for wet weather! Not even with a [[Waterproofing leather|waterproof treatment]]. No care products can make this leather insensitive. Otherwise it would have been made by the manufacturer! 
* Bright leather is more sensitive than dark leather. Stains and scratches on bright shoes are much more visible and can be less easily removed with care and [[Leather cleaner|cleaning products]]. If a bright leather is also porous, it will require more care and maybe is better restricted to special occasions.
* Leather shoes can [[Dye transfer from leather|discolour]] inside. Carry out a rub test using a dry white cloth. This way you can check what will happen to light-coloured socks.
* There are certain products offered to widen tight shoes. But it is safe to say only buy shoes that really fit as the scope for expanding the leather is very low. 


<p align=center>
[[bild:Stiefel-Anilin-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Stiefel-Anilin-03.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Stiefel-Anilin-02.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''With such [[Open pore leather|porous]] bright [[Aniline leather|aniline leathers]] an intense [[Waterproofing leather|waterproof]] is not sufficient protection. This is fair-weather footwear.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

== [[Leather videos|Video]] about shoe care==
<p align=center>
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/-fhd5xcd2Gs&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow> 
</p>
<p align=center>
''Cleaning and care of [[Aniline leather|aniline and porous leather]] shoes.''
</p>


<p align=center>
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/FdwWvFRepBs&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow> 
</p>
<p align=center>
''Cleaning and care of [[Suede - Nubuck - Buckskin|suede and nubuck]] shoes.''
</p>


<p align=center>
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/MmBQ6WI5kTg&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow> 
</p>
<p align=center>
''Cleaning and care of [[greased leather]] shoes.''
</p>


=== Additional information ===
* [[Basic rules when dealing with leather|Basic rules when dealing with leather shoes]]
* [[Leather care]]
* [[Waterproofing leather|Waterproofing]]
* [[Dye transfer from leather]]
* [[Leather boots]]


==Bespoke shoes==
Shoes are also manufactured in Europe. Artworks are created by custom made shoe manufacturers, which sometimes process [[Exotic leather|exotic leathers]].  


<p align=center>
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/ITiyKmYnL-0&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=310</flashow> 
</p>
<p align=center>
A [[Leather videos|video]] about the production process of leather shoes. 
</p>


<p align=center>
[[bild:Straußenleder-Schuh-Himer-1.jpg‎|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Straußenleder-Schuh-Himer-0.jpg‎|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoes made of [[Ostrich leather|ostrich leather]] and blue golf shoes made by [http://www.himershoes.com/ Himer bespoke shoes].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Rochenleder-Himer-02.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Rochenleder-Himer-04.jpg‎|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Bespoke shoes made of [[Fish leather#Stingray leather|stingray leather]] made by [http://www.himershoes.com/ Himer bespoke shoes].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Lachs-Jacob-01-gebügelt.jpg‎|250px]]
[[bild:Schuh-Straußenleder-Jacob-01.jpg|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Ironing leather|Ironed]] [[Fish leather#Salmon leather|salmon leather]] shoes and [[Ostrich leather|ostrich leather]] shoes made by [https://jacobf-schuhe.com/ Jacob, F. Shoes].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Rochen-Nubuk-01.jpg|250px]]
[[bild:Schuh-Cordovan-Jacob-01.jpg‎|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Fish leather#Stingray leather|Stingray leather]] and [[Horsehide - Horse leather|cordovan]] shoes made by [https://jacobf-schuhe.com/ Jacob, F. Shoes].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Aalleder-Jacob-01.jpg‎|250px]]
[[bild:Lederschuhe-Alligator-Jacob-01.jpg|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Fish leather#Eel leather|Eel leather]] and [[Alligator leather]] shoes made by [https://jacobf-schuhe.com/ Jacob, F. Shoes].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Shoe-Design-Arutyunyan-01.jpg‎|250px]]
[[bild:Shoe-Design-Arutyunyan-02.jpg|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Beautiful leather design.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

==Historic shoes==
Shoes have had a wide variety of colours and shapes over the centuries and cultures.


<p align=center>
[[bild:Ballschuh-Gold-um-1895-Offenbach.jpg|250px]]
[[bild:Römische-Legionärssandale-1-Jh-n-Chr.jpg‎|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Women's shoe made of [[Gold leather|gold leather]] - Roman legionary sandal 1st cent. AD (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Hornschuh-um-1540.jpg‎|250px]]
[[bild:Spitzschuh-01.jpg‎|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoe from the time around 1540 - Pointed shoe (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Chopine-Venedig-um-1600---02.jpg‎|250px]]
[[bild:Chopine-Venedig-um-1600.jpg‎|250px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoe Chopine from Venice from the time around 1600 - Lady's shoe (height of fashion reasons) (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

== Picture gallery==

<p align=center>
[[bild:Turnschuhe-Veloursleder-001.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Kuhfell-Schuhe-001.jpg|240px]]
[[bild:Fettleder-Schuh-01.jpg|260px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Trainers made of [[Suede|suede]] - [[Cow hide|cow hide]] shoes - [[Pull up leather - Greased leather - Waxed leather - Oiled leather|Pull up leather]] shoes.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Lachs-Schuhe-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-bemalt-001.jpg|270px]]
[[bild:Lammfell-Pantoffeln-002.jpg|230px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoes made of [[Fish leather#Salmon leather|salmon leather]] ([http://www.ledermanufaktur.com www.ledermanufaktur.com]) - [[Painting on leather|painted]] shoes - [[Sheepskin - Lambskin|sheepskin]] slippers.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-bemalt-03.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-bemalt-11.jpg|235px]]
[[bild:Schuhe-bemalt-01.jpg|265px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Beautiful [[Painting on leather|painted]] shoes.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Stiefel-01.jpg|134px]]
[[bild:Stiefel-Schlangenleder-01.jpg|105px]]
[[bild:Stretch-Leder-001.jpg|115px]]
[[bild:Fischlederstiefel.jpg|130px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Leather boots]] custom made for 2.500 €, size 47, 15 cm heel made by ([http://www.ledermanufaktur.com www.ledermanufaktur.com]).''
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Snakeskin]] - [[Stretch leather|stretch leather]] - [[Fish leather#Eel leather|Eel leather]].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh---used-look-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Praegung-001.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''"Used-Look" - [[Embossed leather|Embossed]] Shoe.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Velourleder-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schlittschuhe-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoe made of [[Suede|suede]] - Leather ice-skates.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Turnschuhe-Joschka.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Fußzehen-Ledermuseum.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Shoes of a minister of the green party in sneakers at the swearing in as Environment Ministers in Germany. - Toe shoe (DLM - German Leather Museum in Offenbach).''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schlangenlederstiefel-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-bedruckt-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Leather boots]] made of [[snakeskin]]. - [[Printing on leather|Printed]] lady's shoe from Spain.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Gauklerschuhe-Mittelalter-Nachbau-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Gauklerschuhe-Posenanski.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Reproduction of juggler’s shoes from the middle ages [https://jacobf-schuhe.com/ Jacob, F. Shoes] and [http://www.ledermanufaktur.com www.ledermanufaktur.com].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-silber-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-Lackleder-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Metallic leather]] and [[Patent leather|patent leather]].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuhe-Kroko-02.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Women's shoes made of [[Crocodile leather|crocodile leather]].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Schuh-Patchwork-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Leather seams|Patchwork]] shoes.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Selestudio-Sandalen-01.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''Leather sandals made by [https://www.facebook.com/sele.selestudio?fref=ts Selestudio].''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p align=center>
[[bild:Lackleder-Schuhe-02.jpg|500px]]
</p>
<p align=center>
''[[Patent leather]] shoes.''<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

== Additional information ==
* [[Leather industry#Footwear industry|Footwear industry]]
* [[Genuine leather#Special features for leather shoes|The labelling of leather shoes]]
* [[Leather quality|Quality tests for leather]]


<p align=center><span class="plainlinks">
'''[http://www.colourlock.com WE UNDERSTAND LEATHER - WWW.COLOURLOCK.COM]'''
</span></p>

 
[[Kategorie:All Articles]]
[[Kategorie:Leather clothing]]
[[Kategorie:Leather care]]