The same model of boots can be simultaneously presented in suede and nubuck designs. Moreover, at a distance or in the photo, both options will look almost the same. Despite the visual similarity, such products are quite different from each other in terms of operational properties. To choose correctly between them, you should learn to distinguish between them and learn their weaknesses and strengths. So how do you distinguish them?
What kind of material is suede?
To convey the basis of the necessary hairiness, the material is subjected to special processing, during which the raw materials are impregnated with fatty compounds of vegetable, formaldehyde-animal and animal origin . The latter option is considered somewhat outdated, more consistent with the technologies for producing classic suede fabric.
Important! There is a lint-free suede. To make it, you need to take cod fat and deer skin, as well as change the processing process, excluding the stage of lashing.
Fundamental properties of the material:
- softness;
- pronounced velvety;
- subtlety;
- breathability;
- elasticity.
Shaggy inherent not only the front, but also the wrong side . With some exceptions, suede fabric is double-sided. Visually and touch its front half can not be detected.
Nubuck feature
There are 3 types of nubuck:
- natural;
- nubuck oil;
- synthetic.
The first is more expensive than artificially created products and has relatively good breathability. The second goes through a series of additional treatments, giving it excellent water-repellent qualities. However, these impregnations greatly complicate.
Important! High-quality nubuck oil does not apply to synthetic materials. Is this genuine leather.
What is the difference between suede and nubuck?
Key differences:
- Moisture resistance. The quality is higher at nubuck oil.
- Wear resistance. With proper care, the nubuck is stronger than suede products.
- Flexibility. Suede is better in this regard.
- The method of obtaining. For suede, take the skins of medium-sized animals, and for nubuck - cattle.
Differences are also seen in relation to substitutes . A high-quality faux suede, compared to its natural prototype, is attractive because it is easier to handle. It is less deformed under the influence of water and liquid mud. Therefore, shoes from it can almost always be washed in a typewriter.
If natural suede does not tolerate prolonged contact with water, and artificial suede has a slightly pronounced moisture resistance, then unnatural nubuck and nubuck oil practically do not absorb water at all . In models of them, you can go to slush and, with rare exceptions, some special requirements are not presented to their drying.
Important! Nubuck Oil cannot be confused with suede products. The latter has a strong velvety. When you touch the first, it seems that the product is wet or oily. This effect is explained by the application of a large number of impregnations.
Nuances: what is the difference between a nubuck and suede in shoes?
If the lifestyle does not involve long walks or you live in a place where slush is rare, it makes sense to buy a pair of good natural suede. In a dry climate, she only needs an antisalt, an impregnation and a brush to remove dust in order to maintain her appearance. For nubuck, the list of care products is somewhat wider. In addition, stubborn stains are a little more difficult to remove from it than from suede.
Important! Good suede can't be cheap. If shoes made of this material are sold at a very low price, then most likely the model is sewn from velor or artificial material imitating suede.
It is also noteworthy that suede is used in the manufacture of insoles, but nubuck is usually not used in this role . The same can be said of orthopedic products. Medical shoes can be released from suede fabric, but you will have to work hard to find a similar nubuck model. This is because the first material is hygienic and conducts air well. The skin in it breathes. A similar quality in nubuck is much less pronounced.
