When choosing shoes, bags or other products made of leather, suede and velor, we easily distinguish leather from suede, but we are not always able to understand what type of fleecy material is in front of us.
You need to be able to distinguish between them, since products made from suede and velor have become no less popular than those made from smooth leather.
Each of these materials has its own advantages and some disadvantages that you need to know about and when making a choice, understand why this particular pair of shoes is being purchased and in what conditions it will be worn.
The difference between suede
According to the quality of raw materials. To produce suede, initially the more valuable skins of deer, elk and roe deer were used for processing, and later they began to use the skin of small livestock (sheep and goats).
According to production technology. The tanning process occurs using animal fats or impregnation is done with fish oil or linseed oil.
By appearance. The double-sided fleecy layer is the main distinguishing feature of natural suede, and the back side of the velor is smooth.On the front side of velor shoes (I think) there is a backing layer of skin (bakhtarma), which is sanded and a uniform low pile is obtained. Suede has a longer pile and does not leave fingerprints on it.
By price. Due to the use of elite raw materials in production, only natural animal and vegetable fats during tanning, the cost of suede shoe products is high, but the expenses for its purchase will be justified. Suede shoes will last longer than velor or nubuck shoes. It is produced using simplified technology, from raw materials of reduced quality.
According to wear resistance. With active wear, it retains a respectable appearance for a long time, sits on the leg, taking its shape, but does not stretch out excessively. Suede is a breathable material that will provide ventilation and will not cause allergic reactions.
According to the degree of resistance to negative natural factors. Doesn't get wet. When in contact with moisture, only the top layer gets wet, but after drying, it returns to shape. If it is heavily soiled, it can be washed in soapy water and dried properly, but velor destroys any contact with water. Water-repellent properties are given to suede by impregnation with oil and fat, which prevents water from getting inside the boot or shoe.
According to the ability to retain heat. It has heat-saving properties, so very often winter shoes are made of suede, and natural fur is chosen.
Velor: positive and negative properties
The main advantage of velor is that it is more affordable. Just like suede, velor is a natural material, but for it, mainly pork, bovine or goat skin is taken into processing, the cost of which is lower due to their quality. Skins may have a defect on the front side.
Tanning and polishing is done using chromium or titanium salt.The substances give velor good hairiness, and to improve water-repellent properties, use silicone or chrome soap. Despite these measures, velor shoes get wet and lose their shape, which is very problematic to return to their original form.
Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself. In wet, slushy weather, walking in velor boots will be to your detriment. First they will absorb water and get wet themselves, and then their legs, and wet limbs will freeze faster. If you don’t want to get cold, choose shoes made of more durable suede or leather, and save the velor for a party or other celebration. There, the soft and rich texture of velor will look festive and appropriate.
Evening option - velor shoes
Shoes, boots and boots made of velor, thanks to their beautiful velvety quality, attract the attention of the fair sex, and they are increasingly using it to create their evening look.
Expensive and not devoid of sophistication, the material will be appropriate both at a youth party and a dinner party in a restaurant, when visiting exhibitions and theatrical performances.
The strength and wear resistance of suede - those qualities that are the main ones when choosing a pair of shoes to wear in the cold season, are not so relevant here. Festive shoes made of suede look rougher than velor, which costs less, but can fully emphasize the beauty of an expensive outfit, complementing it with dignity.
Velor or suede boots: which is better?
Choosing a suitable pair for the winter season, which will give your feet comfort and provide warmth, should be done wisely. Choose boots made of natural suede if you walk a lot on the street, use public transport, or stand at a bus stop.They are more suitable for constantly changing weather conditions than velor, which cannot be worn in severe frosts.
Warm velor boots
Feet will freeze in velor products, as they have low breathability.
It is better to spend a little more money on boots made of natural suede and fur, which will definitely warm your feet for more than one season, than to get a cheaper, but less durable analogue.
Keep in mind the fact that only natural products have these wonderful properties, so do not allow yourself to be deceived and confused when purchasing.
One proven method will help you distinguish what raw materials were used in production - natural or not.
Advice! Shoes are made of natural suede, have open cuts and double-sided pile is visible on them, while velor has everything folded and stitched.
Proper care of velor and suede shoes
You need to take care of any shoes. The more regular it is, the longer it is used and retains its external advantages.
Take the following protective measures:
- Immediately after purchase, it is worth additionally impregnating the fleecy pair with water-repellent impregnation. Apply in three layers, leaving time for drying between applications.
- A silicone suede brush will invigorate and remove dirt. If you can’t get one, you can use zero sandpaper or an eraser.
- Once a day, dry it (by stuffing it with paper), and after drying, treat it with liquid impregnation. The paper will not allow the product to deform and will help absorb excess moisture.
A dirty and unkempt pair of shoes can change the impression of your look, not for the better. Therefore, carefully choose shoes according to the season, situation, financial capabilities and clothing style.Having purchased an expensive upgrade, do not be lazy and keep it in order, inspecting it before each exit.
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