Are you hesitant between microfiber leather and synthetic leather when choosing shoes? Don't worry, today we will reveal the secrets of these two materials to you!
✨ Microfiber leather, also known as PU leather, combines the advantages of various leathers. It feels soft, breathable, and has wrinkle and wear resistance. Moreover, it is lighter than genuine leather and even waterproof!
It should be noted that although microfiber leather has many advantages, it also requires certain care. Avoid prolonged contact with water, and regular cleaning and maintenance can keep it in the best condition.
✨ Synthetic leather is popular for its lightness, easy processing, wear resistance and affordable price. It has a rich color selection to meet various fashion needs.
However, synthetic leather may become inflexible, easy to crack, and generally wear-resistant in low-pressure environments. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons when choosing.
In general, microfiber leather and synthetic leather have their own advantages. If you are looking for high quality and long-term durability, microfiber leather may be a better choice; if you pay more attention to price and color selection, synthetic leather is a good alternative.
Now, compare microfiber leather and synthetic leather:
1️⃣ Breathability and moisture absorption: pigskin > sheepskin > cowhide/microfiber > PU artificial leather.
2️⃣ Wear resistance: cowhide > microfiber > pigskin > PU artificial leather > sheepskin.
3️⃣ Softness: sheepskin > microfiber > pigskin > cowhide > PU artificial leather.
- The upper should be wear-resistant and breathable, while the lining should be breathable and comfortable.
The difference between genuine leather and artificial leather and the comparison of advantages and disadvantages#leather
Surface composition
Genuine leather: natural leather with high breathability and hydrolysis resistance.
PVC: polyvinyl chloride, non-degradable and not environmentally friendly.
PU: polyurethane, which can be gradually degraded after 15 years.
Microfiber: polyurethane, which can be gradually degraded after 15 years.
Physical properties
Genuine leather: high strength, easy processing, low cost.
PVC: hydrolysis resistant, good physical properties, waterproof and breathable.
PU: hydrolysis resistant, folding resistant without marks, closer to the texture of genuine leather.
Microfiber: hydrolysis resistant, poor oil resistance and high temperature resistance, low temperature flexibility.
Bonding process
Genuine leather: non-bonded, formed by spraying after resin vaporization.
PVC: dry method/wet method.
PU: dry method.
Microfiber: dry method.
Base fabric material
Genuine leather: subcutaneous tissue fiber.
PVC, PU, microfiber: woven fabric/knitted fabric/non-woven fabric.
Surface characteristics
Genuine leather: ultrafine fiber, closer to genuine leather.
PVC, PU, microfiber: closer to genuine leather.
1️⃣ Synthetic leather (PU, PVC): This material is super wear-resistant, dirt-resistant, and waterproof, and is a common choice for sports shoes. But don't forget that it is not as breathable and soft as natural leather, and it may be a bit stuffy if worn for a long time.
2️⃣ Genuine leather: For example, cowhide, sheepskin, etc., the breathability and softness are first-class, and the wear resistance is also great. But pay attention to maintenance and avoid wet or dry environments.
3️⃣ Fabric fabrics: Mesh, canvas, etc., are light, breathable and comfortable, very suitable for spring and summer. However, the wear resistance is slightly poor, it is easy to get dirty, and it is a little troublesome to clean.
4️⃣ Leather + fabric mixed fabric: Combining the advantages of various materials, it is both breathable and wear-resistant, and it is one of the current popular trends.
5️⃣ Suede material: The shoes of this material have a unique texture and are full of retro style. But pay attention to cleaning and maintenance, water and oil stains are its natural enemies.
Basic definition and characteristics of synthetic leather
Synthetic leather is actually a plastic product that looks and feels like leather, usually with fabric as the base. Its main characteristics include breathability, softness and waterproofness. Although it is not as wear-resistant as natural leather, it is relatively cheap. Common types of synthetic leather include PU leather, microfiber leather and PVC leather. PU leather is thin and elastic, very soft and smooth; microfiber leather has good wear resistance but poor breathability; and PVC leather has strong waterproofness. These characteristics of synthetic leather make it an ideal material for many daily necessities.
Production methods and processes of synthetic leather
The production methods of synthetic leather mainly include dry method, wet method and condensation coating method. Dry production is to coat PU resin sol on release paper, evaporate the solvent in an oven to form a film, and then compound it with the base fabric. Wet production is to directly immerse the base fabric in PU resin, wash and solidify it with dimethylformamide aqueous solution. The condensation coating method is to immerse the base fabric in PU resin, wash and solidify it, and then coat and post-treat it with resin. Each production method has its own unique process and application scenarios, which enable synthetic leather to have certain strength and durability while maintaining softness and breathability.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic leather and other leathers ⚖️
1️⃣ Synthetic leather vs cow leather: Synthetic leather is cheaper, has poor breathability, and is easy to age; while cow leather has good breathability and higher price. Cow leather is more durable and comfortable, but requires more maintenance.
2️⃣ Synthetic leather vs recycled leather: Recycled leather is made by tearing leather waste into fibers and then pressing it into sheets with adhesives. Compared with genuine leather, it is cheaper. Synthetic leather is softer and more breathable, but recycled leather has obvious price advantages.
3️⃣ Synthetic leather vs microfiber leather: Microfiber leather has good wear resistance, but poor breathability. Synthetic leather is not wear-resistant and easy to age, but it has advantages in softness and price. Microfiber leather is suitable for occasions that require high wear resistance, while synthetic leather is more suitable for scenes that require softness.
Genuine leather/leather characteristics
Genuine leather and veneer shoes have great elasticity and toughness, delicate feel, excellent breathability, and no odor after long-term wear. They are simply a warm and intimate cotton jacket for your feet! However, the price is relatively high, and it will deform after absorbing water, so it needs careful care.
Microfiber (PU leather) characteristics
Microfiber shoes combine the advantages of genuine leather, soft and breathable, and also have chemical resistance, wrinkle resistance and wear resistance. It is simply a multifunctional shoe material! Compared with genuine leather, it is lighter, waterproof, easier to wash, and you can play more tricks on the surface.
PVC leather characteristics
PVC leather is light, easy to process, wear-resistant, affordable, and has a wide range of color options! However, it has poor breathability, hardens at low temperatures, and is easy to wear. Currently, few people use it.
Mesh characteristics
Mesh shoes are extremely breathable, light, and have a great sweat-wicking effect, which can keep your feet dry! They are also very soft, with a strong sense of foot wrapping and excellent stability!
Flyweave characteristics
Flyweave is an advanced weaving technology that uses computer-designed shoe patterns. This material is not only wear-resistant, breathable and comfortable, but also light and soft, making your feet more comfortable and more suitable for exercise!
Suede characteristics
The surface of suede shoes has the original characteristics of animal skin, with a good texture, an atmospheric appearance, good breathability, soft feel, super comfortable to wear, and good wear resistance! However, due to the special material, special care is required.
Comparison of materials and characteristics
Synthetic leather (PU) and microfiber leather have their own advantages. PU is soft and not easy to wrinkle, especially wear-resistant and dirt-resistant, with stable chemical properties and large design and operation space. Microfiber leather is wear-resistant, cold-resistant, breathable, aging-resistant, soft in texture and cost-effective. Microfiber belongs to the category of recycled leather or imitation leather. It is made of animal skin scraps that are crushed and then condensed and coated, so the price is relatively cheap. Compared with the two, PU is more suitable for occasions with large design and operation space, while microfiber is suitable for occasions that require breathability and wear resistance. Durability and maintenance requirements
PU shoes are easy to clean, but they may feel stuffy if worn for a long time. Microfiber shoes are waterproof and easy to clean, but their durability and texture are still not as good as natural leather. Although microfiber is waterproof, its wearing life is relatively short and requires attention to maintenance. Although PU shoes are easy to clean, they are not as breathable as microfiber and may feel stuffy if worn for a long time. Therefore, if you pay more attention to the durability and texture of shoes, you may need to choose natural leather. Applicable scenarios and usage experience
PU shoes are suitable for occasions with large design space, such as daily commuting, short trips, etc. They are soft and not easy to wrinkle, and are very comfortable to wear. Microfiber shoes are more suitable for occasions that require breathability and wear resistance, such as long-term outdoor activities, fitness exercises, etc. The breathability and wear resistance of microfiber make them perform better in sports. The choice of which material to choose depends mainly on your specific needs and usage scenarios.
Post time: Nov-25-2024