Faux nubuck. What kind of material is nubuck? Types, characteristics and reviews

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Comfort, style and sophistication are the words inherent fashion trends dictating to us what to wear and the texture of the material of manufacture play a significant role. Thanks to it, it is possible to create not only a harmonious image, but also comfort. Developments in this direction do not stop even for a second, and the result is the emergence of more and more new materials, with the texture of top-level raw materials, such as nubuck.

With its help, it became possible to convey the conservative ideas of a strict style in shoes, or vice versa, to reflect the spirit of freedom. Often it is he who is confused with suede, so we will understand in more detail what kind of material is nubuck.

Nubuck - what is this material for shoes?

Most have heard of such material as nubuck leather, however, not everyone knows what it is and whether there is anything in common with genuine leather. Genuine nubuck is a type of cattle leather that has undergone special processing and tanning with mineral salts using fine substances. This procedure makes the material soft and elastic. It is inferior to smooth leather in moisture resistance, but surpasses suede in terms of performance.

Characteristics and varieties

It is not at all surprising that nubuck shoes are becoming increasingly popular, because the material has a lot of positive properties:

  • high breathability;
  • pleasant in tactile and aesthetic form;
  • strength and wear resistance proper care;
  • good indications of mechanical load resistance;
  • virtually indestructible.

Since the material has universal properties, boots, boots, sandals and shoes are made from it. In addition, it is used in interiors as furniture upholstery, the manufacture of nubuck gloves and handbags is also a popular trend.

In stores you can find several options for shoes made of fleecy raw materials, conditionally divided into three main groups:

Type of nubuck

Features of nubuck shoes: pros and cons

Natural

Produced only from raw materials natural origin- skin. The key advantage is good breathability, the disadvantage is Additional requirements in care.

Artificial

It is made of synthetic material and in appearance is practically indistinguishable from the previous model, however, it has higher wear resistance and is not subject to moisture absorption. Of the shortcomings, poor breathability was noted.

Nubuck oil

Made from genuine leather passing during processing additional impregnation with moisture protective agents. Possesses high characteristics of wear resistance and is not whimsical in leaving. The main disadvantage is the high price category.

Artificial nubuck shoes, reviews

Each material has its own artificial counterparts, which are distinguished by a cheaper price category. Also, nubuck products have their synthetic counterparts, which are a polymer cake. Manufacturers use the latest technologies, which allows you to create an ideal likeness of a natural product, but at a better price. Meanwhile, despite the low cost, the wear resistance of artificial nubuck is quite high level, but poor ventilation still remains the biggest disadvantage of this product.

What is the difference between nubuck and suede

Each of these materials is given a worthy place in the collections of designers. They are suitable for tailoring not only shoes, but also outerwear, as well as accessories. When choosing the material of a new thing, the question remains, which is better nubuck or suede:

  • Industrial raw materials. Genuine suede is essentially deerskin. Nubuck is made from cattle.
  • Tanning method. Greasing remains unchanged for suede, chrome plating is mainly used for nubuck.
  • Wear resistance. Suede still has the best indicators of durability.

How to distinguish nubuck from a fake

Since nubuck is a natural material, it not only has good ventilation, but quickly absorbs moisture. To check, if it is wetted, the effect of water will appear immediately - the natural material will become noticeably darker.

For artificial raw materials - such a manifestation is unusual, because. the material has a multilayer structure that does not allow moisture to pass through, but with more high term services.

If you plan to purchase a leather product, you should also pay attention to the label. Its material is always identical to the material of the purchased product. Where a natural animal skin was used, its image is presented on the label, for an artificial composition - the meaning of a rhombus.

Also, natural leather can be identified by the letter name. Mainly shoes foreign production, so the information will be in the language of the country of origin:

  • English - genuine leather;
  • German - echtleder;
  • Italian - vera pelle;
  • French - cuir.

Nubuck shoe care

Having found out what kind of material nubuck is, let's move on to the rules for caring for nubuck shoes. First of all, we will indicate that the courtship process should begin from the first day of wearing, and this type of skin is one of the most capricious in care. For these purposes, the following methods are used:

  • First appearance. When purchasing a novelty, we undoubtedly have to wear it on the same day, however, in the case of this material, it should be initially treated with water-repellent impregnation for nubuck shoes. Read the instructions for this tool first. Most often, it is required to apply it in several stages at intervals for the complete drying of each layer. A similar procedure is performed every time after a walk in wet weather. Such manufacturers of waterproof emulsions are characterized by excellent quality: Collonil Biwax Spray, Saphir Medaille, TARRAGO Nano Leather Refresh, Salamander Universal SMS.
  • Proper cleansing. Cleansing with special means does not require much effort and pressure on the skin. Careful and gentle handling is what is required to keep the shoes in their original form. As assistants, rubberized brushes are used, designed specifically for suede and nubuck.
  • Dry cleaning. After walking, the shoes are cleaned from the accumulation of dust on a dry metalized brush.
  • Wet cleaning. The next step of daily care is to evenly spray the spray on the surface. It is selected based on the color of the shoes. Well-established manufacturers: Salamander, Erdal, Collonil, Sitil, Saphir, Kiwi, Silver.
  • Drying. The previous stage is not the last in the procedure; after it, the shoes need to be dried; it is not recommended to immediately go outside, because. the deposition of dust particles will be much stronger.

How to clean nubuck shoes at home: what can and cannot be used?

In winter, to remove icing, utilities sprinkle roads with salt or special reagents, which does not in the best way affect nubuck shoes - white stains remain on it. In order to get rid of salt stains in winter, a special shampoo is used. However, the initial procedure is dry cleaning.

For the same purposes, you can use ammonia. After mixing it with water in a ratio of 1: 4, moisten a soft sponge in the resulting composition and wipe the contaminated areas. Next comes the drying step. For example, you can hold over the steam. Thus, the villi are straightened and the material becomes like new.

When stains appear, a special stain remover foam is used for this type of material. Ordinary table salt can also be used. However, in this case, it will be necessary to carry out subsequent purification from white stains, according to the scheme described in the first option.

What procedures can not be carried out with nubuck shoes?

First of all, it is worth noting that any cleaning of a nubuck pair of shoes is carried out only on dry material, while drying must be performed naturally by putting paper inside. You can not put wet shoes near the battery, because. when dry, the skin will become rough and may burst.

The opposite situation awaits if the boots are wet and dirty. In this case, it is necessary to wait for drying and carry out cleaning. If you try to remove stains from wet shoes, they will be absorbed even more.

Moisture in large quantities- this is the worst enemy of nubuck. Therefore, when making wet cleaning only special tools are used. It is strictly forbidden to wash shoes under the tap, machine wash or soak. Such a processing method will make the shoes look unaesthetic, the structure will be rigid and it will be almost impossible to achieve the previous state.

Finishing the season right - shoe conservation rules

It must be remembered that the end of the season is an occasion for a general cleaning of all shoes, including nubuck ones. In order for the owner of boots or boots to have a favorite pair in excellent condition and for the next year, when preparing for storage, follow these tips:

  • Dry naturally, remove dirt, remove the insoles and disinfect with a special aerosol.
  • For storage, a spacious box with a tight-fitting lid is used. It should have a hole for ventilation, if there is none, do it yourself. Do not place shoes in plastic bags - there is a high probability of an unpleasant odor.
  • From time to time, boots will need to be aired. If the material looks too dry, it is treated with an aerosol of the appropriate color, dried and placed back in the box.

Nubuck is a valuable material that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable to wear. However, care must be taken on a daily basis. By adhering to the above rules, you can significantly increase the operational life of the product, while without losing the original characteristics.

Now questions about nubuck sound less and less, due to the popularity of such material. At the same time, there are many people who are not even aware that this is one of the types of leather. Especially for such visitors of the Pro Boot Black website, we have prepared this article. Next you will learn:

  • How to distinguish natural nubuck from artificial?
  • Should I wear nubuck in winter?
  • What is oiled nubuck?

Nubuck is a leather with a fine pile, obtained by chrome tanning and grinding with fine abrasive materials on the front side of the skin. Most of the nubuck, from which shoes and furniture sold in Ukraine are made, is made from the skins of cattle. The advantages of this type of leather are strength, reliability and resistance to serious mechanical stress. In addition, nubuck shoes look stylish. From this material make women's and men's boots, shoes, moccasins, sneakers, boots, etc.

How to distinguish natural nubuck from artificial

To get as much material benefit as possible, many shoe manufacturers pass off artificial nubuck as natural. How to distinguish them from each other? Main difference faux leather of this type from natural in that the former does not absorb water. Thus, if you leave one or two drops of water on the surface of such a material and they remain “lying” on the surface, you have artificial nubuck in front of you. At the same time, it is important to understand that this method of checking will show the correct results only if nubuck boots, boots or shoes are not impregnated with water-repellent shoe cosmetics.

By the way, many believe that due to its waterproofness, wearing artificial nubuck in the rain is the best solution for dry feet. And on the one hand, they are right, because such material really does not let water through. At the same time, it does not let air through. As a result, the skin of the legs stops breathing, due to which the temperature inside the “couple” begins to rise, and sweating intensifies. Warm and humid environments are ideal conditions for the rapid growth of fungi and bacteria that cause dermatological problems. Therefore, artificial nubuck or leather (synthetic) is far from best materials shoes to protect feet from getting wet.

When buying nubuck shoes, study the label that manufacturers of sneakers, shoes, moccasins, boots are required to label the product. An icon in the form of a stretched skin indicates that the product is made of genuine leather, and in the form of a rhombus, it is made of faux leather. Detailed marking information leather shoes awaits you in the article "Deciphering symbols on shoe labels".

What is nubuck oil

Oiled nubuck is nubuck that has been impregnated with protective agents during production. Their content inside such material makes it heavier. But it is they who protect the shoes from getting wet. This type of leather is identified by the feeling of moisture under the fingers when touching a product made of it.

Which is better for shoes: suede or nubuck

Nubuck and suede are types of leather that look very similar to each other. At the same time, nubuck is made from the outer layer of the skin of cattle, and suede is made from the inner. Given that the outer layer is thicker and more durable, nubuck shoes are usually much more durable than suede shoes. Boots made of this material withstand impacts, scratches and, with proper care, do not wear out for a long time.

These two types of leather differ in the ability to retain heat in shoes. Nubuck in winter warms the feet, protects them from hypothermia. That is why it is often made from winter boots and boots. Suede shoes are less warm and therefore, in most cases, demi-season shoes and low shoes are sewn from this type of leather.

Note that in order to keep warm inside the shoe, it is important to take care not only about the choice of the type of leather from which it is made, but also about what material will be in contact with the sole of the foot. Winter insoles MAVI STEP Wool, which can be bought on the brand's website or in a network of branded stores in Kyiv, have upper layer made from natural fur. This material retains heat inside the shoe even in severe frosts and prevents the feet from hypothermia. Other quality models cold season insoles Alu Super (White, Black, Grey) and Filc are also made by MAVI STEP. Reviews about the manufacturer, which can be easily found on the Web, will make it clear that we do not deceive you by recommending the brand's products.

Suede has a more velvety texture than nubuck. It is soft, stretchy and looks expensive. Due to this, suede is used more often than nubuck for the manufacture of model shoes.
Thus, if the sophisticated look of shoes or boots is the first thing you expect from shoes, we recommend that you take a closer look at suede models. If strength and durability are a higher priority, give preference to nubuck.

How to clean nubuck

To dry clean nubuck shoes from dirt, you need two items: a brush and an eraser for fleecy leather types. Learn how to use them and learn how to:

  • remove scuffs on nubuck boots, shoes or sandals;
  • restore the texture of products from such material;
  • protect it from getting wet

you can by watching our instructional videos.

TOP-10 products and tools for the restoration and care of nubuck shoes

  1. Spray restorer for suede and nubuck MAVI STEP Nubuck & Suede Spray
  2. Paint for suede and nubuck TRG Suede Dye
  3. Balm for suede and nubuck MAVI STEP Multi Oil Balm
  4. Sponge for suede and nubuck Famaco Eponge Nubuck
  5. Cream paint for suede and nubuck TRG Nubuck Color
  6. Restorer for suede and nubuck MAVI STEP Raviv Daim
  7. Famaco Brosse Crepe Dos Bois suede and nubuck crepe brush with wooden handle
  8. TRG Nubuck Suede Renovator Suede Repair Spray

Note. Very rarely do writers on general websites test shoe care products before writing about them. Moreover, in most cases they do not understand at all what material is compatible with cream, balm, spray or impregnation: suede, nubuck or leather (smooth). As a result, readers who believe what is written spend money on creams and impregnations, which, after the first use, are sent to the trash can. The site provides information only about the products that the project masters have tested in practice. We write that the product keeps nubuck dry in winter or restores its color only when we are personally convinced of this.

Nubuck is a suede-like material that is popular in footwear and upholstery. We offer to figure out what nubuck is, what care rules you need to provide the material.

What is nubuck?

Nubuck - name natural material, which is made from the skin of animals, usually large ones. So that it does not lose its properties, the base is processed with high quality. The product can be divided into natural, synthetic, oil.

For boots, sports sneakers, boots, moisture resistance, water resistance, strength and durability are important qualities. Nubuck has these qualities.

Visually, nubuck is similar to suede. The main difference is the processing method. In addition, suede is made from the skin of small cattle, and, as we said above, nubuck is made from the skin of large cattle. When tanned, nubuck is first treated with salts, and suede is treated with fats. The first is quite easy to clean and less demanding to care for than suede.

The material is pleasant to the touch, soft, slightly fleecy. Consumer properties are achieved through the use of chemical compounds and abrasives. The oil type is finished with fatty substances to improve water repellency.

Nubuck leather

After passing the treatment with sand, salts, the base turns into a slightly fleecy, soft to the touch. Often such material becomes the main one in the manufacture of furniture upholstery. Masters from Italy evaluated the properties of the product, so interior items from it are very successful. Nubuck leather is not used for the production of shoes, since it has more decorative properties and is difficult to care for.

artificial material

Let's figure out what artificial nubuck is. Raw materials are produced by layering different types of polymers on top of each other. The result is a high-quality material that guarantees:

  • long service life;
  • moisture resistance;
  • repulsion of dirt;
  • resistance to temperature extremes, ultraviolet rays;
  • ease of care;
  • low cost;
  • wide color palette.

Nubuck is used for the manufacture of home, outdoor shoes, winter boots, spring and autumn boots, stylish bags, gloves, decor items.

Rules for the care of nubuck shoes

Wear resistance and excellent tactile qualities are considered essential advantages of nubuck products. Cons - the need to purchase shoe brushes for cleaning, the use of special cleaning compounds.

The first treatment of shoes is carried out immediately after purchase, before wearing. Daily care consists in cleaning nubuck shoes with a soft brush or non-woven cloth and treating them with special dirt and water repellents: they will fight snow and dirt.

If you need to restore the color of shoes, you will need a special paint. It is applied with a sweeping motion.

In order for nubuck shoes to last a long time, you need to follow 4 rules:

  • do not leave wet, dirty shoes overnight;
  • do not wear in slush and rain;
  • do not wash with wet rags;
  • do not use products with oil in the composition, as well as products for smooth skin.

Understanding what nubuck is, it will be possible to provide the material with high-quality care, significantly extend the service life of products. To find your perfect nubuck pair, visit shoe stores

The fashion industry does not stand still and constantly offers consumers new ideas and ways of expressing themselves. The texture of the raw materials from which a certain thing is created is of great importance in the matter of drawing up a harmonious look. In this article, we will consider a fashionable attractive and velvety structure. It perfectly conveys the conservative ideas of strict shoes and with the same success reflects the spirit of free style. Very often this material is mistaken for suede. Upon closer inspection, however, there are differences. Nubuck - what is it?

Nubuck or suede?

Both of these materials occupy a worthy place in designer collections. They are ideal for sewing shoes, outerwear and small accessories. Many are interested in natural nubuck. What is nubuck material and how is it different from suede? Consider next:

  • Raw material used. For the production of natural suede, deer skin is used. Nubuck is made from the skin of cattle.
  • tanning method. Suede is traditionally processed with a fat method, and the chrome version is for a material called nubuck. What is the procedure? It provides softness and elasticity of the material, but gives it an unattractive ability to quickly get wet and dry for a long time.
  • Pile. Nubuck has a shorter pile length.
  • Wear resistance. Suede is more adapted to long-term wear.

Nubuck shoes. Rules for the care of winter and summer models

Let's take a closer look at nubuck. What is this material and how to wear it?

It belongs to the category of expensive and capricious, so not every girl is able to decide on such a purchase. Modern trends dictate their own rules, offering summer and winter models made of natural nubuck. Recently, sports boots and elegant slippers have become the most popular. Using suede or nubuck for such casual shoes may seem impractical, but there are rules for caring for capricious shoes that will help keep the beauty of the material in its original form for more than one year.

In what weather can you wear nubuck shoes?

Expensive materials do not tolerate high humidity, so natural nubuck boots cannot be worn in wet and rainy weather. Despite a large number of models for everyday life, suede shoes remain a ceremonial option that does not involve long walks and the possibility of getting into adverse weather conditions.

Suede shoes and boots, nubuck boots are designed for indoor use as well as for dry street roads. These conditions are considered the safest for preserving the beauty of the product.

How to clean nubuck

Natural nubuck is a noble material that requires reverent and careful handling, care and constant attention. Boots and shoes made of nubuck can deteriorate if neglected, so it is important to approach the care of products thoughtfully.

When buying capricious shoes, you should take care of related products. You will need a brush for cleaning, nanospray for processing, paint for nubuck in tone for touching up, heating liners for drying.

The primary care of the nubok consists of a quality surface treatment, drying and re-treatment. The composition of the protective agent creates a barrier that prevents the penetration of moisture, dust particles and reagents. Preventive measures reliably protect shoes from possible problems, and also slow down the contamination of the material. In question with suede shoes better to play it safe by spending on protective equipment than spending money on restoring a damaged item or losing it altogether. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to care for nubuck.

winter boots care

In winter, there is no dust, so the care of boots is simplified. It is enough to wipe the product with a flannel cloth and dry it away from heaters. If the shoes are significantly wet, you can not immediately start cleaning. It is necessary to fill the boots with paper or newspapers, leave to dry completely away from heat sources. You can use special liners for drying shoes.

Caring for nubuck summer shoes

Caring for such shoes in the summer is much more difficult. Even a short stay on a dusty street takes away all the sophistication from a noble thing. To remove dust deposits, it is convenient to use a soft cloth or a special brush sponge. For the best effect, it is recommended to use a cleaning foam. Stains can be easily removed with a regular eraser, which also lifts up the lint, refreshing the look of the product.

Nubuck shoe care: how to raise the pile?

Glossy spots form on the velvet surface during wear. To remove them, use a cotton pad dipped in ammonia. It is necessary to wipe the dirt and lift the pile with a brush or sponge.

To update the appearance of the product, you should arrange a "hot bath". Can I return original appearance pile, holding the shoes over the steam of boiling water. Steamed villi should be wiped with a flannel cloth. After such manipulations, the shoes are transformed before our eyes.

Faux nubuck

What is this? The answer is simple - it is a synthetic material. In appearance, it is quite difficult to distinguish it from natural. It is famous for its wear resistance, but does not allow air to pass through. As a positive point, one can note its ability not to absorb moisture.

Nubuck oil

The modern development of designers, which has high moisture-proof qualities, is called nubuck-oil (nubuck soaked in oil). It is considered the most resistant to external influences environment. His water-repellent impregnation allows you to wear shoes even in wet weather without fear of ruining them. However, the material requires the same careful care as classic version dressing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of nubuck: strength, pleasant appearance, breathability. Things made from it always look stylish and expensive, complement any outfit qualitatively.

Weaknesses: delicacy. Afraid of wet weather, requires careful care. The purchase of related care products is required on a regular basis, which is financially disadvantageous.

For those who doubt: is it worth buying nubuck shoes?

Most often, girls refuse to purchase such shoes due to the difficulties of care. Having studied the methods of proper processing, following the rules of observing the weather regime, you can not worry about the appearance of your favorite thing.

Shoes made of natural nubuck are an elegant and stylish element that will never lose its relevance. The presence of such shoes is an indicator of good taste.

Of all the materials presented to us today, nubuck is one of the few remaining natural materials. This does not make it better or worse - everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages. Today, a huge number of products are made from nubuck: from shoes to accessories and outerwear. By following certain care rules, you can keep your favorite thing in good condition for a long time.

What is natural nubuck?

Most often, nubuck is confused with suede. These two materials are really very similar, however, only at first glance. There are five main differences between suede and nubuck:

  1. Raw material. For the production of suede, the skin of an elk or deer is used, and for the production of nubuck - cattle.
  2. Tanning method. Suede is treated with a fatty method, and nubuck is treated with a chrome one.
  3. Pile length. In suede it is higher, in nubuck it is shorter and lower.
  4. Resistance to external influence. At this point, suede bypasses nubuck - it is more wear-resistant, it can be easily cleaned in a warm soapy water, while nubuck requires a more careful attitude.
  5. Material characteristics. Suede is softer and more viscous, nubuck is harder and tougher.

Other types of nubuck

In addition to the natural material of animal origin, nubuck, like many things today, is artificial. It is made from synthetic raw materials, although in appearance it is very similar to natural. Differs in greater wear resistance, does not gain moisture, however, does not allow air to pass through.

Another option is the modern development of manufacturers - nubuck oil. This is still the same natural nubuck, only treated with additional moisture protection agents. It feels slightly damp to the touch, and, like artificial nubuck, is more resistant to external influences than ordinary nubuck.

Nubuck shoes: pros and cons

Some of them have already been mentioned in the previous paragraph. Of the advantages of nubuck: lightness, excellent breathability, strength. Due to the short length of the pile, it is not subject to rubbing, like suede. The main disadvantage is its delicacy. Much more than leather or suede, nubuck is prone to dirt and grease. He is afraid of moisture, it is necessary to clean it only with special means. Nubuck shoes are ideally bought immediately complete with a water-repellent spray.

Nubuck shoes

from nubuck great option for dry demi-season weather. They can have a wedge heel, a small heel or a hairpin. Some manufacturers combine nubuck with leather, for example on the toe. Beyond the original appearance it also helps to keep the shoes in good condition, since the leather toe cap, which is prone to dirt, can be easily cleaned with a sponge.

Nubuck sneakers are a cute relatively new invention of designers. They are "ennobled" sports shoes, which, thanks to nubuck, fit perfectly into the city. They can look like running shoes, sneakers, "superstars" or any other model. However, in models for sports, nubuck inserts are also very common.

Among the boots made of nubuck, Timberland shoes, perhaps, hold the leadership. Characteristic red color, with laces, just above the ankle - this model is easily recognizable on the streets of the city. They deserve their popularity just because of their excellent resistance to off-season weather conditions: a thick sole reliably protects the foot, a patented treatment prevents pollution for a long time. Other brands have various other models: more feminine, stylized as a biker or classic conservative.

Designers and ankle boots made of nubuck did not bypass. A stable heel combined with a visual velvety fabric make the shoes practical and suitable for a large number of images.