There are many things one needs to consider when preparing to travel: buying tickets, booking accommodations, planning tours. Regarding clothing, most people remember to check weather forecasts and consider how many days they’ll stay abroad. Too often, the material of the shoes is just an afterthought, which is a serious mistake.
Choosing the right shoes for the journey is a vital step to ensure comfort and protection throughout, without sacrificing style. In this context, suede and leather are the most popular choices, but which one is best? Keep reading and find out.
Anatomy of the ideal travel shoe
Shoes tend to take up a lot of space in the luggage, which is why most people bring only a pair or two with them. So, these shoes must be versatile, both practically and aesthetically. It must be stylish enough for formal occasions and comfortable enough to be worn for hours on end.
It means it should be made of lightweight, breathable materials that look well with pretty much any outfit. That’s when the most demanding users go for suede or leather shoes. Both options have many things in common. For starters, both derive from animal hide, like goat, lamb, or cow. Breathability is also a shared feature, but each option develops its own patina over time.
What suede does better when travelling
Suede is much softer in texture than leather and can bend considerably without deforming, depending on the sole type. So, it can be easily tucked into tight luggage, thus saving space. More importantly, suede conveys easy elegance in varied social settings.
It means it’s the perfect option for those needing to constantly change from formal to informal environments. Besides, suede shoes also tend to feel lighter and softer, while providing outstanding breathability. Be it a city trip, a Summer holiday, or a casual dinner while traveling, suede derbies and loafers look great anyway.
Where leather still wins
Leather may be less flexible than suede, but it’s also much more durable. Their sturdy structures may not be easily crammed into a bag, but it also means they won’t bend out of shape during the journey. Leather is the best option for those expecting to face harsh weather conditions and a high-friction environment.
Top-grain and full-grain leather are nearly as smooth as suede, though excelling in durability, protection, and damage resistance. So, it’s the way to go for travelers who don’t know what weather or environmental conditions to expect. In any case, grained leather sneakers and derbies can handle moisture much better than suede models, often becoming the safest choices.
Packing considerations: which material travels better
It really depends on the trip and space availability in the luggage. Leather shoes won’t bend, which means they can take up much of the space of a small bag, for instance. In such cases, suede derbies and loafers may be the best options. They’ll save considerable storage space and suit a wide variety of situations.
However, leather is the best choice for harsh weather conditions. Grained leather is a great compromise option, since it’s almost as smooth as suede, but still retains some key leather advantages, like enhanced durability and resistance.
Versatility: which material adapts to more outfits
Suede shoes add natural refinement to any outfit, but they are mostly fit for informal occasions. Typically, it contrasts well with linen, silk, and denim outfits. Meanwhile, leather-based shoes are better for more formal and professional settings. Additionally, they also handle well a wide variety of environments, making them a more versatile option.
Like suede, leather goes well with denim, but it can also be beautifully paired with wool or cotton. So, it’s the best option for everyday wear, especially on rainy days, looking great with trousers and jeans, jackets, and tees alike.
Romeo Gorain waterproof suede loafers
The smartest travel strategy: choose the right shoes, not just the material
While choosing the right material is a crucial step towards a smooth journey, there’s more for travelers to consider. More than choosing between leather and suede, travelers must also consider the shoe category, sole flexibility, shape, and comfort.
For casual city travels or holiday getaways, suede loafers may be the most suitable option. However, if the trip involves long walks, it may be a good idea to spare some space for leather sneakers and derbies.
