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What separates high-quality leather from budget alternatives is the layer of the animal hide used in the sandal-making process. The way the grain surface is finished, as well as the tanning method used during finishing, will have a lasting effect on the quality.
The main grades of leather used in sandal making are full grain, top grain, split, and bonded leather. The leather grade determines how long a sandal will last and how well it will hold up in various weather conditions. It impacts how comfortable your sandals will feel after years of wear and tear.
That’s why Jerusalem Sandals has a thorough process that’s clear-cut and deliberate. When it comes to our products, we don’t do anything halfway. Browse the Jerusalem Sandals leather guide to learn more about durable, long-lasting leather.
What is Full Grain Leather?
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather grade used in sandal-making, and it’s what Jerusalem Sandals uses for each of our products. With full grain leather, the entire grain layer is left intact, which leads to superior strength, more natural markings, and sandals that develop character over time.
When comparing top grain leather vs full grain leather, keep in mind that top grain leather is sanded and more uniform than full grain, and loses some of its durability and character as it ages. Jerusalem Sandals uses full grain leather to make our products, including the Michael fisherman sandal and the Daniel closed-toe sandal. Browse Jerusalem Sandals for our superior craftsmanship.
What Is Genuine Leather, and What Grades Of Leather Actually Mean
So many brands claim that their products are made with “genuine leather”, but what does that really mean? If a brand claims that their product is made with “genuine" leather, it often just means real leather. This doesn’t guarantee that their product is made with a top-tier grade like full grain leather.
Genuine leather can be made from various parts of the animal hide. During the sandal-making process, it will be buffed or sanded to remove any flaws and finished with printed-on grain or a coat of finish. It’s an affordable alternative to finer quality leather without the higher price tag.
When shopping for leather products, consider the leather quality hierarchy:
Full Grain → Top Grain → Genuine → Bonded
Let’s debunk the myths and rumors. The truth is, genuine leather is far from the quality of full grain leather. But it’s still used to create cheap, well-designed products for short-term use.
Suede vs Leather, and Where Nubuck Fits In
Suede is a distinct finish, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lesser leather. The soft napped texture has a different care profile than full grain leather. Suede is also known as split grain leather. It’s made from a lower layer of the hide that’s flexible and allows more coloring and embossing than some other grades.
Suede and nubuck are similar, but the difference is mainly the layer of the animal used. While suede is split from below the grain, nubuck is made with the stronger outer side of the hide. Jerusalem Sandals offers high-quality nubuck sandals like the Sawyer clog-toe sandal that’s perfect for formal occasions. Our products are made to last, including our men’s and women’s clogs, sandals, belts, and other accessories.
How To Choose The Best Leather for Sandals
The best leather for sandals will offer durability, breathability, and superior comfort in warm climates. Each type of leather ages differently and works well for different products. Full grain leather is highly recommended for its longevity and is good for sandal making, work bags, and other items used daily. Nubuck and suede are strong materials for texture and casual versatility. The softer material works well for shoes, lightweight jackets, and accessories.
Explore Leather Sandals Built To Last
Jerusalem Sandals makes deliberate material choices in our production process. Our sandals are handcrafted with leather that improves with age. Explore our fit guide and get the exact size you need to maintain comfort throughout the day. Browse the leather sandal collection at Jerusalem Sandals and the full leather guide series, where we discuss full-grain, nubuck, and suede leather sandals.
