Suede vs. Leather Skate Shoes (Which One Is The Best)

Suede vs. leather skate shoes– which one is suitable for you? The battle is intense. 

Did you know that most people don’t even know that they need skate shoes to skateboard. Skate shoes minimize the chance of accidents, provide more grip control, and let you ride more comfortably.

Although suede and leather are both strong materials, which one is better in terms of durability?

Grip control? And water resistance?

Let’s find out!

Suede Skate Shoes

The material suede is obtained from the soft underside of animal skin, mainly lamb. Even if the entire skate shoes are not made of suede, the material will cover the significant areas. Such as the toecaps and ollie area.

Suede skate shoes are one of the best skate shoes out there. They offer strong sock liners and rubber gum soles so you can ride with confidence by the water.

An excellent suede skate shoes will come with advanced designs that will let you ride on crazier rails with no care in the world.

Check Out Some Suede Shoes

What Benefits Does It Provide In Skateboarding And What Are The Challenges?

Suede shoes have a great grip, comfortable, but they are high maintenance. They are not necessarily on the durable side, because they rip easily. Besides, the stretchiness of the suede shoes lets it fit your feet perfectly even if you buy a pair that is a little small for you!

Nonetheless, suede is not as strong as leather. Hence, it can’t handle the abuse that leather skate shoes can. Additionally, cleaning suede shoes are tough and require special cleaning methods. As you all know, keep your suede away from water!

What Is Suede Skate Shoes Good For?

These are specially designed shoes that make the rider to perform cool tricks and have more grip during skating. The wide soles help the rider to control and hold onto their skateboards without falling over.

Because the material is so soft, smooth, and gives off a high-end vibe, it is liked by many skateboard riders.

How Is The Stitching?

Suede skate shoes have double and triple stitches for technical street skating. For this reason, you can get away with small wear and tear, but the shoes will stay intact.

Leather Skate Shoes

Unlike suede skate shoes, leather skate shoes are made from the outer layer of the animal hide. That is why, leather is thinner than suede and also less durable in some cases. Leather is also an excellent choice if you skate a lot.

Even though you don’t need to wear skate shoes to ride skateboards, wearing one during the activity is safer. You will have better control over the board when you have leather skate shoes on.

Check Out Some Leather Shoes

They are well designed skate shoes. One can use the leather skate shoes for normal use as well.

What Benefits Does It Provide In Skateboarding And What Are The Challenges?

Although leather skate shoes are long-lasting, they can be stiff and slippery sometimes. However, this slippery effect goes away after the first hour and it begins to scuff up nicely.

Leather shoes are also breathable and water-resistant. Your feet won’t stink much when you wear leather shoes.

Also, you can wear it on rainy days and in the mud. Then, go home, wash, and dry them. They will still look as good as new the next day!

On the downside, it’s just a little pricey!

What Is Leather Skate Shoes Good For?

Since the material is sturdy, you can get some protection from falling objects, hot liquid, bumps, and rocks. When it rains, you don’t have to worry about it as you have to with suede shoes. These skate shoes are also environment-friendly.

How Is The Stitching?

The stitching of the leather skate shoes is the same as the suede shoes. This one is also suitable for technical street skating, where a lot of tricks are involved. Leather won’t tear easily, and the double and triple stitching makes it more durable.

What Are The Core Differences Between These Two Types Of Skate Shoes?

	Suede	Leather
Comfort	Yes	Yes
Grip	Yes	Yes
Water-resistant	No	Yes
Durable	Yes	Yes
Damages easily	Yes	No
Expensive	No	Yes

What Is Better For Skateboarding- Suede Or Leather?

Leather and suede are both the best materials for skating. They both offer comfort, strong grip for tricks , manageability, and protection from cold without ripping off the shoe. It’s a matter of preference of the individual based on what he or she prefers.

Suede is cheaper than leather, but it’s not water-resistant or long lasting. Then again, leather is breathable and durable, but you have to spend a good amount of money to get it. 

So, which one is better? Whichever you like!

It’s your choice.

Which One Is The Most Durable, Long Lasting And Performs Well?

When it comes to durability, leather beats suede. Leather can withstand scratches, hits, water, cold, and hot liquid. But suede is not that versatile.

Performance-wise, they are both good. Suede will tear off easily, that’s all. So, with leather, you can skate all you want, all day long, and it will last a little longer than suede.

Last Word

Based on what I have discussed above, have you made up your mind yet about which one to get- suede or leather?

To make things easy for you, if you want to save some money, go for suede. But be careful not to go near water with it.

And if you want skate shoes that last you many years, buy leather. It is expensive, but it will be the best decision of your life!