Hey there!
I’m Mohan – been in the footwear business for over 14 years. People often ask me
“Bhai, is this real leather? Will this last?”
Honestly, you can’t always tell just by looking. But with a few smart tips and some practice, you can learn to spot the good stuff.
Here’s a simple guide, straight from my experience.
Leather – Real vs Synthetic (PU)
Real Leather:
- Has a natural musky smell
- Feels warm and soft to the touch
- Wrinkles slightly when bent, then smooths back
- Costs more but lasts longer
Synthetic/PU Leather:
- Looks shiny and plastic-like
- Smells chemical-ish
- Cracks over time
- Lighter and cheaper, but less durable
Mohan’s Tip:
Want leather that’s easier to care for? Look for “coated leather” – looks real but more resistant.
Mesh – For Comfort Lovers
- Lightweight and breathable
- Perfect for sports and hot weather
- Dries quickly
- Can tear if overused
🧠 Mohan’s Tip:
Avoid mesh shoes in rain – once wet, they can smell bad.
Suede – Stylish but Delicate
- Feels like velvet
- Great for classy or semi-casual looks
- Water stains easily
🧠 Mohan’s Tip:
Use a suede brush and cleaner spray – and keep them away from rain!
Canvas – Casual and Chill
- Lightweight and washable
- Perfect for everyday wear
- Not water-friendly
🧠 Mohan’s Tip:
Use canvas protector spray to keep them fresh longer.
EVA & Rubber Soles – Cushion & Grip
- EVA is super light, good for running shoes
- Rubber is tougher and slip-resistant, great for work and rain
- Both durable and provide good grip
- Perfect for the rainy season — even if they get wet, they don’t get damaged and still provide excellent traction
🧠 Mohan’s Tip:
Rubber soles: best grip in wet conditions. If you’re shopping for monsoon shoes, always go for rubber soles.
Quick Recap Table
|
Material |
Best For |
Avoid When |
Pro Tip |
|
Leather |
Formal, Office Wear |
Heavy Rain |
Moisturize occasionally |
|
Mesh |
Summer, Walking |
Wet Weather |
Let dry fully |
|
Suede |
Style, Semi-Formal |
Water, Mud |
Use brush + spray |
|
Canvas |
Casual, Youth Style |
Water Areas |
Wash monthly + protect |
|
Rubber Sole |
Rain, Work, Safety |
Extreme Heat |
Perfect grip for rainy days |
Final Words from Us
When you understand shoe materials, buying shoes becomes fun and less confusing. Forget brands for a bit — the material is what really matters.
If this helped you, I’m happy. Got questions? Reach out anytime.
Your sole mate,
Mohan
👟 Let’s unlock the secret trick!