A Simple Guide to Shoe Materials: Leather, Suede & Canvas

The material a shoe is made from changes how it looks, feels and ages. Here’s a quick guide to the ones we use most.

Full-grain leather

Durable, breathable and gets better with age. It develops a natural patina over time and can be polished back to life after years of wear.

Suede

Soft and textured, suede has a more relaxed character than smooth leather. It needs a little more care — a soft brush and a protective spray go a long way.

Canvas

Lightweight, breathable and easy to clean, canvas is the go-to for warm-weather sneakers and casual styles.

Knit

A sock-like, flexible upper that hugs the foot. Knit sneakers are light and breathable, ideal for all-day wear.

Choosing the right material comes down to how and where you’ll wear them — browse our full collection to find your match.