 Leather footwear for Consumers & Brands

Being one of the best materials, leather has been used in manufacturing shoes and
accessories since paleolithic times. It can be shaped and cut with ease, for it is light and
strong and most importantly, it breathes. Today, it is one of the most widely traded
commodities globally. The growth in demand for leather is driven by the fashion
industry, especially footwear, and it is believed that a product crafted with genuine
leather is seen as a stamp of approval on quality and durability. Most manufactures,
brand owners as well as designers are of the view that leather is intertwined with
fashion. Leather fashion accessories brand like Da Milano, which deals only in leather,
adds a wide variety of textures and colours to choose from. They import full grain
handpicked leather from Italy and is intricately textured and dyed at the state of art
manufacturing units to add the touch of luxury to all products. They claims that to give a
rich and authentic feel, their trained craftsmen create animal textures like fur, crocodile,
snake, ostrich, elephant, fish, buffalo. Being a manufacturer of leather footwear and
bags, leather is essential to the brand.
Consumers of today have changed, and the awareness among the Indian leather
consumers, in terms of kinds of leather and quality, is understandably on the rise. There
is a growing popularity of leather products in India due to its properties like durability,
dustproof, fireproof, and crack-proof. It is largely influencing the sales of leather goods
products in India. Today, consumers are aware of the kinds of leather, texture etc, due
to growing internet penetration and social media platforms which is also expected to
increase consumer inclination towards branded leather goods. Availability of affordable
high-quality leather goods and growing demand for durable products is supporting the
market growth in the Indian market. But catering to today's consumers comes with
greater responsibility, and sustainability is one vital aspect. Though there's strong
activism against leather products, there are also stronger efforts to make the leather
tanning process eco-friendly. Parimal Mehta, Founder Horra Luxury suggests that
sustainable leather is definitely important for his brand, and believes that all fashion
brands should be advocating sustainability too. They use sustainable leather, a by-
product of the animal-farming industry, it doesn't actually require additional land nor
resources.
Many brands like Paio Shoes uses synthetic leather and fabrics as an alternative to
genuine leather - which means the shoes are crafted 100% using man-made materials.
Both genuine and synthetic leathers undergo intensive chemical processes in order to
manufacture the material. These leathers do not biodegrade easily. But at the same time
Paio Shoes also focuses on customization. With mass customization , they can reduce
the wastage caused by end of season discarded designs and collections by crafting one
shoe at a time for each customer. In this process, they reduce excess collections while
providing their customers with shoe designs they love. But genuine leathers have always
been a preferred choice for footwear manufacturing for the reasons mentioned above.
 VegShoes founded in 2016, is the another brand whose idea is to create a space for
‘better than leather’ footwear and accessories, with Ahimsa (non-violence) as their DNA.
They contribute towards reducing the polluting process of leather tanning and save live
of countless animals. They make footwear using good-quality vegan Leather, a polymer
that not only resembles leather but, it’s as long-lasting and durable as a original leather
product. The replacement is up to three times stronger than real leather and supports
breathability and recycling as a practice along with ensuring comfort and perfect fitting.
Therefore, vegan leathers not only imitate all properties and qualities of genuine
leather, they are also the preferred choice for a conscious customer.

PRODUCT: MENS LEATHER FOOTWEAR

Good leather shoes are a part of every man’s wardrobe. Whether it’s for office wear, formal
occasions like weddings or party wear, every aspect of one’s wardrobe is important and shoes are no
less. They are an important part of a man’s outfit and can make or break the impression he creates
in people’s minds. Choosing footwear requires careful consideration taking into account not only the
appearance of the shoes in question but the material, the fit, the level of comfort, and of course its
durability. Therefore some of the key players that are performing really well in India and which
manufacture and sell best quality formal and casual leather shoes at a very reasonable price are
discussed below:

1. Hush Puppies

Headquartered in Michigan, Hush Puppies is the go-to footwear brand that delivers the right mix of
timeless style, dependable comfort, and quality. With the market in over 120 countries, the brand
manufactures the most comfortable yet elegant leather shoes. The brand has defined an authentic
casual style for generations of consumers around the world. Today, Hush Puppies is the favourite
shoe for all who embrace the light-hearted spirit and modern style.

2. Woodland

Established in the year 1992, Woodland is defined by the spirit of adventure. This was the first hand-
stitched leather branded leather shoe available in India and took the market by a storm. Today
Woodland shoes are available across the country in innumerable stores and online too. The brand
offers an extensive line of footwear which are comfortable, snug and durable.

3. Lee Cooper

Situated in London, Lee Cooper has made its products fit in various market types and pocket sizes.
The brand offers classy leather shoes with intricate detailing. A perfect blend of state-of-art features
and stringent quality standards, Lee Cooper leather shoes are an epitome of comfort and satiate the
demands of the customers in the best possible way. It is one of the best-known shoe brands in the
world today and are one of the leading footwear brands in India providing India’s largest footwear
range in the subcategory of Dress Shoes, Semi-Casual, Comfort Casuals, Lifestyle, Sports, Industrial &
Safety, etc.

4. Red Tape

Red Tape is a brand known for its unparalleled Comfort, International Styles and Finesse. It is a high-
end shoe brand committed to providing the highest-quality products to the customers. Red Tape has
a huge variety of leather shoes for men, especially known for their designs and durability. has
become India’s most Loved Premium Lifestyle Brand.

5. Louis Phillipe

A division of the Aditya Birla Group, Louis Phillipe is one of the largest apparels and footwear brands
in India. The Louis Phillipe range of leather shoes has some outstanding designs to help take fashion
quotient up a notch. Taking the market by storm, Louis Phillipe branded leather shoes are made
from top-quality leather and have sturdy soles that enable you to carry that formal look confidently.

6. Clarks
Clarks has been making shoes since 1825 and has been available in India since 2005 when they
opened three stores here. With over 1000 branded stores and franchises globally, Clarks is a leading
footwear brand founded in the year 1825. The brand is famed for its Desert Boots that are made
from calf suede leather. High on style and functionality, Clarks leather shoes are the perfect choices
when looking for a value-for-money proposition. Over the years it has become another preferred
brand for the best leather shoes in India.

7. Red Chief

The list of the top leather shoe brands will always be incomplete without the inclusion of Red Chief.
A part of Leayan Global Pvt. Ltd, Red Chief has made its mark all over the world with its exclusive
collection of leather shoes. The brand stands for trust and boasts of unique designs, comfort level,
and reasonably-priced footwear. The company is a complete leather and footwear manufacturer
with its own tannery and five manufacturing plants.

8. Ruosh

The Ruosh brand is the in-house footwear brand from Sara Soule Pvt Ltd, a Bangalore based
company that is into shoe and leather manufacture. Established in 2001, the company is one of the
largest footwear manufacturers in the world and has several international clients. The brand is highly
quality-focused.

9. Bata

Established in 1894 in Zlin, a town in the modern Czech Republic, Bata started with 10 employees.
Today it is a massive multi-national company with a very strong presence in India where it arrived in
1931. It is the largest retailer and leading manufacturer of footwear in India and is a part of the Bata
Shoe Organization. It has five factories and two tanneries. The Mokameh Ghat tannery in Bihar
(1952) is the second largest in Asia. It is a very well known shoe brand in India. From flip flops to
formal shoes, from childhood to adult life, Bata has been the footwear favourite for millions of
Indians.

10. Metro

Metro is yet another homegrown brand that has made its impact on the Indian shoe market. It is a
Mumbai based company that started in 1947. Their first outlet opened in Colaba, in South Mumbai.
Today the brand has stores all over the country in the metros and in tier two cities. Over the past six
decades, the company and the brand have become synonymous with unmatched quality, skilled
craftsmanship and high-fashion products in the footwear industry.

 Classification of Leather Footwear

1. Oxford

Features: The Oxford is a sleek, formal lace-up shoe identified by it’s “closed” lacing
style and the appeal that the shoe is made from one piece of leather. The closed style
means that the eyelet flaps on top of the shoe are stitched over the vamp, or the front
section of the shoe, restricts the flap’s movement. Oxfords are usually worn in more
formal situations, but can also be worn casually with a business suit. They usually
feature a plain cap toe, and when polished to a deep shine represent the smartest of
smart formal shoes.
Types of Leather: Oxfords are now made from a variety of materials, including calf
leather, faux and genuine patent leather, suede.

2. Derby

Features: Often confused with the Oxford, the Derby is a close shoe relative, but have an
open lacing system with the flaps being sewn under the vamp and not connected at
front of the shoe. This style of stitching makes the flaps capable of movement and when
laced the shoe looks as if it’s broken up into segments (top, side, back, etc.) Derby
feature eyelet facings stitched to the top of the vamp, giving the lacing an open aspect
rather than a neat slit. The advantage in this style is that if a person has very wide feet,
or the feet tend to swell in hot stuffy rooms, a Derby offers a greater range of
adjustment. Originally a sporting shoe, the Derby was used in more relaxed
environments like hunting. It can be worn in formal settings, but it is more casual than
an Oxford and could make for a more comfortable, functional fit. It belongs at the very
smart end of smart casual.
Type of Leather: Suede, Shammy Leather, Scotch grain, Italian leather etc.

3. Blucher

Features: In the U.S., Derby’s and Bluchers are often used interchangeably to describe
the open front lace style, but they’re actually two slightly different types of men’s shoes.
The Derby’s have the two sides sewn under the vamp, whereas Bluchers connect the
two sides onto the vamp. The upper is made of one cut, with only the small eyelet tabs
sewn on top.
Types of Leather: Calfskin, chamois , chromexcel, Patent Leather, shell Cordovan, Suede.

4. Loafers
Tassel Loafer Penny Loafer

Features: Identified by its wide heel and slip-on capabilities, the Loafer was inspired by
mocassins; the shoe of choice for Native Americans. The only slip-ons which work as
formal shoes - horsebit loafers, tasselled loafers, or penny loafers are an elegant choice
to wear with your suit. These are slim, low profile shoe much more cooler than heavy
lace ups, making them a superb summer option, and ideal if feet are prone to swelling or
if anyone struggle with laces.
Types of Leather: Calfskin, Chamois, Chromexcel, Crocodile, Deer Skin, Leather, Shell,
Cordovan, Suede.

5. Brogues
Features: Brogue shoes are a style of Oxford, or Blucher that come with a perforated
design punched along the edge of the leather overlapping the vamp. In short, Brogue is
the style of shoes with the holes and thereby it’s own type of men’s dress shoe. But
there are also 3 most popular Brogue shoes discussed below.
Types of Leather: Patent Leather, Suede, Calf, Deerskin, Grain etc.

 A Full Brogue or Brogue: Full brogues or wingtips are flamboyant shoes with a swept
back toe cap which looks like a "w". These heavily perforated shoes are best suited
to smart casual use.

 A Half Brogue (Semi Brogue): A design with some perforations on the edge of the
toe cap, but the majority of the design is the decorative perforations in the centre of
the toe cap of the shoe (medallions).
 A Quarter Brogue: This is the same as a Half Brogue, but with instead of the
medallions in the toe cap, the Quarter Brogue is plain.

6. Boots
The clearest cut picture painted of boots dates back to 1,000 B.C.E, where the Scythians
belonging to Southern Siberia wore simple boots made of leather with fur leg covering.
The boots were lashed by a thin thong of leather. Be it a woman or a man, boots are
now considered quite fashionable. They are in fashion, comfortable, make a style
statement, and most important of all, they can be worn anywhere. There are many type
of leather boots for men which are discussed below.
Types of leather: Calfskin, Suede, Cowhide, Deerskin, Grain, Nubuck etc.

 Chelsea Boot: Originated during the Victorian era, but made mainstream cool in the
60s, this snug style of ankle boot is classified by its low heel, fabric tab on its’
backside and slip-on with a elastic side panelling. Chelsea Boots have rounded toes
and are versatile enough to be worn with jeans or a suit. The boot has a slim
silhouette with a sharp toe box and a thin leather sole.
 The Jodhpur Ankle Boot: Similar to the Chelsea boots but the only difference
between a Chelsea and Jodhpur boot is that the latter has an ankle strap that goes all
the way around. It has this sleek European look and goes really well with tapered
trim trousers.

 Chukkas: Chukkas are a Derby styled ankle boot. Typically made from calfskin or
suede, chukkas are created by using two to three sets of eyelets and an open lacing
system to secure the quarters over the tongue of the boot. It has a soft, thin sole and
is a great boot for cooler months.
 The Harness Boot: Also known as a riding boot, this boot has a tough style and can
withstand anything. It protects your feet from dust, dirt, and just about anything.
The best thing about the harness boot is that they are meant for labor and
adventure.

 Desert Boot: Desert Boots are a type of Chukka, but the different between Desert
Boots and Chukkas is in their sole makeup. Desert Boots have a rubber sole and
chukkas have a leather sole. It has flexible gum soles and with a pair on feet, anyone
can walk any dry, dusty terrain. The boot provides comfort and has a long life.

 The Work Boot: Stylish, long-lasting, and strong enough to withstand the coldest
weather and still keep your feet warm, the work boot is the ultimate boot without
any embellishments. It has a simple lace-up style till the top that gives it a firm grip.
It is also called workwear because it shows strength when you are in the field. The
original work boot is made from thick cowhide that protects your feet.
 The Trench Boot: It has a partially-structured Toe, leather sole, stacked leather heel,
tone-On-Tone Stitching, and Brass Eyelets. They provide exceptional all-day comfort
for nearly all foot types with a generous toe box.

7. Monk/Double Monk

Features: The Monk Strap style is defined as any shoe that uses a strap and a buckle
instead of rather than laces to secure the foot in the shoe. When there’s a broader strap
with two buckles, that’s called a Double Monk. They are formal shoes with a difference,
featuring single or double buckles. They make good office wear also work with more
casual wear.
 Types of leather: Calfskin, Grain, Shell Cordovan etc.

8. Boat Shoe

Features: These shoes aren’t just a fashionable style of shoe, but they actually have a
functional purpose. These shoes come equipped with an anti-slip rubber to
accommodate walking (or partying) on wet decks. Usually, Boat Shoes (or Deck Shoes)
come as Derbies or Bluchers in the Loafer style with the leather shoelaces tying over the
tongue of the shoe. The typical Boat Shoe has a leather lace woven through the collar of
the shoe and tying over the tongue of the shoe, to secure the shoe more tightly
Types of leather: Nubuck, Cowhide, Suede etc.

9. Flats
Features: Flats, footwear are those which is not high-heeled. With no heels or very less
heels these are the most comfortable footwear anyone can wear throughout the day in
or out. They can be in the form of sandal, chappals or slippers, Juttis and Mojaris which
are discussed below.
Types of leather: Full grain crust, Suede, Pure natural leather, tanned etc.

 Slippers or chappals: Chappals are a simple type of leather footwear, that provide the
foot with basic protection from hot surfaces and rough terrain. Made with flat soles
attached to the foot by straps that encircle the top of the foot and big toe. Leather
Chappals for men can be casually and traditionally paired with kurtas, shorts, jeans or
cuffed-up chinos.
 Sandals: Sandals are an open type of footwear, consisting of a sole held to the
wearer's foot by straps going over the instep and, sometimes, around the ankle.
Sandals can a little heel. People may choose to wear sandals to comfort in warm
weather or warmer parts of the year in order to keep their feet cool and dry. The risk
of developing athlete's foot is lower than with enclosed shoes, and the wearing of
sandals may be part of the treatment regimen for such an infection.

 Mojaris: Mojari or Khussa is a handcrafted footwear produced in South Asia. They

are traditionally made by artisans mostly using tanned and pure leather. The uppers
are made of one piece of leather which are either imprinted or interwoven with a
curled up pointed toe (can be flat also). They are slip-on that purely give a traditional
feel and are the perfect add-on to outfits for any occasion whether it be party,
wedding or just for daily use.

 Juttis: They also usually have flat sole and are quite similar to mojaris but a key point
of distinction is the front of the shoe as juttis are mostly with flat fronts. They are
also made of using pure natural leather and fall under slip-on style. There are two
different styles one is Punjabi Jutti which comes with a great looking texture
 enhanced by Natural Tanning methods and the other is Kolhapuri Jutti which is
interlaced. Again these are perfect for any Occasion and also for Daily use.

Punjabi Jutti Kolhapuri Jutti

References:
https://threadcurve.com/types-of-boots-for-men/

https://oakstreetbootmakers.com/trench-boot-natural-chromexcel-leather-sole-with-vibram-toplift

https://manofmany.com/fashion/a-definitive-guide-to-dress-shoes

https://www.samuel-windsor.co.uk/formal-mens-shoes-styles

https://row.barkershoes.com/collections/mens-brogues

https://www.theshoemart.com/mens/casual/boat-shoes/

https://www.dmodot.com/collections/all-products/products/pelle-nera

https://www.kraftojodhpur.com/collections/kolhapuri-chappals

https://www.encyclopedia.com/fashion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/jutti

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