Most parents are familiar with cow leather, or cowhide, for shoes and other leather goods. However, cowhide isn’t the only material used for leather goods. In this article, we’ll compare cowhide with pig skin and microfiber leather to help you understand the different materials that make up Little Blue Lamb's Kids shoes.
Cowhide Leather
Availability: Mostly from the West and Africa where strong beef industries exist. Most common and abundant leather source.
Description: One of the heaviest leathers. Very tough and durable. Soft and supple to the touch.
Pros: Tough and durable, commonly accessible. Dirt and water resistant.
Cons: Stiffens after getting wet and may break easily after. Heavier than pig skin due to its thickness and density.
Pig SkinLeather
Availability: Asia, where pork is a more staple product than beef. Hence, pig skin is a more common by-product.
Description: A dense leather similar to cowhide, but thinner. Known for it's resilience and ability to hold up well against abrasion. Does not stiffen after getting wet.
Pros: Not affected when it gets wet. Won’t stiffen up like cowhide. Light and porous makes for a more breathable layer. Better abrasion/puncture resistance compared to grain cowhide. Ages well and becomes more supple with use.
Cons: Not as soft and supple as cowhide in the beginning. Not suitable for use by Muslims due to religious reasons.
Microfiber Leather
Availability: Globally. Manufacturers use different names and materials.
Description: Microfiber leather is made from a combination of microfiber non-woven fabric coated with a layer of high performance polyurethane resins. In the industry, it’s considered the latest version and highest quality of synthetic leather. Read our earlier article for more about microfiber leather.
Pros: More animal and environmentally friendly, recommended by PETA. Breathable, anti-bacterial and anti-odour, lightweight, water-repellent, and washable.
Cons: May not be as soft as real leather. May not age well like real leather.
Other known names: Vegan leather, PU leather, Synthetic leather.
How to identify pig skin leather?
The main tell-tale sign of genuine pig skin leather is the small 3-dots pattern scattered randomly on the surface. These spots appear only on one side.
If you are not sure, read labels. Note that the terms pig suede, pork suede and peccary also refer to pig leather.
Is pig skin good leather?
Pig skin leather has its benefits. It is commonly available in Asia where pork is a staple product. It is very durable and resilient and thus, holds well against abrasion.
Pigskin leather is thinner than cowhide, and its main advantage is that it remains pliable and doesn’t stiffen after getting wet. As such, it is often used as a liner for fine leather goods. It is, in fact, considered a luxury when used for certain items, including polo saddles.
Finally, pigskin leather is breathable and water, stain and oil repellent, making it ideal for use in shoes.
Is pig skin leather soft?
Yes, pig skin leather is soft, which means that it is more pliable than most other leathers.
Pig skin leather care
Similar to all other leather, pig skin leather items should be cared for properly if you want them to last. You can use a non-abrasive cloth, mild soap solution and leather conditioner to keep it clean.
Ensure that your cloth is damp but not too wet before wiping the pigskin item. Wipe in one direction and then the opposite direction until the dirty spot is cleaned. Rubbing it continuously in one spot will cause a nonuniform appearance on the leather. Dry it with a soft towel.
Besides this, pig skin leather items, such as pig skin shoes should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat. Store in a cool dry place, such as a closet. Do not keep pigskin leather items in plastic bags.
Pig skin leather shoes Singapore
Shop our latest children shoes collection with pig skin lining for more breathability.
Prefer without pig skin materials? Check out our children shoes collection without the use of pig skin.
Use our smart Size Assistant to find out your child's Two Little Feet shoe size, based on their feet length!
Looking for more options?
For babies just starting to walk,check out this curatedWobbly Steps Collectionfor first walkers who are still walking with support.
If your child is walking steadily, we have curated aSteady Walking Kids Shoes and Sandals Collection.
Have an active running and jumping child at home? Look no further than our most supportivekids sneakers and children sandals for Active Running young ones!
Check out our range of children footwear:
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of leather materials and their applications, let me guide you through the key concepts discussed in the article comparing cowhide, pig skin, and microfiber leather, particularly in the context of Little Blue Lamb's Kids shoes.
Cowhide Leather:
Availability: Primarily sourced from the West and Africa, where strong beef industries exist.
Description: Heaviest leather, tough, and durable. Soft and supple to the touch.
Pros:
- Tough and durable, commonly accessible.
- Dirt and water-resistant.
Cons:
- Stiffens after getting wet and may break easily.
- Heavier than pig skin due to thickness and density.
Pig Skin Leather:
Availability: Predominantly in Asia, where pork is a staple product.
Description: Dense leather similar to cowhide but thinner. Known for resilience and good abrasion resistance. Does not stiffen after getting wet.
Pros:
- Not affected when wet, won't stiffen like cowhide.
- Light and porous, creating a breathable layer.
- Better abrasion/puncture resistance compared to grain cowhide.
- Ages well and becomes more supple with use.
Cons:
- Not as soft and supple as cowhide initially.
- Not suitable for use by Muslims due to religious reasons.
Microfiber Leather:
Availability: Globally, with various names and materials used by manufacturers.
Description: Made from microfiber non-woven fabric coated with high-performance polyurethane resins. Considered the latest and highest quality of synthetic leather.
Pros:
- More animal and environmentally friendly (recommended by PETA).
- Breathable, anti-bacterial, anti-odor, lightweight, water-repellent, and washable.
Cons:
- May not be as soft as real leather.
- May not age well like real leather.
- Known by other names: Vegan leather, PU leather, Synthetic leather.
How to Identify Pig Skin Leather:
- Look for a small 3-dots pattern scattered randomly on the surface.
Is Pig Skin Leather Good?
- Yes, pig skin leather is durable, resilient, and often considered a luxury for certain items like polo saddles.
Is Pig Skin Leather Soft?
- Yes, pig skin leather is soft and more pliable than most other leathers.
Pig Skin Leather Care:
- Clean with a non-abrasive cloth, mild soap solution, and leather conditioner.
- Wipe in one direction and then the opposite direction.
- Avoid continuous rubbing in one spot to prevent a nonuniform appearance.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, store in a cool dry place, and avoid plastic bags.
Little Blue Lamb's Kids Shoes:
- Offers children shoes with pig skin lining for breathability.
- Provides a collection without pig skin for those who prefer alternatives.
- Recommends using their smart Size Assistant for finding the right shoe size.
Additional Information:
- The article also mentions various curated collections for different stages of a child's development, including first walkers, steady walkers, and active runners.
In conclusion, understanding the characteristics of cowhide, pig skin, and microfiber leather is crucial when choosing the right material for children's shoes, considering factors such as durability, flexibility, and comfort.
