{"id":8090,"date":"2026-01-16T14:21:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T13:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perwangerleather.com\/typical-types-of-leather-for-outdoor-and-mountain-boots\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T15:08:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:08:46","slug":"typical-types-of-leather-for-outdoor-and-mountain-boots","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/perwangerleather.com\/en\/typical-types-of-leather-for-outdoor-and-mountain-boots\/","title":{"rendered":"Typical types of leather for outdoor and mountain boots"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Typical types of leather for outdoor and mountain boots<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\r\nContent reviewed by the tannery Perwanger<\/strong> (founded in 1780) \u2013 specialising in highly functional leather for outdoor, mountain and safety footwear.\r\n<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Not every type of leather is suitable<\/a> for use in outdoor and mountain boots. The decisive factors are origin, skin layer structure, processing method and specific technical refinement. Different types of leather offer different levels of breathability, abrasion resistance, water resistance and durability \u2013 and are therefore carefully selected depending on the area of application<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Warum\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Heavily coated upper leather of a hiking boot: the water repellency is achieved through high fibre density and technical refinement of the leather. Liquid water rolls off, while natural breathability is retained \u2013 a key feature for a lasting shoe climate in changing weather conditions.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Why the type of leather is crucial<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The performance of a leather shoe is not determined solely by the tanning process, but also significantly by the type of leather used. Thickness, grain direction and surface structure influence how well a shoe regulates moisture, withstands mechanical stress and performs over many years. Only selected leather qualities are therefore suitable for demanding outdoor applications. Perwanger has been developing technical leather for extreme outdoor requirements since 1780.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Full-grain leather<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Full-grain leather consists of the top layer of the hide with the grain structure completely intact. It is characterised by high density, excellent abrasion resistance and long life. Due to its closed surface, it offers good protection against external influences and is often used for classic mountain and work boots. <\/p>\n

Typical characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Very high durability<\/li>\n
  • High dimensional stability<\/li>\n
  • Uniform ageing<\/li>\n
  • Comparatively low maintenance requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t

    Nubuck leather<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Nubuck leather is made from the grain side, which is finely sanded. This creates a velvety surface with a high level of grip. Nubuck combines good breathability with high abrasion resistance and is often used for high-quality hiking and mountaineering boots.<\/p>

    Typical characteristics<\/strong><\/p>

    • Good breathability<\/li>
    • High mechanical resilience<\/li>
    • Pleasant feel<\/li>
    • Slightly higher maintenance requirements<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t

      Suede and split leather<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      Suede and split leather are made from deeper layers of the hide. They are softer and lighter, but have a lower fibre density. They are only suitable to a limited extent for heavy-duty mountain or work boots and are usually used in combination with reinforcements. <\/p>\n

      Typical characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Lower abrasion resistance<\/li>\n
      • Greater flexibility<\/li>\n
      • Limited service life under heavy use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Technically refined outdoor leather using the example of \u2018Nepal\u2019<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Special types of leather are developed for alpine use, combining several specific properties. One example is a water-resistant, high-density suede leather that combines breathability, water resistance and mechanical strength. These types of leather are used specifically for mountain, trekking, forestry and work boots. The technical specifications show that performance can be measured objectively and does not depend solely on appearance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
        A look inside the tannery after the tanning process: the tanned hides of Nepal leather hang ready for further processing. The tanning process permanently stabilises the natural skin and gives it its characteristic combination of suppleness, structural strength and functional resilience.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Technical Specifications \u2013 Overview<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Technical characteristics of Suede Nepal Perwanger\u00ae 24\/26<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n
        Property<\/th>\r\n Standard \/ Method<\/th>\r\n Value<\/th>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n \r\n<\/thead>\r\n
        Thickness<\/td>\r\n UNI EN ISO 2589:2016<\/td>\r\n 2.5 \u00b1 0.1 mm<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
        Breathability (MVTR)<\/td>\r\n \r\nGORE Standard<\/td>\r\n \u2265 7.5 mg\/cm\u00b2h<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Capillary water absorption<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 19074:2015<\/td>\r\n0 cm<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n
        Dynamic water resistance \u2013 time<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 5403-1:2012<\/td>\r\n\u2265 3 h (7.5% compression)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Dynamic water resistance \u2013 absorption<\/td>\r\n UNI EN ISO 5403-1:2012<\/td>\r\n\u2264 20%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Tensile strength<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 3376:2020<\/td>\r\n \r\n\u2265 20 N\/mm\u00b2<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
        Tear resistance<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 3377-2:2016<\/td>\r\n\u2265 260 N<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Technical characteristics of Perwanger\u00ae 18\/20 Nepal suede<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n
        Property<\/th>\r\n Standard \/ Method<\/th>\r\n Value<\/th>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n \r\n<\/thead>\r\n
        Thickness<\/td>\r\n UNI EN ISO 2589:2016<\/td>\r\n 1.9 \u00b1 0.1 mm<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
        Breathability (MVTR)<\/td>\r\n \r\nGORE Standard<\/td>\r\n \u2265 10.0 mg\/cm\u00b2h<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Capillary water absorption<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 19074:2015<\/td>\r\n0 cm<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n
        Dynamic water resistance \u2013 time<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 5403-1:2012<\/td>\r\n\u2265 2 h (7.5% compression)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Dynamic water resistance \u2013 absorption<\/td>\r\n UNI EN ISO 5403-1:2012<\/td>\r\n\u2264 20%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
        Tensile strength<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 3376:2020<\/td>\r\n \r\n\u2265 16 N\/mm\u00b2<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
        Tear resistance<\/td>\r\nUNI EN ISO 3377-2:2016<\/td>\r\n\u2265 160 N<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Classification of technical data<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        The tables show that different leather thicknesses can be specifically tailored to different requirements. Thicker leathers offer higher mechanical reserves, while thinner variants enable higher breathability values. In both cases, the combination of water resistance, breathability and resilience is retained.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Requirements for modern leather for outdoor and mountain boots<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Modern leathers for outdoor and mountain footwear must meet several requirements simultaneously. In addition to mechanical resilience, standard-based functional values, economic aspects and ecological and social criteria are playing an increasingly central role in the selection of materials. Robustness: High tear and tear resistance are crucial for reliably absorbing continuous stress, abrasion and point loads in alpine use. <\/li>\n

      • Breathability & water resistance:<\/strong>
        Leather must meet requirements that are compatible with common membrane standards (e.g. GTX standards) in order to ensure a functional combination of moisture regulation and weather protection. <\/li>\n
      • Value for money:<\/strong>
        It is not just the price of the material that is decisive, but its performance over the entire life cycle of the product, including durability, complaint rate and reparability. <\/li>\n
      • Sustainability:<\/strong>
        Aspects such as carbon footprint, water consumption and resource efficiency are becoming increasingly important, especially when comparing the entire product life cycle. <\/li>\n
      • Social transparency:<\/strong>
        Traceability along the supply chain and compliance with social standards (e.g. FLA-relevant criteria) are increasingly becoming prerequisites for long-term supplier relationships. <\/li>\n
      • Colour fastness & UV resistance:<\/strong>
        Uniform colour effect, resistance to UV radiation and ageing are important for consistent product appearance over several seasons.
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Design freedom thanks to leather<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        As a natural material, leather offers exceptional design flexibility. Colour, finish, embossing and surface texture can be used to combine functional requirements with a clear visual identity. This design potential is based on a historically developed understanding of different types of leather and their respective areas of application. <\/p>\n

          \n
        • High degree of freedom:<\/strong>
          Leather allows for a wide range of colours, surface textures and finishes without fundamentally losing its functional properties. <\/li>\n
        • A material with a history of use:<\/strong>
          Different types of leather are historically associated with specific areas of application, which further contextualises design decisions and makes them credible. <\/li>\n
        • Brand impact:<\/strong>
          Leather types convey different images \u2013 from technical and sporty to traditional and alpine \u2013 and thus specifically influence the external perception of a brand. <\/li>\n
        • Product positioning:<\/strong>
          The conscious choice of leather type supports differentiation within a range and transfers material expertise directly to the product design.
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Frequently asked questions about leather types for outdoor shoes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

          Which type of leather is best suited for mountain boots? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Full-grain, nubuck or technically refined suede leather with high density and tested water resistance are particularly suitable for mountain boots.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

          Is thicker leather always better? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Thicker leather offers greater mechanical reserves, but may be less breathable. The optimum thickness depends on the area of application.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

          Why are different leather thicknesses offered? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Different thicknesses allow adaptation to the weight, flexibility and load requirements of different shoe models.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

          Are technical specifications for leather really comparable? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Yes. Standard-based tests enable objective assessment of breathability, water resistance and strength.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

          How can you recognise high-quality outdoor leather? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Tested performance values, high fibre density, uniform structure and a finish suitable for the intended use.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t