What is Patent Leather?

 

Tags - What is Patent Leather

What is patent leather for shoes? What are the benefits of using it in shoes? How do you care for patent leather shoes? 

These are some of the questions that we will be answering in this comprehensive guide. 

To put it simply, patent leather is a type of synthetic leather that has a shiny, mirror-like finish. It is often used in dress shoes, as it can make them look very polished and formal. 

In this guide, we will discuss what patent leather is, the benefits of using it in shoes, how to care for patent leather shoes, and more!

What is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is a kind of leather with a highly polished, glossy surface. 

The surface is typically waterproof or water resistant, and it helps to ensure longevity by protecting the underlying leather. 

Patent leather is frequently used in more formal and dress leather goods such as shoes, handbags, and belts because of its sheen. 

The lustrous surface is susceptible to scratches and requires proper maintenance. This variety of leather was originally produced using natural leather that has been coated in various oils. 

It has evolved to become far more popular for it to be made from artificial leather with synthetic coatings - it is also known as "enamelled leather."

In the 1960s, patent leather became more popular as a result of its lower manufacturing costs. 

Today, it may be made in any colour and is used on a wide range of leather goods including boots, handbags, purses, pants, skirts, costumes, belts, watch bands, hats, backpacks, glasses cases, wallets and more!

Benefits of Patent Leather for Shoes

Patent leather has a number of benefits that make it ideal for shoes. 

First, the highly polished surface is very easy to clean - simply wiping it down with a damp cloth will usually do the trick. 

Secondly, the waterproof or water resistant nature of patent leather helps to protect your feet from the elements. This is especially important in wet weather, as wet feet can lead to blisters and other problems.

Finally, patent leather is very durable and long-lasting, so you can expect your shoes to last for many years with proper care.

How to Care for Patent Leather Shoes

Patent leather shoes require some special care in order to keep them looking their best; a sponge or a cloth will not suffice for cleaning this type of shoe.

Step One: Prep

Remove the laces and insert wooden shoe trees so they're free from moisture and mould back to its original shape.

Step Two: Clean

With a polishing cloth, apply some leather cleaner and apply onto the shoe using circular motions. 

Doing this will help to remove any impurities, stains and water marks. 

Unlike normal leather, cleaning patent leather shoes in this way will not smoothen out creases; patent leather is extremely fragile, with most of the signs of deterioration, such as fractures and significant scratches, being irreversible.

Step Three: Nourish

Grab a welt brush, dip it into some conditioning wax and apply to the shoe. This step is very significant since the stitching becomes dried out and might cause the shoe sole to collapse.

Step Four: Hydrate

Patent leather is totally waterproof. 

However, it becomes weathered over time and eventually cracks. 

So, the patent leather's surface is softened in this step and restored its shine. 

With some patent leather polish, load your polishing cloth and massage this onto the shoe. Polish your shoe using quick strokes, as you would on smooth leather, then leave to dry for up to 20 minutes.

Patent leather shoes are a great investment because they are easy to care for, long lasting, and look very polished and formal. With proper care, your patent leather shoes will last for many years. 

The Bottom Line

So why do you need a pair of patent leather shoes? Well, apart from the fact they look super sleek, here are five more reasons:

1. If you can't afford to replace your suit, they'll bring your old one back to life.
2. They're super easy to clean
3. People will notice you (for the right reasons)
4. Patent leather shoes do all the talking so you don't have to fuss over fancy ties or pocket squares
5. They look perfect on special occasions, so they're worth investing in for the long haul

For more information, please get in touch today.

Check our work shoes for men here in the meantime.

You may also like:

1. LEATHER VS. SUEDE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
2. 5 COMMON MATERIALS TO MAKE SHOES
3. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF REAL LEATHER SHOES