Suede vs. leather boots: style perceptions - YouLookFab Forum

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Suede vs. leather boots: style perceptions

catgirl

Veteran

Take an OTK boot like the SW 50/50 boots. What is the style difference between the suede and leather versions? Is one more sleek, boho, elegant, edgy, classic, dressy, rustic or whatever? Or is it all in how you style it? I am trying to decide which one to add to my boot collection (not necessarily the SWs but some fitted OTK boots) and I can't seem to figure out which would be more my style!

I did return the ones I'd bought earlier as they were a bit too slouchy at home. And I have a pair of slouchy black OTK flat boots that are pretty casual.

All input welcome!

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from mikky

Joy

Veteran

I think of the suede as more casual and possibly rustic than leather, especially black leather. A black smooth leather looks more urban to my eye, so more edgy, possibly elegant or classic. These are just my own impressions.

Sal

Veteran

To my mind the styling can make either leather or suede boots sleek, cosy, sexy or kick-ass. But given the same style boot, in the same colour (black) I think leather is a little harder and suede a little softer.

I have three pairs of leather boots and one pair suede (or nubuck). I tend to prefer camel/nude colours in suede and black in leather, but this is just a preference.

kellygirl

Veteran

Agreeing with Joy. Suede seems more casual than leather to me. FWIW, I just happen to have returned a pair of OTK boots for skinny legs--check out the Luichiny Trend Lee (Amazon or 6pm.) I decided they were just too much boot for me but they fit in the calves and the height was darn near perfect.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't know why, but OTK seem different than knee high to me. For some reason suede seems more luxe, romantic (maybe?) or ... something... in suede OTK, at least if it is black. Or maybe less OTT. I am not sure. Then again, OTK boots scare me a little. But less so if they are flat.

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, keep going... Like you I'm a word person. Let's start with suede. Rustic romantic? Ren fair medieval? Feminine? Soft edge? Why does OTK have a different vibe? An elusive concept that I'm enjoying trying to pin down!

Diana

Veteran

I think of suede as soft and leather as hard. With an otk boot, suede seems more pirate or boho and leather more urban. Generalizations, of course, as it depends on the specific style.

But then again I have some slouchy, distressed black suede cowboy boots, which are somehow much more urban than normal cowboy boots. So I wouldn't say it's necessarily more rustic.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I like suede...it's more on the casual side of things...

Would suede work in your climate? I'd be scared to ruin the boots in all that snow you get up there.

catgirl

Veteran

Amy, that's an issue so waterproofing would be key!

tulle

Veteran

I'm in love with black suede right now, so I may not be the best judge (just bought a vintage black suede jacket & a pair of black suede lace-up ankle boots) but to me polished black leather, though elegant and practical, can be somewhat hard-edged. Matte black suede, like black velvet, has depth and mystery, it is at once quieter and more dramatic. Over-the-knee boots seem inherently theatrical to me, so suede, with its costume/historical flavor, feels like a logical choice. But it all comes down to what YOU love. You wear slick black leather (I seem to recall some amazing skinny jeans) much better than I. I think you'll be safe following your instincts.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think thickness, quality, design and color are the key elements here. i've seen delicate, velvety suede boots that were elegant enough for the opening night at the opera and leather boots that were perfect to wear to a branding party.

What look are you going for with your OTK boots? Hard-edged Rocker? Romantic Pirate? Sleek Mod? SexyPretty Lady? OTK boots have lots of stories to tell.

My OTK boots were white leather ones that I wore with my Mary Quant-style dresses back in my undergrad years. I ROCKED those boots, especially when Jim Morrison crooned from the turntable.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think suede is more luxe looking in OTKs personally. I have seen some grey and taupe OTK boots here in suede (and some in microfibre) and they just look rich and lush compared to their smooth leather counterparts. I think smooth leather has a harder, more urban, more military feel (suede is more soft and feminine). I would be concerned about durability though - suede does mark easily. Are you hard on your shoes? But then again OTKs could be out in a couple of years so you don't need them to last forever!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Like Suz, I think that the vibe of OTK and Knee-high boots is very different.

Knee length boots are safe, predictable, classic, and stylish. Leather knee length boots almost always have an equestrian vibe. Suede ones look more luxe, dressy and elegant. However, the shape, heel and design matters. Some leather boots look sleeker, especially if they don't have rounded toes and lug soles. Heels with a pointed/almond shape toe looks very different from round toed flat boots with harness buckles. I hope you get what I mean?!

Onto OTK - now these always look sexy, urban, sultry, playful and extremely feminine. Leather looks more hard edge rockstar, but a little slouchy design can look elegant in a very mod way. Suede just looks more elegant, in my opinion. But suede will also be less dramatic for just that reason.

What do you want your boots to say about you, Una?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think it has a lot to do with the level of sheen. The slight sheen on leather gives them a more finished or dressy look. Suede boots aren't as bright due to the lack of reflection. I would put the different finishes on a continuum that goes from suede to leather to patent leather. Doesn't patent look dressier than regular leather?

The material is only one factor though. The heel, shape, fit and height all have equal less in the degree of dressiness of a boot.

Style Fan

Veteran

I love suede. Love. I do think it has a more natural, earthy, rustic, boho vibe to it. But black suede could look dressy. Not as dressy and urban as black leather.
I live in a very wintery climate. I don't wear my suede boots in the winter except for a pair of Timberland oiled suede ones. They have lasted for 10 years and are still going strong.

gryffin

Veteran

Wow, I have the total opposite feeling about suede. Black suede, in a refined boot - to me it's so much dressier than leather in the same style. Suede has a velvet look. So compare high heeled, fitted black suede boots to the same in leather and suede is much more refined and dressier. I do think style counts. If you are picturing a flat suede in an earth tone not fitted, that would give a boho earth vibe. In my head I'm picturing black, fitted suede boots. To me the same in leather is more practical and utilitarian - elegant but a day boots. Suede to my eye in this style is dressier. Put a heel on it and it becomes very dressy.

viva

Veteran

As you know I have been toying with the OTK boot idea for the last few months. And what always pulls me back to them is a picture of suede OTK boots. I'm only going to echo what others have said here, but to me, suede OTK boots are luxurious, special, romantic, exotic, upscale bohemian, soft, sophisticated, and glamorous. I think they have soft edge. And now that I think more about it, I understand why I am more drawn to the suede than the leather -- I'm moving in a more feminine direction now, and I think the suede is more feminine. Don't get me wrong, I love leather -- but in an OTK boot, it's a harder, more masculine, more urban kind of look. I do feel suede is sophisticated, but in a luxurious feminine sort of way.

Okay, I have convinced myself. I am trying on OTK boots when I head to Nordstrom this week. That's it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Back. I agree with Gryffin -- this is what I was trying to say about suede.

In brown or rust -- and in some rugged knee high boots -- I do agree it can feel more rustic, boho, pirate, or whatever. Ditto in taupe in a rugged style.

But to me, in black (or often grey or taupe) and in a more refined boot, it seems more dressy and luxe, like velvet.

It might also seem a bit romantic in those colours (or might not).

But again, HEELED, fitted OTK boots scare me a bit anyway. I think a heeled, fitted OTK boot in leather would feel too, um, "lady of the night" to me. Recall, thought -- I am the person who would feel "lady of the night" if she wore shorts with heels.

Anonymous

I agree with Gryffin (I usually do - lol). There is nothing more luxurious and rich looking that top quality black suede. The quality makes a big difference though, as the less expensive stuff can look too rough and fluffy. And so, the more suede there is - i.e. otk vs knee high - the more luxurious the boot looks.

The only issue with suede though, which is a HUGE one, is that you can't be wearing them out and about in snow too often . Right? I don't care how much spray , wipe, buff etc you do, they are too delicate for outdoors once the snow hits. That's my big worry.

viva

Veteran

Could these possibly be as sleek as the 5050s? One reviewer says yes. (Very highly rated, by Blondo, suede, and WATERPROOF.)

Blondo 'Eden' Over the Knee Waterproof Boot (Women)

$284.95 $199.90

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

OMG, Viva. Total love.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, supposedly the waterproof Aquatalia and La Canadiennes can cope with it all. I honestly don't know. I think the salt would do them in...

Yet I have seen women in Montreal sport them in the worst possible conditions, looking pristine.

What magic do they have?

Minnie

I think leather OTK boots, especially with heels, can easily look too "Pretty Woman"-esque.
Suede tones down the sexiness.
I own the SW "Lowland" in black suede and love them.

catgirl

Veteran

Viva, these below are the ones that got me started on the "grey" and "suede" themes. They supposedly fit 12" calves! I too am drawn to the richness and texture of suede, but I can also see how they might read wrong with just the slightest misstep. Anything too pointy would not work for me. All of your descriptors and adjectives are so helpful! The Blondos look good too.

I also have a weird issue with the whole stretch fabric on the back of the leg, even though I understand that is what gives the sleek fitted look for skinny legs like mine.

I may need to try some just to get it out of my system!

Via Spiga 'Alto' Over the Knee Boot (Women)

$495.00 $296.98

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

3

viva

Veteran

Una, I think if I went for a heel at all, that is exactly the heel I would want. And that suede looks sumptuous. There's another adjective for you. Those are GORGEOUS.

gryffin

Veteran

Viva - I tried on the Blondos. They were too big in the ankle and not as fitted as i like. Also I am used the the fabric SW or aquatalia uses in their boots and this had a more synthetic less substantial feel. Also the back fabric comes up very high on the fiex zone. I think you need to try them on and see how they fit and what you think of the materials. They have incredible reviews and omg are waterproof. I was sorry that they did not work for me. I hope they work out for you. They are an amazing buy.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I usually like suede best for thr OTK look. However these black leather OTK from Emerson Fry are gorgeous. http://emersonfry.com/trooper-boot-black I think the trooper name conveys something about the military/ disciplined look the leather might convey.

Out of curiosity for those who wear OTK -- how do you drive in them? I would think sitting into a low car seat would be tough.

I actually ordered the Emerson Cross booties for this season, different vibe entirely. http://emersonfry.com/unisex-c.....ite-stripe I am puzzled as to why they are "unisex" and hope it does not mean they are too wide.

catgirl

Veteran

Ummlila, those boots are surprisingly similar to the Ugg Cortonas! Those fulfill the military/riding boot need for me. I'm hoping for something more like this:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pini.....943231.jpg

There's actually a way to build your own custom SW boots but they are non-returnable and I have no idea of the fit. And not sure I should spend that kind of money on a gamble.

catgirl

Veteran

Double post - sorry!

Thistle

Veteran

I think suede are dressier, depending on the color, compared to leather. I think they are also more feminine and have less risk looking like a pirate or Pretty Woman.

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