Leather vs Synthetic; My two cents

When discussing leather vs. synthetic the major point of difference for me is how well synthetic boots keep their shape and form. Fit and lockdown are very important and leather expands and gives a lot so in a short time you lose that new boot fit and feel.

Editors note: that drives me crazy when a boot expands and gets sloppy! Currently fighting this problem with my Hypervenoms! But that is a whole other post/conversation boot nerds.

A result in the stretching in my opinion is a lack in performance on the pitch with the boots fit and feel. Fit is very important and if a leather boot is constantly giving and the consumer has to keep trying to get the boot tighter and tighter that's not good. That consistent new boot fit and feel should be the overall goal because the moment a boot stretches too much you start to sacrifice support and the lockdown affect. At the moment, I prefer synthetic uppers...

However, leather boots offer a touch/fit that no synthetic boot has offered yet. Hands down the legend is one of the best sellers in soccer specialty and with the Tiempo consumers have a perception that Kangaroo leather is the best of the best and resembles quality. For one of the best leather boots ever produced take a look at the Adipure IV SL from adidas. Check them out below... From my perspective these boots were the perfect blend of technology, class and heritage molded together to produce one of the best concept boots on the market.

The kanga lite on the CTR360 seems too puffy and compared to leather you can definitely tell the difference. Another nice thing about leather is that the fit that it offers is very unique. Leather easily adapts to your foot strike and many synthetics do not which results in dead spots or hotspots on the boot. Leather also is very breathable and in those very hot climates leather has a tendency to adapt to its surroundings.

I think leather will and should be around in the next 5 to 10 years because as a boot brand it gives you history and heritage and consumers perceive kangaroo leather as a premium material that holds value and durability. Just look at Adidas and the moment they put a calf upper on the 11 pro. What ever happened to the original adipure series where the boots cost $130 and were kangaroo leather.

Recently, adidas have lost so many followers due to a lack of innovation aka the current adizero synthetic upper... At the moment, kangaroo leather upper holds and gives consumers that perceived notion of durability, comfort and overall value. I see leather in the market for many years to come.