What's the Difference: Nubuck vs. Suede?

What Is Nubuck?

Nubuck is not suede, but both come from leather. Taking a step back, different types of leather are made from multiple layers of an animal’s hide. Nubuck is a type of leather made from the outer layer of the hide. This top layer makes what is called “full-grain” or "top-grain" leather. Then, the material is sanded or buffed down. 

The top layers of the hide are more exposed to the elements, and as a result, they’re tougher. Their grain is more fine, and densely woven by fiber. For this reason, it's tough and durable, but the treatment also makes it soft and smooth. Velvety but rugged, nubuck leather has a matte texture, and can come in a variety of colors.

What Is Nubuck Used For?

Because it’s functional and resilient, but also soft and elegant, this material is popular for leather products that get a lot of use, but also benefit from fashionable looks, such as shoes, bags, gloves, and jackets. 

At Timberland, we think nubuck is great material for a pair of boots. Our classic yellow boots—smooth in texture, but durable and waterproof—are made from premium nubuck leather. A lot of our fashionable and weatherproof styles are. So are many of our work boots.

To get clearer on distinguishing nubuck vs. suede leather, let’s dig into the details of suede leather and what makes it different from nubuck.

What Is Suede?

Suede is another type of leather. Suede shoes are known for their soft, velvety texture. In general, suede leather has an air of luxury. And like nubuck, it’s also made from layers of a hide. But the layers that make up suede are from the flesh side, or inner side, of the hide. To make suede from these inner layers, leather makers also sand down the skin to its fuzzy, soft surface that makes it iconic.

Suede is more porous, and thus more breathable. It’s also more delicate. This is part of what makes it special—its texture is so soft and fine. But it’s also prone to dirt and water damage. So the luxury of a suede pair of shoes or other articles comes in part from the fact that its owner has to be careful with this vulnerable but lovely material. 

So if you were wondering, “Is nubuck suede?” You can see now that nubuck is similar to suede, but they come from different layers of the hide to make different kinds of leather.

What Is Suede Used For?

Suede is a luxury material that is too delicate for most workwear, unless it's workwear for the office. It’s also breathable and tends to be thin, so it can be tailored into fine angles and shapes. These qualities make suede nicely suited for casual jackets, shirts, and other clothing articles like gloves, along with some types of boots and shoes. It is also used to make handbags, purses, and wallets.

However, suede is vulnerable to water damage. It also lacks the durability of outer-layer leathers, unless it is treated with technology like GORE-TEX. With that said, suede products can really stand out for their class and refinement.

Nubuck vs. Suede: Key Differences

If you’re choosing between nubuck and suede for a pair of boots or other shoes, keep these differences in mind:

• Durability: Suede is soft and delicate. It’s better for special occasions, and it’s not as durable as nubuck, which is tougher and more waterproof—though it requires treatment to be completely water-resistant.

• Care: Nubuck needs regular brushing, and so does suede—and for suede, you’ll probably want to use a finer brush. Suede will need more regular cleaning, and strict water protection. You’ll also want to protect nubuck from stains and dirt, but with slightly less urgency than suede.

You can get the full range of suede and nubuck product care essentials from Timberland.

Choosing Between Nubuck, Suede, and Other Types of Leather Boots

Suede is a more breathable and dressy leather, while nubuck is more durable and functional. You can keep them both at peak conditions by taking care of them. So, what material will you choose for your leather boots? It's up to you, based on what you need them for.

While you’re sorting out nubuck vs. suede footwear options, keep in mind that those aren’t the only two routes to go. You can also choose from our selection of leather boots, which have other types of materials, like top-grain leather that has not been sanded, that are versatile enough for different conditions. Whether you’re looking for men’s work boots or women’s casual shoes, explore Timberland footwear for classic aesthetics, proven durability, and all-weather comfort online now.