Material types
Below is a list of our most commonly used materials.
Suede and nubuck
Suede is the flesh side of the skin which has been lightly buffed. The flesh side is worked; the grain side is not visible. In grainless split suede, the fibres are coarser and absorbent.
In nubuck, the grain side of the skin is lightly sanded. This light sanding produces a very fine, velvety effect.
Smooth leather
If the grain side of the skin is visible as the upper material of the shoe, this is known as smooth leather. After treatment and colouring, the grain and folds of the animal are visible.
Matt leather
Matt leather is not finished but it has undergone an enriching treatment. This keeps the leather matt.
Metallic
Metallic is a gloss coating that can be applied to different base materials. Generally speaking, a metallic is more vulnerable than other coatings.
Oiled suede
Suede treated with oil.
Reptile material or reptile print leather
Paul Noyen does not use real reptile leather such as crocodile skin. We do use leather with a reptile print.
Tips
1. Always use a shoehorn when putting on your shoes or boots. This will prevent damage to the heel area.
2. Use shoe and boot trees. Using shoe/boot trees has multiple benefits.
• The benefits of using shoe trees:
1. Helps restore folds caused by walking.
2. Maintains the shape of the shoe.
3. Wooden shoe trees absorb moisture in the shoes.
• The benefits of using boot trees:
1. Helps avoid the zip breaking.
2. Reduces folds.
3. Never dry wet shoes near a heat source such as a radiator. Rapid drying causes the leather to dry out.
4. Shoes absorb sweat, so it is advisable to alternate between pairs to shoes and to let them air for 2 to 3 days, preferably using wooden shoe trees.