A closer look at modern footwear choices Comfort or Elegance? Do People Still Choose Leather Shoes Today?
We recently took a closer look at what people were wearing in Newcastle and the difference was clear. Most chose casual, sporty footwear, while only a small percentage still wore leather shoes.
That made us ask a simple question: has comfort taken over completely, or does elegance still hold its place?
Comfort seems to dominate everyday life. Sneakers, soft-soled shoes, and casual shoes are now the default choice for most people navigating crowded streets, train stations, and city centers. During our recent street survey in Newcastle, only about 15% of people wore leather shoes, while the vast majority opted for more casual footwear.
This isn’t particularly shocking. Modern life is faster, more practical, and often less formal than it used to be. People want footwear that feels comfortable from the first step and doesn’t demand anything in return.
But leather shoes haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply become more conscious.
Those who still choose leather shoes usually do so for a reason. Sometimes it’s about appearance. Sometimes it’s about standards, habits, or personal style. And sometimes simply because a well-made leather shoe still offers something that sneakers don’t—character.
That is where the right shoe care products matter.
Explore our natural shoe care products
This is important to us because leather footwear requires proper care. When someone chooses leather, they usually want their shoes to last longer, look better, and age well. That’s why proper shoe care products are important. A good polish isn’t just about shine. It helps maintain the leather’s appearance and is part of a more thoughtful care routine.
That’s why we pay attention to these subtle changes in how people dress. We don’t just follow shoe trends out of curiosity. We observe them because our work focuses on people who still choose leather shoes and want to care for them properly.
Our products are created for this group—people who understand that leather shoes require more than just a quick clean, and that proper care starts with the right ingredients and tools.
See our natural shoe polish range
If current habits in Newcastle are any indication, comfort is definitely at the forefront. However, there is still a noticeable group that prioritizes elegance, and this choice still speaks volumes.
We’ll show you what this looks like in London and other cities soon.
So the real question isn’t whether comfort wins. It probably does. A better question is:
If you wear leather shoes, do you take proper care of them?
