For ages, leather has held its place at the top of the fashion board.

Known for its timelessness and celebrated for its high quality, this material showcases true craftsmanship, especially when it comes to footwear.

In this blog, we’ll delve into a brief history of leather footwear, the different hides used, as well as our top Rockport leather shoes for the month.

The Origins of Leather Footwear

Archaeologists have found that humans began using animal hides to protect their feet roughly 40,000 years ago. In fact, the oldest known leather shoe dates back to 3500 BCE, making it approximately 5,500 years old. It was discovered in Armenia inside the Areni-1 cave, in excellent condition, back in 2008. The design was simple: a single piece of leather, laced together for a snug fit around the foot.

The condition in which this shoe was discovered is a testament to the durability of this material. Even then, humans quickly realised that animal hides were strong, flexible, and provided exactly the protection needed for their feet.

Since then, various ancient cultures have made use of leather shoes. History shows higher-status Egyptians wearing leather sandals, Greeks wearing leather sandals and boots, and Roman soldiers sporting sturdy leather boots.

Leather Footwear in Modern Times

Since its ancient origins, leather footwear has only continued to grow in modern times.

Crafting leather quickly became a true art, and today, we see this artistry through the diverse selection of designs. From experimenting with different animal hides to trying out unique colours and finishes, the leather industry has expanded and evolved over the centuries.

Leather remains timeless, and one of the reasons behind this is due to the variety of leather grains that are available. Each grain offers something different in terms of durability, look, feel, and artistry.

Full-grain leather is considered the finest quality, as it uses the entire hide with its grain intact. This material is strong, breathable, and ages incredibly well. It develops a rich patina over time, which tells a story with every step.

Top-grain leather is slightly sanded to remove any impurities on the surface of the hide. This leather offers both a uniform look and a durable, supple feel.

Corrected grain leather is buffed and smoothed out on the surface. The key difference here is that it does not develop the same patina as the previously mentioned leathers, but it is still a popular choice as it is affordable and offers a flawless finish.

Genuine leather comes from real animal hide and is carefully treated to achieve a smooth and consistent appearance. It is more resistant to stains, making it slightly easier to maintain and perfect for busy lifestyles.

Split leather & suede are made from lower layers of the hide, which is what gives it that soft and distinctive texture. This choice is often favoured by those who are looking for a casual yet elegant look.

Rockport's Selection of Leather Footwear

Our selection of leather footwear is crafted from genuine leather and suede, offering you a wonderful variety of textures and colours. We’ve also added some clever additional features that make our footwear stand out from the rest:

The Cassius, for example, is a genuine leather boot, offering a convenient stretchy gore that allows you to slip these boots on with ease. The addition of truTECH® technology provides lightweight shock absorption, which enhances all-day wearability. The cushioned insole adds to its orthotic-friendly design, and its water-resistant feature ensures that your feet will remain dry during those wet winter days.

The Findlay, on the other hand, offers a unique look! While it is indeed genuine leather, the distinctive texture seen on the dark brown colourway adds some extra flair, making these the perfect dress shoes for gentlemen who want to make a statement while still being comfortable. And of course, we can’t ignore the use of truTECH® technology, because as you know, it makes our footwear all the more pleasant to wear all day long, and its orthotic-friendly design ensures even more personalised support.

The DMXDunphy is a casual loafer that perfectly blends comfort and style. Made from a soft, suede material, this loafer comprises Reebok DMX™ Technology, which is a lightweight dynamic cushioning system that offers you a springy feel with each step. Available in three colourways, this suede loafer can be dressed up and down to suit your day.

These styles are just a few in our magnificent selection, designed to suit every occasion and complement every wardrobe. From classic silhouettes to modern finishes, each pair is crafted with comfort and practicality in mind, so you never have to choose between looking good and feeling good.

Find The Right Leather Footwear For You

As we’ve journeyed into the past, uncovering the origins of leather footwear, it’s clear that leather remains truly timeless.

Whether it’s due to its enduring quality or the craftsmanship it has always represented, leather continues to be a popular choice today, even more so with Rockport’s comfortable and thoughtfully designed styles.

Whether you’re after a classic boot, a statement dress shoe, or an easy-going suede loafer, there’s a pair ready to see you through every season in style.

So, which Rockport leather pair will you be choosing to take you through the winter season? Let us know in the comments below, or tag us on social media so we can see how you’ve styled your Rockports.