What leather does Nike use for shoes?

Nike uses a variety of leathers for its shoes depending on the specific model and the purpose of the footwear.

One of the common types is synthetic leather. Nike's synthetic leather is often made with advanced materials and techniques. It's designed to be durable and lightweight. For example, in some running shoes, this synthetic leather can withstand the repeated impact and bending that happens when you run. It also has good resistance to water and stains, which is useful when you're out in different weather conditions or on different terrains. And it can be molded into different shapes easily to create the unique designs that Nike is known for.

Nike also uses genuine leather in some of its shoes. Sometimes it's top grain leather for those shoes that are more focused on style and a luxurious feel. The top grain leather gives the shoes a nice texture and a classic look. It ages well and can make the shoes look better over time as it develops a natural patina. These shoes with genuine leather are often part of their lifestyle or fashion collections where the look and quality of the leather matter a lot for the overall aesthetic.

In addition, Nike has been exploring more sustainable leather options too. They might use leather that has been sourced in an environmentally friendly way or treated with eco-friendly processes. For instance, there are leathers that come from farms that follow strict animal welfare standards and use less harmful chemicals in the tanning process. This way, they are not only providing good quality shoes but also trying to be more responsible in terms of the materials they use.

Overall, Nike chooses the type of leather that best fits the function and style requirements of each particular shoe model.