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Article: Why genuine leather? The material choice behind our cowboy boots

Why genuine leather? The material choice behind our cowboy boots - Ms Sucra
Slow Fashion

Why genuine leather? The material choice behind our cowboy boots

For us, genuine leather is not a marketing slogan. It is a conscious decision.

We could do it differently. We choose not to.

Behind Ms Sucra stands Hasan Eisso – raised in a family rooted in shoemaking for generations. Our boots are made in a workshop in Izmir. We know the process, the materials, the possibilities - from the inside. And we made a concious decision: We chose genuine leather for Ms Sucra. Because we can. And because we want to.

Faux leather would have been the easier choice: lower production costs, faster collections, higher margins. That was never the path for us..

Because faux leather is usually made from PVC or polyurethane – plastic that is not biodegradable. Through wear and abrasion, microplastics enter the environment over time. This is a choice each of us makes when shopping. And it is exactly here that we, as manufacturers, have a responsibility.

Leather is not perfect. We are open about that.

Leather is a natural material. No hide is exactly the same, and tanning has an ecological footprint. That is part of an honest assessment.

What we can say: Our leather comes from hides that are a by-product of meat processing – otherwise, they would be discarded. We do not create additional material. We give an existing raw material a form that lasts for years.

As the ones who import our boots to Europe, we carry full responsibility for ensuring that European standards are met. This is required by law – and we stand by it. Pragmatic, honest and transparent – from the choice of material to the finished sole. No green promises we cannot keep.

How genuine leather changes over time

A handmade cowboy boot made from genuine leather changes as you wear it. It adapts to the shape of your foot, becomes softer and develops patina. After two years, it fits better than on the first day.

While good leather often gains character with wear, many faux leather materials show signs of wear and tear much earlier: surfaces can become brittle or peel, and the material often loses stability over time. After just a few seasons, replacement becomes necessary. Fast fashion is a design principle that factors in disposal from the start. We consciously distance ourselves from this kind of throwaway mentality.

Our customers are not looking for a quick trend for one season. They are looking for a boot they want to wear for years.

Vegan alternatives? We pay attention – without creating false expectations.

There are exciting developments in plant-based or biodegradable leather alternatives that we actively follow. We regularly test new materials, create prototypes and stay close to current developments. So far, we have not found an alternative that fully convinces us.

Because shoe production is extremely demanding in terms of material: The material has to be stretched without tearing. It has to move with the foot without cracking. It has to withstand heat, pressure and every step of production. Making compromises too early risks creating a product that needs to be replaced sooner – despite sustainable intentions.

That is not our path.

Good leather. No compromises.
Discover our handmade cowboy boots now →


Frequently Asked Questions

Is genuine leather more sustainable than faux leather?
Faux leather made from PVC or polyurethane is not biodegradable and releases microplastics. Genuine leather is created as a by-product of meat processing and – when used for a long time – is often the more durable choice overall.

Why do we use genuine leather for our handmade cowboy boots?
In handcrafted shoe production – like Ms Sucra's in Izmir – genuine leather is the material that withstands every production step without loss of quality. In everyday use, genuine leather adapts to the shape of the foot, develops patina over time and can last for many years with good care.

Where are Ms Sucra cowboy boots made?
In a family-run workshop in Izmir, Turkey – handmade according to traditional standards. Ms Sucra has a store in Mainz and sells online throughout Germany.

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