What is PU Leather ?

by Clement

Dec 5, 2023

Dance Shoes, Custom Dance Shoes, dance boots, Dance Wear, Dancers Life, Frequently Ask Questions, Heel boots for women, heels, Heels Dance Shoes, Heels for women, Kizomba shoes, latin dance shoes, Salsa Shoes, Salsa sneakers

What is pu leather ? In this article we will explore what is PU leather meaning, what is pu leather made of, and explore the advantages of using them since they are a major component of your dance shoes. We will also see how to clean your outer pu leather material dancing shoes.

Note: At Latin Dance shoes Australia, you can customise the type of fabric that we use on our dance shoes and dance boots. If you want a vegan dance shoes or dance boots, simply ask for PU leather and we will get one for you – no price difference.

What is PU leather ?

What does pu leather mean, what is it made of and what is the process to create pu leather ?

What is PU leather meaning ?

PU leather means polyurethane leather. It is often describe as a fake leather (or faux leather), synthetic leather, artificial leather, vegan leather, man-made leather or plastic leather.

What is PU leather made of ?

PU leather is made of thermoplastic polymers of polyurethane and designed to look like genuine leather.

What is polyurethane ?

Polyurethanes are plastic polymers. Polyurethane’s remarkable advantage lies in its exceptional flexibility, durability, and versatility. Its renowned durability, offering resistance to wear, abrasion, and impact, is especially valuable in coatings, adhesives, and sealants but also used to create quality material such as PU Leather.

What are thermoplastic polymers ?

Thermoplastic polymers is a type of plastic material that becomes pliable and moldable at an elevated temperature between 80ºC and 85ºC and solidifies upon cooling.

What is PU leather used for ?

It’s used as an alternative to real leather for making fashion items like clothing, shoes, bags, and dance shoes, or furnitures such as office chairs.

In our case, it is use to manufacture dance shoes, and used as a type of fabric and type of material to make dance shoes. Whether it is the vamp of the dance shoe, the outer section of the shoe or the strap.

Is PU leather vegan ?

Yes, 100% Pu leather material is 100% vegan.

However, be aware that some type of leather products are made of a mix of leather and plastic polymers. Let’s see which one are fully synthetic, a mix of synthetic and geniune leather, or genuine leather.

Artificial leather, genuine leather or mix between synthetic & leather. Types of Leathers and artificial leathers.

If you are looking for a vegan product or a fully geniune leather product, you might encounter those terms listed bellow.

Genuine Leather
PU Leather
Faux-Leather
Bicast Leather
Split Leather
Bonded Leather
Reconstituted Leather
Corrected Grain Leather

Lets see which one are fully artificial, or a mix.

What is Genuine Leather ?

Genuine leather is a term used to describe real leather made from animal hides. This is 100% authentic leather.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: Yes.

What is PU Leather ?

PU leather is a synthetic material made of polyurethane polymers.

Vegan product: Yes.
Genuine Leather: No.

What is faux leather ?

Faux leather is a synthetic material. Faux leathers can be made of PU leather or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-vinyl) materials.

Vegan product: Yes.
Genuine Leather: No.

What is Bicast Leather ?

Bicast leather are made of actual leather and have a top layer of polyurethane leather.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: No.

What is Split Leather ?

Split leather, often referred to as suede, is the lower layer of leather that remains after the top grain layer is separated.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: Yes.

What is Bonded Leather ?

Bonded leather is a material made from leather scraps and fibers that are bonded together with adhesives and resins. It is less durable and genuine than full-grain or top-grain leather and is commonly used in lower-cost products.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: No. Primarily composed of leather, but contains significant amount of artificial materials.

What is reconstituted Leather ?

Reconstituted leather is a type of synthetic leather made by mixing leather fibers or scraps with binders and coatings.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: No. Primarily composed of leather, but contains significant amount of artificial materials.

What is corrected grain Leather ?

Corrected grain leather is leather that has had its natural grain sanded off to remove imperfections and has a top layer of polyurethane.

Vegan product: No.
Genuine Leather: No.

Table leather pu material

Are Latin Dance Shoes Australia dance footwear vegan ?

Some of our products are genuine leather. If so, this is specified.

However, most of our dance shoes are made of PU leather.

If you purchase a PU leather material dance shoes and add a Smooth PU leather shoe sole, then you will have a 100% vegan dance shoes.

Is PU leather good for dance shoes ?

Pu leather, a synthetic alternative to genuine leather, has significant implications in dance shoes and present 5 main benefits listed bellow.

Its lightweight and flexible nature provides dancers with enhanced comfort and agility during performances.
The material’s durability ensures prolonged use, making it suitable for rigorous dance routines and rehearsals.
Additionally, pu leather is resistant to moisture, helping to maintain the shoes’ integrity despite exposure to sweat.
Its affordability widens accessibility to quality dance footwear, catering to a diverse range of dancers.
Embracing pu leather in dance shoes reflects a pragmatic approach to design, aligning with the demands of the dynamic and demanding nature of dance while offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Where can I buy PU leather dance shoes ?

You can buy PU leather dance shoes and dance boots at Latin dance Shoes Australia. Australia’s industry leading dance shoes company.

You can customise for any dance shoes and dance boots the type of fabrics, which include suede, satin, leather or PU leather. And it doesn’t cost more.

Shop PU leather dance shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PU leather fabric ?

PU leather, or polyurethane leather, is a synthetic fabric made by applying a layer of polyurethane to a base material.

What is pu leather uk ?

PU leather in the UK refers to polyurethane leather, a synthetic material used as an alternative to genuine leather. It is created by applying a layer of polyurethane to a base material, offering a cost-effective, cruelty-free option. PU leather replicates the look and feel of real leather, providing durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance. This material is commonly used in various industries, including fashion and upholstery, as a more sustainable choice compared to traditional leather.

Is PU leather as good as real leather ?

PU leather may not match the durability of geniune leather. However, it is a much better option than other synthetic materials.

Is PU leather vegan ?

Yes, Pu leather is vegan. It is made of synthetic material and does not contain any animal derived products.

Is pu leather safe for skin ?

Yes, generally, PU leather is considered safe for the skin. It is produced with the intention of being a skin-friendly material and is often used in various applications, including clothing, accessories, and upholstery. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people may be allergic to certain components used in the production of PU leather.

How long does pu leather last for a pair of dance shoes ?

PU leather last between 3 to 5 years. However, when used in a dance shoe, the dance shoe sole will be the first one to break. Suede soles last about 1 year in average. A smooth Leather sole will last about 1 year and half, due to its composition.