Shark Leather vs Cowhide: A Comprehensive Comparison of 2 Popular Leathers

Shark Leather vs Cowhide: A Comparison of Two Top Choices

When choosing a skin for cowboy boots the choice of shark leather vs cowhide leather may come up. The fact is that shark leather and cowhide are two very distinct materials with different properties, pros, and cons. Picking between them will depend on your personal aesthetic preferences, your durability expectations, and the price point you are looking to buy a pair of boots at. Shark leather is known for both its exotic appeal and scuff-resistant properties, while cowhide remains the most popular leather choice for cowboy boots and offers a good combination of both durability and affordability.

Shark leather, as expected, originates from the skin of sharks which after processing is fashioned into leather to be used in various accessories including cowboy boots. Cowhide leather is derived from the skin of cows and is considered a versatile and classic material for making cowboy boots and many other products. Both of these different types of leather come with their own unique textures and features making the selection process a matter of personal taste and desired features.

Key Takeaways

• This article will compare shark leather and cowhide, addressing factors like durability, price, and aesthetics.
• Both leathers are sourced from their respective animals and have distinct characteristics.
• Personal preferences and desired features will play a large role in selecting between shark leather and cowhide.

Overview of Leather Types

The most common type of leather used in making boots is cowhide leather. Cowhide leather is also widely used in various other products, such as wallets, bags, and jackets.

In addition to cowhide leather, we also have exotic leathers that come from less common animals – these include sharks, ostriches, pythons, alligators, and stingrays. These exotic leathers are also popular choices for cowboy boots and can add a unique, high-end touch to your pair that helps them stand out aesthetically.

Shark leather is most often recognized for having a distinct grain pattern as well as a higher resistance to wear and tear. It is a strong and durable material that makes for a good cowboy boot and is also used in making high-quality bags, belts, and shoes. Its unique texture is one of its best features as it can provide more of an exclusive appearance that makes it really stand out.

Cowhide, while not as distinctive as shark, can be an ideal choice for products that require a balance of strength, fashion, flexibility, and affordability. There is a reason that it is the most widely used leather when making cowboy boots. Cowhide leather comes in numerous various grades and finishes. As the classic choice for various leather products, cowhide is both versatile and well-loved.

Origins and Sourcing

Both shark and cowhide have their own origins and methods of sourcing, which are discussed next.

Shark leather comes from various shark species with one common type being the blue shark. Shark leather is generally a by-product of the food industry. Fishers process shark meat for human consumption and then sell the skin to exotic leather suppliers. Asia, Europe, and Africa are regions where shark leather is commonly sourced, with the leather ending up in tanneries around the world.

Comparatively, cowhide is the most widely used leather around the globe and is sourced primarily from cattle. Cowhide is also a by-product of the food industry, with hides being sourced during meat processing. The production of cowhide leather is generally considered to be a more established and regulated supply chain compared to shark leather. Cowhide leather is sourced and produced in various regions worldwide.

Comparing Textures

In the next section, we will explore the differences in the texture between cowhide and shark leather. With each carrying a different look and feel we will focus on reviewing aspects such as softness, smoothness, and patterns.

Cowhide

Cowhide is perhaps best known for having a smooth and supple texture which makes it a popular choice for cowboy boots and other leather products, including jackets and bags. The softness of cowhide comes from the natural fibers in the skin, which create a durable yet flexible material. The surface of the leather can range from smooth to slightly pebbled, depending on the finishing process.

Shark Leather

Shark leather, on the other hand, has a unique texture all its own. You find denticles (microscopic, tooth-like structures) on the surface of shark skin. These help to form a characteristic pattern that resembles tiles, giving shark leather its distinctive appearance. In contrast to cowhide, shark leather is not as soft or smooth, and the surface will usually feel somewhat rough to the touch.

Shark leather is quite strong and durable and makes for a strong boot material. While it may not be quite as flexible as cowhide and require more break in time, its resilience and unique appearance make shark leather an excellent choice for hard-wearing items such as cowboy boots.

Your preferred choice for cowhide or shark leather will largely depend on the desired texture and accompanying look.

Durability Assessment

Scuffing and Scratching

Shark leather is both tough and highly resistant to scuffs and scratches. This gives it an edge in durability, making it an appealing choice for heavy-duty applications.

In comparison, cowhide, which also has good durability overall, can be more susceptible to scuffs and scratches. However, when you apply proper maintenance, you can keep your cowhide products looking good for a long time.

Longevity and Wear

Shark leather is not only durable but also long-lasting, thanks to its tough natural fibers.

With the proper care, cowhide also can last a long time without excessive wear or cracking.

To maximize the longevity of either your shark leather or cowhide boots or other products, consider the following tips:

• Avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight and excessive heat
• Keeping them dry and avoid soaking in water
• Apply leather conditioners regularly

Both shark leather and cowhide have their own distinct advantages when it comes to durability and wear resistance. Choose the one that fits your needs and them ensure proper care and maintenance to make the most out of your investment.

Colors and Finishes

Cowhide

Cowhide leather will offer you a vast range of color options, enabling you to choose from classic shades like black and brown to more vibrant hues such as red and blue. This versatility allows you to select a color that best suits your own personal style and preferences.

Cowhide leather can also have various sheens or finished, depending on the treatment and finishing processes used. With a range from matte finishes to high gloss, the different available sheens also contribute to cowhide’s popularity and versatility.

Shark Leather

Shark leather is a bit less readily available and typically comes in fewer colors compared to cowhide. The natural hues of shark skin may include shades of gray, brown, and blue.

The texture of shark leather is among its distinct characteristics with its pebbled or slightly rippled grain pattern giving it a natural look distinct from a more traditional cowhide. This unique appearance will add an extra layer of intrigue to your shark leather cowboy boots.

Sheen level in your shark leather boots can vary, with some finishes appearing matte and others featuring a more reflective, polished surface. However, it is generally going to be less glossy than the high-gloss finishes achievable with cowhide.

Whichever way you go you will find that both cowhide and shark leather offer various colors, finishes, and textures for you to choose from when selecting a cowboy boot material.

Price Comparisons

Another area to consider when considering going with shark leather vs cowhide leather is comparative pricing. While there are always exceptions to the rule in general, they come at different price points. Shark leather will generally be more expensive than cowhide.

As we are mostly concerned with writing about boots here, when you are looking at cowboy boots, you may see a significant increase in price when choosing shark leather over cowhide.

While it is true that shark leather may be more expensive in comparison to cowhide, so are many exotic leathers, and it does bring its own unique features that might justify the price for you. If you decide that shark isn’t for you then cowhide provides many cost-effective options with a wide variety of applications and styles available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using shark leather over cowhide?

When compared to cowhide, shark leather offers a distinctive pattern and texture that gives it a unique and exotic appearance. Another consideration is that shark leather is known for its durability, possibly making it more suitable for use in items exposed to harsh environments.

How do the durability and toughness of shark leather compare to cowhide?

Shark leather is considered a highly durable leather and is quite resistant to wear and tear. Cowhide is also durable, but shark leather’s properties make it a generally more durable and tougher leather than cowhide. Cowhide is no slouch here though, and both materials are known for their long-lasting characteristics when properly cared for.

In what types of products is shark leather most commonly used?

Shark leather is commonly used in various types of products – these include cowboy boots, belts, wallets, and other accessories. The distinctive appearance of shark leather can add a sense of luxury and exoticness to these items.

What is the cost difference between shark leather and cowhide?

Shark leather will often be more expensive than cowhide because it is a less common and exotic leather type. Cowhide, being more widely available and in more common use tends to have lower prices, which is one of the reasons it is it the most popular choice among consumers and manufacturers of cowboy boots.

How does water resistance differ between shark leather and cowhide?

While not waterproof, shark leather is generally considered to have a superior water resistance compared to cowhide. While cowhide can be treated to enhance its water resistance, shark leather typically outperforms cowhide in this aspect of its performance.

How does shark leather compare to elephant leather? We wrote an article about that too. Read more to find out. How about cowhide vs goat leather? We have you covered there too.

You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/vb2B7oUwLdE