The durability of leather shoes depends not only on the materials used but, even more so, on the craftsmanship involved. Hand-stitching is a key technique for extending the lifespan of leather shoes; by using a double-stitch method to reinforce the connection between the upper and the sole, the risk of the sole separating is significantly reduced.
Some brands employ the Goodyear welt construction, inserting a layer of cork or fiber between the sole and the upper. This design not only enhances cushioning but also facilitates future resoling and repairs. Additionally, the leather tanning process influences the final quality; vegetable tanning has increasingly become the preferred choice due to its eco-friendliness and ability to preserve the leather's natural characteristics, whereas chrome tanning utilizes chemical agents to shorten the process but may leave trace amounts of heavy metals.