# Leather vs fabric walking boots

Source: https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/leather-vs-fabric-walking-boots
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Trail and Lace

**In short:** Leather boots last longer, resist abrasion, stay waterproof longer in sustained rain when kept waxed and can often be resoled, but they are heavier and need more break-in and care. Fabric boots are lighter, comfortable from new and dry faster, but wear sooner and rely more on their membrane to stay dry. For wet British hills in all seasons, leather is the traditional choice; for summer and fast walking, fabric often feels better.

The upper is the first thing you notice on a boot, and it shapes almost everything about how the boot behaves. Leather boots, whether smooth full-grain, brushed nubuck or suede, are the traditional choice for British hills. Fabric boots, usually nylon or polyester mesh with synthetic overlays and a Gore-Tex lining, are lighter and more like trainers. This article compares them on the points that matter, then sets two Scarpa boots side by side using listing facts.

## The types of leather and fabric

Full-grain leather is the outer layer of the hide with its natural surface intact. It is the toughest and most water resistant, and it takes wax well. Nubuck is full-grain leather lightly brushed to a velvety finish; it is still tough but marks more easily. Suede is cut from the inner layers, softer and more breathable but less water resistant unless treated.

Fabric boots use woven nylon or polyester, often with a tighter weave at wear points and synthetic or rubber overlays. Almost all fabric walking boots rely on a membrane such as Gore-Tex to keep water out, because the fabric itself lets water through once its water-repellent coating wears off.

Many boots mix materials: suede and fabric panels, or leather with a fabric collar.

## Side by side

The table sums up the general trade-offs. Individual models vary, so use it as a starting point rather than a rule.

| Factor | Leather boots | Fabric boots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Break-in | Some, longer for thick leather | Little or none |
| Water resistance of the upper | High when waxed | Low, relies on membrane |
| Drying time once wet | Slow | Faster |
| Breathability | Good without a membrane, moderate with one | Moderate with a membrane |
| Abrasion resistance | High | Lower |
| Lifespan | Long, often resoleable | Shorter |
| Care | Clean and wax regularly | Clean and reproof the fabric |

General comparison

## Gore-Tex vs leather: do you need both?

A leather boot can be waterproof without a membrane if the leather is thick and well waxed; Scarpa's SL Active is an example sold without one. Many walkers like these boots because the leather breathes better than a membrane boot and there is no liner to wear out.

Most leather walking boots now add a Gore-Tex or similar lining as well. That gives a second line of defence if water soaks through the leather at the flex point. In wet British weather, leather plus membrane is a very common and sensible combination.

With a fabric boot, the membrane does almost all the waterproofing work. Once the outer fabric is soaked, the membrane breathes less well and feet can feel damp from sweat. Read [how Gore-Tex walking boots work](https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/how-gore-tex-boots-work) for more.

## Two Scarpa boots compared

The Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX and Kailash Trek GTX come from the same maker and both have Gore-Tex Standard ePE linings and Vibram soles, which makes the effect of the upper easier to see. The facts below come from the amazon.co.uk listings.

|  | Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX | Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upper | 2.4 mm leather | Suede and nylon |
| Lining | Gore-Tex Standard ePE | Gore-Tex Standard ePE |
| Outsole | Vibram Biometric / XS Trek | Vibram Biometric / XS Trek |
| Listed weight | 825 g | 585 g |
| Listed cut | High top | High top |

Listing facts

[See the best leather walking boots](https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-leather-walking-boots)

## Which suits your walking

Choose leather if you walk in all seasons on wet, rough ground, want a boot that lasts many years, carry heavier packs or plan to resole. Accept the extra weight and the time spent cleaning and waxing.

Choose fabric if you mostly walk in spring and summer, value low weight and quick drying, or want a boot that feels good from the first walk. Accept a shorter life and plan to reproof the fabric regularly. Our [lightweight walking boots](https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-lightweight-walking-boots) guide covers many fabric and suede options, and [how to reproof walking boots](https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/how-to-waterproof-walking-boots) explains care for both types.

## Frequently asked questions

**Are leather walking boots waterproof?** Thick, well-waxed leather resists water very well, and most leather boots also have a membrane. Neglected leather soaks up water.

**Are fabric boots less durable?** Generally yes. Mesh and stitching wear sooner on rock and heather, and fabric boots are rarely worth resoling.

**Do leather boots take long to break in?** Thin leather and nubuck boots need a few short walks; thick full-grain leather may need more. See [how to break in walking boots](https://trailandlace.co.uk/blog/how-to-break-in-walking-boots).

**Are leather boots hotter?** Leather-lined and membrane boots can feel warm in summer. Fabric boots usually feel cooler.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-leather-walking-boots
- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-lightweight-walking-boots
- https://trailandlace.co.uk/best/best-resoleable-walking-boots