Materials · Nubuck
Nubuck Leather Shoes, Velvet Nap on Grain Strength
Top-grain brushed on the grain side until it blooms into velvet. The look of suede with the strength of the outer layer — the premium casual tier of the range.
The grade, defined
What nubuck means in a quotation
Nubuck starts as top-layer leather and is finely brushed on the grain side to raise a short, velvet nap. That origin is the essential difference from suede: suede is brushed on the flesh side of the split, nubuck on the grain side, so the panel keeps the fiber density of the outer layer. In our codes it is specified as NB-01 (nubuck 1.4 mm), with hides running 1.2–1.6 mm.
In the hand it is soft and matte; under light it reads low-sheen rather than shiny. Grain-side origin gives it better abrasion behavior than a split suede of similar thickness. Care expectations sit between the grades: a nubuck brush and a protector spray at purchase, and a shade that deepens slightly with wear instead of going shiny.
Position it in premium casual programs — chelsea boots, derbies, unstructured loafers — where the texture itself is the retail story. On this site, nubuck is handled as a sampling option across the range rather than a fixed catalog build: see Nubuck as an option below.
On the spec sheet
Grade: Nubuck · Code NB
Thickness: 1.2–1.6 mm
Tier: Premium casual
Seen in: sampling option on DB, CB and LF platforms
Typical specification
How we quote the NB hide
| Parameter | Our standard |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 1.2–1.6 mm |
| Finish | Fine-brushed grain side — velvet nap, matte |
| Tanning | Chrome (standard) |
| Common uses in our range | Sampling option across DB, CB and LF platforms |
| Hide code | NB-01 |
Indicative figures for planning purposes — binding quotation upon specification.
Nubuck as an option
Any style in the range, sampled in NB-01
Every style in the 26 series can be sampled in NB-01 nubuck on request. The models below are illustrated in their catalog hides and tones; the label on each card carries its NB-01 option.
Illustrated models can be sampled in NB-01 nubuck on request.
Style reference
Style reference
Style reference
Ordering indicators
Numbers for your planning sheet
| Indicator | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Pilot MOQ | 50–100 pairs per style, mixed sizes |
| Standard MOQ | 300 pairs per style per color |
| Sampling | 7–14 days on existing lasts |
| Bulk lead time | 30–45 days ex-factory |
| FOB reference | Indicated with the sampling program, per the base style's construction band |
Indicative figures for planning purposes — binding quotation upon specification.
Related pages
Continue through the site
Want a nubuck counter sample?
Name the style and the tone. We quote the NB-01 counter sample alongside the base program, with indicative FOB bands by construction.