Why The Break-In Matters
When you invest in quality footwear, you’re also investing in the process of making them truly yours. Break-in is the stage where the leather, stitching, and sole begin to adapt to your individual foot shape and movement. Different leathers behave differently, some soften almost immediately, while others take time to mould and reveal their full character. At GORAL, we use a variety of premium leathers, each with distinct structural qualities. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Nappa
Break-In: 4-6 wears
Nappa is a traditional shoemaking leather with a fine grain and balanced firmness. Its tighter fibre structure means it needs a short adjustment period to soften, but once shaped, it offers durability and long-lasting comfort.
Horween Chromexcel
Break-In: 4-6 wears
Made by Horween in Chicago, Chromexcel is a hot-stuffed leather rich in oils and waxes. Its thickness and resilience give it strength and longevity, but also require a few wears before the fibres relax and the leather conforms fully to your foot.
Shop Horween Chromexcel leather here.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Break-In: 1-2 wears
This leather is naturally softer due to its lighter weight and open fibre structure. It adapts quickly to your foot and develops a warm patina as the tannins react to wear, light, and handling.
Shop Vegetable Tanned Leather here.
Deer Leather
Break-In: None - ready to wear
Deer leather is exceptionally supple with a naturally loose fibre structure, meaning it requires no break-in at all. It delivers instant comfort and flexibility while still retaining strength for regular wear.
Horween Shell Cordovan
Break-In: 4-10 wears
Cordovan is a dense, non-porous leather made from the fibrous flat muscle (the shell) beneath the horsehide. Its unique structure means it can vary from piece to piece, some pairs feel forgiving immediately, while others require patience. Once broken in, Cordovan maintains its shape exceptionally well and develops a deep, mirror-like patina over time.
Shop Horween Shell Cordovan here.
