About 80% of all leather is used to make what product?

The vast majority of leather produced globally, approximately 80%, finds its purpose in the creation of footwear. This long-standing tradition of using leather for shoes dates back millennia, with the oldest known leather shoe, a 5,500-year-old cowhide artifact, discovered in an Armenian cave. From these ancient beginnings, the shoemaking industry has evolved to become the world's largest consumer of leather, producing billions of pairs of leather shoes annually.

Leather's unique properties make it an ideal material for footwear. Its inherent durability allows shoes to withstand demanding wear and last for many years, even decades, if properly cared for. Beyond strength, leather offers remarkable flexibility, conforming to the wearer's foot for superior comfort and fit, a quality unmatched by many synthetic alternatives. Furthermore, leather is naturally breathable due to its porous structure, allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape, which helps keep feet drier and prevents heat buildup, making it comfortable in various climates.

The global scale of the shoe industry, combined with leather's enduring qualities of comfort, breathability, and resilience, solidifies its position as the dominant material for footwear. While other products like furniture, clothing, and accessories also utilize leather, shoes continue to drive the majority of its demand worldwide, highlighting the material's timeless appeal and practical advantages for protecting and adorning our feet.