Full-Grain Cowhide Leather

Leather We Use at Rob & Mara

At Rob & Mara, we believe good shoes start with good materials. That’s why we use real cowhide leather — chosen for its strength, longevity, and ability to age beautifully over time.

Most of our shoes are made with premium full-grain leather, and depending on the design, we also work with other high-quality cowhide leathers such as top-grain, nubuck, suede, and crazy horse leather.

What We Mean When We Say “Genuine Leather”

When we say genuine leather, we simply mean:

• ✅ Real cowhide leather
• ❌ Not synthetic
• ❌ Not PU
• ❌ Not faux leather

We understand that the term “genuine leather” can be confusing today because some people online use it to describe the lowest grade of leather. That is not what we use at Rob & Mara.

Our materials are carefully selected, and we predominantly use full-grain leather, which is considered one of the highest quality and most durable types of cowhide leather available.

Our Main Leather: Full-Grain Cowhide

Full-grain leather is loved for a reason — it’s strong, premium, and made to last. It keeps the hide’s natural surface intact, which is why it:

• Holds up better over time
• Develops a rich patina (that natural glow with wear)
• Ages gracefully instead of looking “worn out”
• Looks better the more you use it

If you’re buying shoes you want to keep for years, this is the kind of leather you want.

Other Cowhide Leathers We Use (Depending on the Style)

Some designs require a different finish or texture, so we occasionally use:

Top-Grain Leather

Still premium and durable, but with a smoother, more refined look.

Crazy Horse Leather

A type of full-grain cowhide leather with a waxed finish that gives it a beautiful rugged, vintage look. It’s known for developing rich character over time, with natural marks and color variations that make each pair even more unique with wear.

Nubuck Leather

Soft, velvety texture (similar to suede but slightly more structured).
Perfect for that elevated, matte finish.

Suede Leather

Soft and rich in texture — great for statement pairs and cozy seasonal styles.

All of these are still real cowhide leather — just with different finishes.

Natural Marks Are Normal (and Beautiful)

Because our leather is real, you may notice small natural characteristics such as:

• Subtle creases and folds
• Tiny scars
• Insect bites
• Texture variations
• Natural markings on the hide

These marks do not affect durability or quality. In fact, they’re part of what makes leather authentic — no two pairs are ever exactly the same.

Your Shoes Will Age With You

Rob & Mara shoes are meant to be worn — not kept perfect in a box.

Over time, your pair will:

• Crease naturally
• Soften and mold to your feet
• Develop character unique to your lifestyle

Think of it as your shoes collecting memories: the steps you’ve taken, the trips you’ve been on, and the places you’ve lived in them.

That’s the beauty of real leather — it doesn’t just last.
It becomes yours.

In Short

• ✔️ Real cowhide leather (not synthetic)
• ✔️ Predominantly full-grain leather
• ✔️ Also uses top-grain / crazy horse / nubuck / suede depending on the design
• ✔️ Made to age beautifully, last long, and tell your story