A Good Leather Belt is NOT Hard to Find

A GOOD LEATHER BELT IS NOT HARD TO FIND

The question is how will you know if your belt is real leather?
Honestly it's very hard to tell by just a label or stamp on the back.  All too often the belt is NOT genuine leather but a leather-like product that has none of the characteristics of true leather.  Generally you will not find out the truth until you have worn the belt for while.  Then, it happens.  The belt begins to crack right where you buckle it.  The holes split.  You begin to see a cardboard like layer showing through.  Oh not again!  Yes, that is probably a layer of cardboard in between a two pieces of bonded leather.


The best way to know you are getting a genuine leather belt is to buy it from Sole Survivor. SOLESU belts are made of full grain leather.  Full grain, properly tanned leather does not split crack or peel.  SOLESU belts are made using only high quality hides sourced from professional, reputable tanners.

Terms & Definitions

Terms and Definitions

Bonded Leather is a term used for partially synthetic leather. It is a synthetic material made of varying types of plastic (generally polyurethane or vinyl) that may be spread over ground-up leather and other substances, mechanically processed to give the appearance of leather, but at reduced cost and with less wastage compared to natural leather.[1] Bonded leather can be found in furniture, bookbinding, and various fashion accessories. Examples of products that are most commonly constructed with different varieties of "bonded leather" are: books, diaries, art books, desk accessories, bags, belts, chairs, and sofas.

Top Grain  The first cut taken from the grain side of a split hide from which nothing except the hair and associated epidermis has been removed.  Top grain leather is a good place to start when looking for good leather. 

Is it REAL Leather?

How do I know if an item I purchased is REAL Leather?

This is a great question and my first answer is, you will know for sure an item is genuine leather when you buy from Sole Survivor.  Sole Survivor has over 40 years experience in the leather industry.  We know the U.S. tanneries and their sources of raw materials.  We know and deal with jobbers both domestic and abroad who buy specialty leathers to re-sell to small and medium-sized leather businesses like ours.

The truth is that it is often hard to tell if an item is genuine leather just by looking at a label.  There seems to be no regulation of the labeling of most so called leather goods.  There may be regulations in place, they just don't seem to be being enforced.  The advantage Sole Survivor has is that we are purchasing the raw material and making the items ourselves.  It's always clear to us that we are buying genuine leather.  But when it comes to finished goods, even our experts can be fooled for a moment.  Sometimes we must cut into the item in an hidden place to see the proof.

Due to the popularity of leather furniture in recent years, the industry HAS lately taken note.  You now hear ads that refer to BONDED LEATHER.  Friends, this is not genuine leather.  Thank goodness they are now calling it what it is but the harsh truth is that bonded leather is not GENUINE LEATHER.

I'm out of time for now but will return with much more on this subject in the near future...

SOLE Open House

Our SOLE - School of Leather Education - Open House was yesterday.  Steve and I enjoyed meeting everyone and showing the workspace and tools.  We'll have another Open House real soon! In the meantime, you can read about the classes on our website. Online signup is coming with the week but in the meantime, call, stop by or email us about class times.

Naot Replacement Footbeds

GENUINE NAOT REPLACEMENT FOOTBEDS AVAILABLE AT SOLE SURVIVOR

Replace your old footbeds with the Genuine Naot Replacement Footbeds.

Suede leather liner helps draw moisture away from your feet to keep them healthy and dry.

Deep heel indentation helps the body balance and protects the heel bone as you walk.

Cushioned center conforms to the natural shape of your foot to provide you with all-day comfort.

Cork/latex bottom provides amazing arch support and shock absorption

Make Your Own Moccasins

MAKE YOUR OWN SUEDE MOCCASINS AT
SOLE SURVIVOR LEATHER - CLASSES STARTING SOON

Here's an example of one of the items you can make with your own two hands at Sole Survivor School of Leather.   The moccasins can be accented with your own fabrics, findings, jewelry, buttons, etc. Bring your findings to class and we'll help you incorporate them into the finished product. Sole Survivor provides guided instruction as well as the patterns, all leathers, waxed sewing thread, cushioned liner and many choices of leather accents.. You can be sure of a successful outcome with the help of our teacher STEVE RYE.   

Make Your Own Leather Goods

MAKE YOUR OWN LEATHER GOODS AT
SOLE SURVIVOR'S SCHOOL OF LEATHER EDUCATION

The classes are beginning to come together.  In fact, you can see the beginning of the course outlines on the website.  The schedule has not yet been finalized.  We'll do that after the open house on Sunday, February 17th.  But for now, several classes are listed with pricing and a brief description.  Complete descriptions, schedules and such will be ready in about 2 weeks.

If you have any questions at all, call or better yet, come see us in person at the Open House at Sole Survivor.  We are located at 25 East Main St.  Downtown Belleville.

Naot Dorith at Sole Survivor

BUY NAOT DORITH AT SOLE SURVIVOR LEATHER

The Naot Dorith is one amazing sandal offered in 5 amazing colors but don't take my word for it!  Here's a real live customer review posted on our website by a Naot Dorith lover:

This is the most comfortable sandal I've ever worn. I have them in 3 different colors. Even thoughI have bone spurs in the joint s of my big toes, these sandals don't bother them in any way. I highly reccommend them!

Gladiator inspired Dorith features intricate strappy design. Ankle strap with velcro closure gives extra support. Great style for a flatter foot.  New for 2013 is this fabulous ORANGE.  

First OPEN HOUSE at The SOLE

SOLE SURVIVOR SCHOOL OF LEATHERWORK EDUCATION OPEN HOUSE

The Sole Survivor School of Leatherwork Education (aka The SOLE) Is having an OPEN HOUSE Sunday February 17th!

If you would like to know more about the classes, the instructor, the location; if you would like to see the tools, the leather, the supplies; this is the day. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Call us with questions at 618-234-0214

Or, visit the event on our Facebook page to learn more!

USA Made Men's Socks at Sole Survivor

MADE IN THE USA MEN'S SOCKS NOW AT 

SOLE SURVIVOR!

Just in - Made in the USA men's socks. affordably priced! The 2 pak Steel Toe Quarter Socks or the 3 pak white or black crew are just $9. Yes, $9 for a two or three pair pack of socks made in the USA.

Spring 2013 Naot Alana $109

Naot Alana $109

We will talk about this style again and again as the season progresses!  If you were a fan of Naot's highly successful TAMPA but found it too high or too wide, you'll be THRILLED with Naot Alana.  Priced affordably at just $109.  




The Alana wedge sandal is from Naot's Elegant Collection which is designed to fit a slim to medium foot. The upper is a microfiber/lycra material and very adjustable.  It has just the right amount of give to accommodate almost everyone.

Spring 2013: Naot Toatoa

Naot Toatoa Spring 2013

Naot Toatoa from the Koru collection - so adorable and perfect for early spring. We love the adjustable strap across the instep because it allows for a custom fit.  The hook and loop strap also adds to the overall support of the shoe. Color As shown.  Also available in Black/Metallic.




Naot's Koru collection is designed to fit a medium width.  The inner footbed is removable and replaceable which means that you can renew the comfort of these shoes long before you wear them out.
Genuine Naot replacement footbeds are always available from Sole Survivor