LEATHER AND SUBSTITUTES.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 41, 20 February 1929, Page 12

LEATHER AND SUBSTITUTES.

Iligh prices for leather caused by the ihortage of hides throughout the world in 1927 led to the employment of substitutes for, leather in the manufacture of footwear. The popularity of rubber and crepe rubber soles increased rapidly in America and Europe. This led to strong opposition from leather traders, and much has been ■written in trade journals against the employment of substitutes.. Australian tanners are now taking an interest in the matter; and they have decided to urge the advantages of the use of genuine Jeather.:for boots and shoes. The advantages claimed for rubber are '■ that it is waterproof wears well, and forms, a comfortable sole. Leather merchants contend that substitutes aife undesirable for health reasons.. A recent issue of the "Leather World;".of London, contains articles :on the subject, stating that leather is a conductor of heat, and therefore provides the Accessary porous covering for the feet. Rubber, a non-conductor, chocks the "reirpiration", from, the soles of the feet, and does/ not permit of their cooling naturally. ; The journal, states, that.many users are .reverting to leather. The merits of rubber and.leather as solos for boots and shoes will receive attention from the,public, ;and- by its decision the manufacturer will have to abide.