We published the latest Leatherbiz Market Intelligence newsletter on January 21. By Leatherbiz.

There are few signs of any uplift in demand for leather. The report argues that even the recent success of retro athletic shoes made from suede (see image) have delivered only a partial boost to leather’s reputation.

It says most of the young consumers who have bought these shoes and are happy with their purchase are unaware of the upper material’s role in the quality and performance of the product.

Market Intelligence says that if consumers are not made aware of the functional properties and benefits of leather, it will be extremely difficult to reverse the trend of a decrease in the use of the material.

“Without this, the demand for leather will continue to shrink and leather as a material will increasingly be pushed back into the corner of specialty and exclusive materials,” it concludes.