1. Kangaroo leather

Kangaroo leather is particularly suitable for football boots. One of the main reasons is that the animal’s skin contains very little fat. This means that the skin has a strong and fibrous quality, which is ideal for the stresses placed on the leather during a match.

2. Chemical treatment

Leather technicians can change the fibrous nature of leather with chemicals. As a result, manufacturers now include all manner of technological developments in a leather football boot. When a maker claims that a leather boot is technologically advanced, they’re usually referring to the treatment of the leather.

3. Moulding

Leather does not naturally mould to a foot. The tanning process is vital to making this happen. Properly tanned leather football boots mould to your feet and are very comfortable.

4. Expense

There’s no getting away from the fact that good leather boots are pricey. But you have to bear in mind that there may be 100 processes involved in preparing the leather.

Manufacturers also have to cut leather carefully to make the best use of it. This increases the cost still further.

5. Moisture management

Leather is great at letting moisture from your feet escape from your boots. This helps prevent fungal growths and unpleasant smells.

6. Green credentials

The chemicals once used for tanning leather were harmful to the environment because they were solvent-based. Today, most tanning chemicals are water-based and much safer. The tanning process is also far more efficient than it used to be.

7. Design

Leather football boots need not be plain. There’s a growing demand for boots to have colourful designs to make them stand out.

Technology now allows this sort of customisation on leather. It’s possible to have the benefits of leather boots plus the latest graphics.

8. Maintenance

Manufacturers use different techniques to provide the finish on a pair of leather boots. Most opt for a plastic or resin-based polymer on the surface of the leather to provide protection. To clean this, all you need do is wash your boots with warm water and a soap that’s pH neutral (the soap will tell you this on its packaging).

Generally speaking, manufacturers no longer make football boots using methods that mean you have to nourish the leather. There’s no need to use a conditioner or leather "feed".