CORK-leather
So, you're thinking about buying your first pair of QURC sneakers made of CORK-leather.
Congratulations, cork is one of the finest vegan and environmentally friendly fabrics available. Plus it has a unique look that just screams quality.
Yet, there is this nagging question in mind...
"Is it going to last?"
You're probably a little skeptical, we understand that. Sneakers made of cork? How does that work? Well, it works beautifully, really. Let us tell you a little more..
Perhaps the only thing you can imagine right now is a corkboard that falls apart, but there is really no similarity between the cork curls used to make such articles and the CORK-leather we use that is the perfect alternative to animal leather.
Characteristics of CORK-leather
Water-proof
Water resistance is cork’s best-kept secret: cork ages without deteriorating mainly due to its resistance to moisture. The suberin (a waterproofing waxy substance) present in the cell walls make cork intangible to liquids and gases.
Wear and tear resistant
CORK-leather is a very sturdy fabric, creating durable products that last for many years. Thanks to its honeycomb structure, cork is very wear-resistant and has a high coefficient of friction.
Extremely light
This is one of the biggest advantages of cork and of our sneakers, as we designed them to ensure your comfort and movability. With over 50% of its volume being air, no wonder cork is so light.
Slow-burning
We surely hope you won’t ever need to test this, but hey… you never know! The slow combustion of cork makes it a natural fire retardant and a kind of barrier against fire.
High-quality products
If your priority is quality, and you’re wondering how CORK-leather will age and behave through the years, know this: the CORK-leather used for our products can only be compared to that of high-quality leather goods. Both of these materials actually improve over time, they are said to "develop character" and become more flexible, but not lose any of their physical properties.
But, unlike leather, CORK-leather is 100% natural and vegan, water-proof, stain resistant and scratch-proof. Another advantage of CORK-leather over animal leather is that it’s very low-maintenance. To keep your QURC sneakers in good shape, all you need to do is clean them with nothing but a dishcloth, water, and a couple of drops of soap if desired. That’s it! You’re good to go.
Your QURC sneakers will age - like every last thing under the sun. But they will do so in a nicely kept manner, lasting you for years to come, with added character.
CORK-leather vs. Animal leather?
While animal leather does have a long life span and appealing aesthetic qualities, someone, somewhere is paying the price for our continued love affair with leather. Leather production causes animal cruelty, extreme pollution, and takes advantage of workers who are often underpaid and suffering due to dangerous working conditions.
CORK-leather is just as durable as animal leather, has the same estimated lifespan, and has very similar aesthetic qualities, such as its smooth and soft texture.
Cork is a material for the future, and the momentum is just picking up. Cork, with its intricate natural patterns, soft texture, and water-resistant structure, is only becoming more widely appreciated as people around the world become aware of it.
So free the chains of the past - it's time to look beyond leather, beyond sneakers.