Nubuk vs leather

[NY&watches]

Hi TFL community. I want to pull a trigger on a jacket and torn between nubuk and leather. I know both are leather but you know what I mean.
Specifically I like schott storm heavyweight nubuk.
What are pros and cons of nubuk? Especially long term?
Ans does anyone had experience with storm model?
Thanks
K

 

[TartuWolf]

In my opinion the quality of leather in terms of splitting/cut goes like this from best to worst:
- Full Grain / Roughout
- Top grain / Nubuck
- Split / Suede
- The rest is basically trash
So you're getting the second best when taking nubuck.

Nubuck like roughout has the main pro of being more resistant to scratches and mechanical damage. Maybe not so much resistant, but rather it will not show it so much.
Main con is usually how resistant it is to water/elements. Also what you can put on it (waxing/conditioning/coating) and how much you can shine/buff it.

Hope this helps at least a bit.

 

[Modified_last_call]

My biggest concern with Nubuck (and this is based on footwear, not jackets), is the difficulty with keeping it clean compared to skin side leather.
You can condition it, treat it, it's still harder to keep Nubuck clean.

 

[NY&watches]

Given Nubuk is second best why would the prices be as high as full grain leather hides. I always wondered the same for suede. Besides the aesthetics I wonder if there are some qualitative aspects that might make nubuk or suede more preferable than leather.

 

[TartuWolf]

Even if we talk about leather (hides, not leather products) there are countless variables that account for the price. One reason some people prefer top grain / nubuck over full grain is the uniformness and lack of imperfections and natural marks. Also nubuck will typically be thinner, more comfortable and flexible than for example full grain or roughout. So nubuck (and suede) is more comfortable and softer out of the box.
Suede is basically a fragile luxury material from my perspective. Lovely and soft, just don't get it wet or dirty. @Modified_last_call made a good point about cleaning.

Personally if I'd ever go for non-smooth leather I would highly prioritize roughout/waxed flesh, followed by nubuck. Would avoid suede at any cost.

 

[cajunfries]

if you condition nubuck with a cream, it becomes waxed flesh tho. similar result with suede.
I'd say get it in either.

 

[TartuWolf]

@cajunfries if you use a broad enough definition of waxed flesh then yes. For me it's rather waxed roughout. You can't make waxed flesh from suede. Just my opinion though.

 

[cajunfries]

@TartuWolf That's fair. Technically, not waxed flesh, but functionally-yes. And when the cream wear off naturally, they go back to roughout.

 

[TartuWolf]

For reference I think OP is talking about this jacket:
https://www.schottnyc.com/products/storm.htm?catID=24
Would love to try the brown version myself, looks stunning and I would not have any reservations regarding durability.