The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-06-23
SHOE MANUFACTURERS
LOOKING SUBSTITUTE
FOR LEATHER

d. R. McNair, proprietor Of Cald,
wells exclusive shoe store. is neccs-
sarily supposed to know more or less
about shoes and the material that
goes into them. Mr.. McNair states
that interest in woman's patent lea
ther shoes is increasing, and while the
demand still is good for fancy colors,
and a large sale in fall goods is ex-
pected, the tide seems to be again
returning to shiny blacks for fall
and winter. Hence the up-to- date re-
tailers are placing orders for good
lines of patent leather goods in colts,
kid and chrome side-leathcr.
at is minated" Mr.. McNair in
formed The Tribune, from the head
quarters of garment manufacturers,
that the women's dress skirts Will
grow longer as winter approaches, and
this will have an effect on the height
of the boot tops of the winter lines:
The cry keep 'em short is still voiced
by the trade press"
The higher priced shoe it at hand
and consequently resort is made more
and more to substitutes for leather,
Discussing a practical substitute for
leather, Mr. McNair said:
"The evolution for substitute for
leather has not been stimulated by
desire to produce something cheap,
but to secure material that will cost
less than leather to manufacture, and
by so doing make the consumers bill
for shoes lighter. The marvellous SUI
premacy, the wearing qualities and
value of leather through the ages has
made the selection of an adequate
substitute in footwear very difficult.
Hence the aim of the makers of sub
stitutes necessarily has been high.
The substitute must be tested and
measured by the leather standard.
That the makers of the various sub
stitutes dare to advertise their wares
in trade journals, and to come out
and compete in the open market with
leather from the skins of beasts is a
reasonable assurance OF the quality OF
the substitute.
Rubber has been accepted as a
substitute; so also have fabrics. The
more recent inventions now are ask
ing to be tried and the time is ripe
to try them.
Imitation leather has been tried
and proven" for upholstery; now it
has been made, not SO much to iml-
tate leather, as to be a material suit
able to take the place of leather. even
TO endure the severeSt tests.
For some time the shoe counter. the
part that gives the shape and setup
to the leather around the heel, has
been made of fibre and given entire
satisfaction, enduring the test of water
and perspiration 1t is not surprising,
therefore, that a material has been
produced for which it is claimed the
virtues of fexibility, water-proofness,
susceptibility or finish on the edge,
and the wearing qualities necessary for
soles of shoes.
"Still another material has been de-
vised for shoe soles, and it is claimed
that it is waterproof; holds the
stitches; resists wear; is not affected
by the heat or cold, and also does not
draw the feet-all necessary consd-
Grafton in selecting shoe-soles.
Again, another composition marcr-
leather; costs less; holds stitches or
nails; is more flexible than leather; is
waterproof; has a good edge; is not
noisy.
Heels of Fibre-Board.
he aQOptlOn OF Wnlte SHOES has
required proper heels, and one is Of
fered made of fbre-board that can
be shaved or FURNISHED; is waterproof;
is the same color from the outside to
the center, and so equal to the severe
task of women's footwear.
so these substitutes for leather, in
its time-honored uses. line up for in
spection and test; not claiming to be
artificial leather. nor posing as any
thing but materials composed of in
gradients that are durable, and so
made as to make the materials suitable
to take the place of leather in foot
wear and do good service.
IF 'beggars' must not be choosers,
those who would have durable shoes,
but are unwilling or object to paying
the increasing retail prices, must con-
ceal their pride and accept shoes in
which substitutes for leather are judi
ciously used In all probability if they
did not know that substitutes were in
troduced they would take the shoes
at lower prices greedily and gloat
over the bargain. However, as it is
not the intention of dealers to
conceal the use of substitutes. but to
be honest in dealing, the fussy people
must be educated to bring them up to
the era in which they are living.
A-,oI,I pracbe,re (Hurk) a uradu-