Full Quill vs Embossed Ostrich: How to Tell Genuine Ostrich Shoes
Genuine full quill ostrich has raised, soft bumps with a tiny hole in each, spaced unevenly across the hide. Embossed ostrich is ordinary leather printed with flat, perfectly even bumps. This guide explains the three real ostrich cuts, five checks for spotting fakes and how to look after ostrich shoes.
Full Quill, Smooth and Ostrich Leg: The Three Cuts
Ostrich leather comes from different parts of the same bird, and each part looks different. You can read the background on Wikipedia's ostrich leather page.
| Cut | Where from | Look | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full quill | Back and centre of the hide | Raised bumps where feathers grew | Highest |
| Smooth (half quill) | Edges of the hide | Few or no bumps | Lower |
| Ostrich leg | Lower legs | Scales, like a reptile | Mid |
| Embossed | Calf or cow leather | Printed bump pattern | Lowest |
When people say "ostrich shoes", they usually mean full quill. It is the cut with the most character and the one that is most often copied.
How to Tell Genuine Ostrich Shoes
- Feel the quills. Real quills are raised and slightly soft, each with a small hole in the centre where the feather was. Embossed bumps are flat-topped and have no hole.
- Look for variation. On real full quill, the bumps are dense in the centre and spread out toward the edges. Embossing is perfectly even.
- Check the leather between the bumps. Genuine ostrich is soft and has a fine, natural grain. Embossed calf feels firmer and more uniform.
- Flex it. Real ostrich creases softly. Embossed leather often creases sharply across the printed pattern.
- Ask the seller. A good maker will tell you whether the leather is full quill, smooth, leg or embossed.
Full Quill or Embossed: Which Should You Buy?
Full quill is softer, more comfortable and unique to each pair, and it lasts very well because the leather is naturally oily. Embossed ostrich costs much less and is easier to look after, but it is ordinary leather with a pattern. Both have a place; just make sure the price matches what you are getting.
Browse our ostrich styles, including Men's Tan Ostrich Loafers, Black ostrich skin monkstrap and Tan Ostrich Zipper Boots. If you are unsure which ostrich leather a pair uses, ask us before you order.
How to Care for Ostrich Shoes
- Wipe off dust with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Condition two or three times a year with a reptile or exotic leather conditioner.
- Use a soft brush around the quills so cream does not collect in them.
- Dry wet shoes slowly at room temperature, never near heat.
- Store on cedar shoe trees, away from sunlight.
To compare ostrich with other exotics, read which exotic leather is most durable.
FAQs
How can you tell if ostrich leather is real?
Real full quill ostrich has raised, soft bumps, each with a tiny hole where the feather grew, and the bumps are denser in the centre of the hide than at the edges. Embossed leather has flat, evenly spaced bumps with no holes. Genuine ostrich also feels soft and creases gently.
What is full quill ostrich?
Full quill ostrich is leather from the centre of the ostrich's back, where the feather follicles are densest. It shows the classic pattern of raised bumps and is the most prized and expensive ostrich cut. Smooth or half quill comes from the edges of the hide and has few bumps.
Is ostrich leather durable?
Yes. Ostrich is naturally rich in oils, so it resists cracking and stays supple for years with basic care. It is softer than crocodile and creases more, but the creases look natural. A resoleable construction lets the upper last through several soles.
Are ostrich leg and ostrich quill the same?
No. Ostrich leg comes from the lower legs of the bird and has small scales, similar to a reptile. Full quill comes from the body and has round bumps. They are both genuine ostrich but look completely different, and they are priced differently.
Can you wear ostrich shoes every day?
Yes. Ostrich is one of the most comfortable and practical exotic leathers for regular wear, because it is soft, flexible and handles light rain when conditioned. Rotate pairs so they can dry out between wears, use shoe trees and condition a few times a year.