A guide to linings – what’s actually inside your shoes
When choosing shoes, you usually focus on looks, size, or the upper material. But what touches your foot all day is something else: the lining. And it makes a bigger difference than you might think.
Not all Ayllas are the same inside
Today, we use several types of linings – and each makes sense in a different situation. It’s not about one being better than another. It’s about what you expect from your shoes – and where you’re heading in them. You can always find the lining type in the product description at the bottom.
1. Leather lining
A leather lining is one of the most natural materials you can have directly on your foot.
- your foot can breathe in it
- it works with moisture – absorbs it and gradually releases it
- it gradually adapts to your foot
- naturally regulates temperature – cool in summer, insulating in winter
- gives a premium feel – “dry comfort” that doesn’t stick
You could say that the longer you wear the shoes, the more comfortable and flexible they become.
Among our models with leather lining are sneakers like RURAQ or KALLPA, as well as some ballerinas.
Models like INCA II in nubuck or TIKSI II are almost unlined, so you can easily wear them barefoot.
INCA II in nubuck is a leather barefoot low shoe with almost no lining (only some parts have a leather lining).
Possible downside of leather lining:
Leather needs time to dry – and if you don’t rotate your shoes at least a bit, there may be a risk of odour over time.
2. Anti-allergenic microfiber lining
This technical (non-natural) lining works differently.
- actively wicks moisture away from the foot and dries quickly
- low maintenance
- keeps its shape
- suitable for sensitive skin
- vegan
It’s a material you’ll especially appreciate when your feet tend to sweat more. You’ll currently find it in some ballerinas and long-term in hiking models like MITU and RUMI.
Leather hiking shoes MITU have a technical lining with a waterproof membrane.
3. Cotton lining
A light and breathable lining that feels pleasant on the foot. It doesn’t pretend to be technical – but works naturally. It absorbs moisture, but does not actively wick it away.
Best suited for lighter shoes where you value breathability and simplicity. In our collection, these include slip-on sneakers SAMAY or low shoes INCA LIGHT.
Breathable INCA LIGHT sneakers feature a lining made from organic cotton.
How to choose
- Want natural comfort and a great feel → go for leather
- Want practicality, durability, and low maintenance → microfiber
- Looking for lightness and breathability → cotton or unlined models