Leon, an important city in Guanajuato State, Mexico, is widely regarded as the “Leather Capital of Mexico”. It is not only the industrial and manufacturing center of the state but also a well-known leather industry hub in Mexico and even globally, holding a prominent position in the country’s leather industry.
Leon’s leather market is renowned for its mature leather-making techniques, rich product range and solid industrial foundation. Its leather market and leather goods stores are not only the center of craftsmanship, but also reflect the rich integration of tradition, innovation and cultural heritage.
Leon is the most important leather production center in Mexico and even Latin America, with a complete industrial chain.
This article will take you through the leather market, leather shops, and leather-related exhibitions and festivals in Leon.
Leon is known as the “City of Leather and Shoes”.
Leon is the most important leather production center in Mexico and even Latin America, with a complete industrial chain covering raw leather supply, tanning processing, finished product manufacturing and export.
Ninety percent of the city’s footwear products are concentrated here, with an annual output of 195 million pairs. The products are exported to many countries in Asia, Europe and America. Its leather craftsmanship is renowned for its stable quality and classic design.
Although the demand for leather in industries such as automotive interiors, footwear, and clothing is affected by global market fluctuations, the automotive industry still provides significant support for the local leather industry (70% of the leather from tanneries in the Guanajuato region is supplied to the Mexican automotive industry).
Leon’s leather tradition history
Leon’s leather tradition can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century. Initially focusing on basic leather goods that met local needs (such as saddle and footwear for ranches), the industry has grown exponentially over the centuries due to access to high-quality raw materials (mainly cowhide from nearby ranches) and skilled craftsmen.
Today, Leon is the largest leather goods producer in Mexico, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s leather exports, including footwear, handbags, belts and accessories.
Leon’s craftsmanship and materials
Leon’s leather goods are renowned for their high quality, which is attributed to:
- Raw materials: Most of the leather comes from local cattle. Due to its durability and natural texture, we focus on full-grain and top-grain leather.
- Traditional techniques: Craftsmen have retained colonial methods such as plant tanning (using natural extracts like tree bark) and hand sewing, while adopting modern techniques to enhance efficiency.
- Cultural influence: Designs often incorporate Mexican heritage – think of bright colors, folk art patterns, or draw inspiration from the colonial architecture of Guanajuato.
Leon’s market challenges and transformation trends
Decline in demand and price fluctuations
- Demand for shoe upper leather has been halved: Since 2018, the demand for shoe upper leather in Guanajuato State has dropped by 50%, causing the price of raw hides to plumper (the current trading price of fresh cowhide has fallen to $0.25 per kilogram). This trend has severely impacted the order situation of local tanning enterprises and exacerbated the industry’s operational difficulties.
- Global competitive pressure: The footwear and leather goods industry in Mexico is confronted with low-cost competition from Asia (particularly China), as well as challenges from piracy and informal practices, which affect the industrial competitive balance.
Industrial transformation and sustainable development
- Optimization of raw material supply: Relevant stakeholders improve raw material supply through modern livestock breeding and other measures, and draw on the successful experiences of leather industrial clusters in China, India and Italy to promote industrial upgrading.
- New park site selection planning: LIRDC’s feasibility study recommends Mojo as the new park site. It is expected that this park will improve the livelihoods of local farmers and promote the development of the leather industry.
The main leather markets in Leon
There are many places in Leon where you can purchase high-quality leather products at a good price. The leather market is an area where many leather stores are concentrated and serves as the center for wholesale and retail transactions, attracting locals, tourists and international buyers.
Whether you are looking to purchase a durable leather bag or jacket, or are seeking a leather bag manufacturer, the leather market here offers craftsmanship and unparalleled value.
Zona Piel (“Leather Zone”)
This is the main hub for Leon’s leather and footwear products. There are over 5,000 leather stores here, specializing in all kinds of leather goods (bags, jackets, coats, vests, wallets, briefcases, suitcases, hats, belts, harnesses, cowboy boots, fashion boots, sandals, various types of shoes, sports shoes and almost everything else you can think of) – it’s definitely worth your time and effort to experience!
If you want to buy leather boots, leather jackets, leather bags or any other leather goods, this is definitely a great place to go. There are many stores here, with prices ranging from low to high. There is always one that suits your budget. Not all goods are genuine leather. They also buy many counterfeits. So it’s best to consult or learn to distinguish various leather materials before purchasing.
It spans multiple streets / blocks: around Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Hilario Medina, Fray Daniel Mireles, Calle Merida, Blvd Vasco de Quiroga.
Hours: many shops open ~ 8-9 AM; Some lunch breaks (≈ 2-4 p.m.); Many stores remain open until 8 or 9 p.m. On Sundays, many places are open from 9 or 10 a.m. to 4 or 6 p.m.
Mercado de Artesanias y Cuero (Crafts and Leather Market)
This market is located in the center of Leon, close to Catedral de Leon and Plaza de las Flores, with convenient transportation. This market is a must-visit place for tourists, specializing in handmade leather products.
Here, you will find small artisans and family-run stalls offering unique items such as leather wallets, embroidered leather bags and custom belts. The price is usually negotiable. Many artisans demonstrated traditional techniques, such as “estampado” (stamping) and “pintura” (painting) on leather.
- Leather product types: such as shoes, handbags, wallet, belts and jackets, all of which are made of high-quality materials and traditional techniques.
- Regular opening hours: 10:00-14:00 and 16:30-20:00 from Monday to Saturday.
- Note: Some stores may be closed on Sundays. It is recommended to confirm in advance.
- Transportation: The city center of Leon is friendly on foot. It is recommended to take a taxi or the metro (Leon Metro Station) to get there.
El bazaar del Sabor y El Arte
El Bazaar del Sabor y El Arte de Leon is a market or cultural space that combines local cuisine with handicraft exhibitions and sales, creating a unique experience for tourists and visitors. Here, you can find affordable daily necessities such as leather bags, belts, leather shoes, jackets and suitcases, as well as other handicrafts.
El Bazaar del Sabor y El Arte is hidden in the vibrant urban structure of Leon and is usually located in a covered open-air pavilion (usually in or near the historical center). Close to landmarks such as Jardin Zoologico de Leon or Plaza de armas.
Zona de Artesanias (Craft District) – Callejon de los Contrafuertes:
Callejon de los Contrafuertes-Leon, Guanajuato: The heart of Mexican leather craftsmanship. This is the most famous and traditional leather shopping place in Leon.
Located in the historical center of Leon, Guanajuatuo state, Callejon de los Contrafuertes is one of the most representative and vibrant artisan markets in Mexico. This is a picturesque narrow alley lined with dozens of family-run small shops and stalls.
- Recommended products: A wide variety of leather goods, including jackets, trousers, skirts, bags, wallets, belts, shoes, boots, hats and accessories. You will find styles ranging from classic designs to more modern and fashionable ones.
- Atmosphere: Bustling, genuine, and very suitable for browsing and bargaining. The air was filled with the smell of leather, which was a sensory experience.
- Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Avoid: Early Monday mornings (some stalls reopen late) and holidays.
Here, the prices are the most competitive and there are the most choices.
Plaza del Zapato:
This market mainly focuses on footwear and leather products, and Leon is also renowned for making shoes.
- Recommended products: A wide range of leather shoes and boots for men, women and children are available for selection. You will find everything from elegant formal shoes and boots to casual shoes and cowboy boots (botas).
- Atmosphere: More of a wholesale and retail market feel, with many stores catering to individual buyers and distributors.
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
- Location: Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos 1601, Los Gavilanes, 37270 Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
- Tips: If you are particularly eager to purchase high-quality, custom-made or unique leather shoes, this is a must-visit place.
How It Compares to Callejón de los Contrafuertes
| Feature | Plaza del Zapato | Callejón de los Contrafuertes |
| Focus | Shoes & boots only | Leather goods (jackets, bags, accessories) |
| Atmosphere | More structured, mall-like | Open alley, bustling street market |
| Customization | Some made-to-order options | Many bespoke leather items |
| Best For | Finding the perfect pair of shoes | Unique leather fashion & souvenirs |
Mercado Hidalgo:
This market is located in the historical center of a large traditional Mexican market.
- Product introduction: Although it sells a wide variety of goods (food, souvenirs, clothing), it has an important section dedicated to leather goods, including jackets, bags and accessories.
- Atmosphere: Authentic and local, not as tourist-centered as Callejon de los Contrafuertes. It offers a more universal market experience.
- Business hours: Generally, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. However, the opening hours of some enterprises may vary, and they may close earlier on public holidays.
- Tip: Combine your leather shopping with exploring other products in this iconic market.
Compares to Other Markets in León
| Market | Focus | Best For |
| Mercado Hidalgo | Food, produce, local cuisine | Authentic eats, fresh ingredients, local culture |
| Callejón de los Contrafuertes | Leather goods & crafts | Jackets, bags, belts, souvenirs |
| Plaza del Zapato | Footwear | Shoes, boots, custom orders |
The leather wholesale area in Leon
In addition to retail, Leon also has large wholesale areas (for example, along Calle 5 de Mayo and its surrounding areas), where manufacturers and distributors sell bulk leather materials and finished products to businesses in Mexico and other regions. These areas cater to buyers seeking industrial quantities, ranging from leather to mass-produced accessories.
Leon’s famous leather goods shops
Leon has a wide range of stores, from small family boutiques to large brands that blend traditional and modern designs.
Handmade boutiques: Stores like Taller de Cuero El Herrero or Cuero y Arte focus on handcrafted, unique pieces. Here, artisans often work on-site, allowing customers to witness the production process – from cutting leather to sewing and finishing. These stores are good at customizing orders, such as custom-made leather jackets or personalized handbags.
Established brands such as Pineda Covalin (renowned for its colorful Mexican-themed leather accessories) and Leon Cuero have opened flagship stores in Leon, offering high-quality and fashionable goods that balance traditional and contemporary trends. Their products usually feature Mexican patterns, such as floral designs or local designs, making them popular souvenirs.
Footwear expert Leon is particularly renowned for his leather shoes. Stores like Zapateria El Leon and Calzado San Marcos are renowned for handcrafted boots, dress shoes and cowboy boots (paying tribute to the ranch culture of Mexico), which are made of high-quality leather and are both durable and comfortable.
Other leather shops
Mercado Aldama
- Location: Aquiles Serdan 118, Colonia Centro, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. It’s in the historic center (Centro) of Leon.
- Highlights: Affordable leather accessories: Locally designed bags, wallets and belts.
- Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
- Note: The price can be negotiated. The locals suggest that you ask about discounts.
Notable Leather Stores & Suppliers
Here are some leather goods & leather material suppliers in León:
| Name | What they offer / Why notable | Location / Extra Info |
| Cuadra | High end leather goods: boots, bags, belts. If you want quality, it’s a go to brand. | Store near Blvd Adolfo López Mateos #1601. |
| Lefarcshop | A tannery / leather supplier (ecological / sustainable focus) based in León. Sells leather (skins etc) for fashion / design / upholstery. | |
| Leather Trade S.A. de C.V. | A company trading raw hides / skins and leather. Good if you want to source material rather than finished goods. |
Leather exhibitions and festivals in Leon
Feria de Leon
One of the largest expositions in Mexico is held in Leon every January, featuring leather fashion shows, artisan exhibitions and competitions for the best leather craftsmanship.
- Established: The history of this exhibition can be traced back to the 19th century, originating from agricultural and livestock exhibitions. Over time, it evolved into a major regional event.
- Purpose: Initially focused on promoting local agriculture and industry, it now integrates business, entertainment and cultural celebrations.
- Food and handicrafts: The stalls offer local delicacies and handicrafts, such as leather goods (Leon is famous for its footwear industry).
- Date and Duration: The fair usually lasts for two to three weeks, typically starting in January and ending in Dia dela Candelaria, Mexico (early February). The specific dates vary each year, so it is recommended to check the local list.
- Location: Located in Recinto Ferial de Leon in the southeast of Leon, covering an area of over one million square meters, it has dedicated exhibition halls, open-air squares, arenas, carnival areas and other facilities, and can accommodate hundreds of thousands of tourists at the same time.
- Transportation accessibility: It takes about 30 minutes to get there by bus (such as No. 10 or No. 25) from the center of Leon, or you can drive (there is a large parking lot in the park). It takes about one hour to drive there from Guanajuato City, the capital of Guanajuato State.
Feria de Leon is far more than just an “exposition”. It is a microcosm of the city’s vitality – having both the “hardcore” strength of agriculture and industry, as well as the “soft” warmth of folk customs and cuisine. It not only serves the local people’s life traditions but also opens its arms to the world.
Dia del Cuero (Leather Day)
Dia del Cuero (Leather Day) is an important cultural and commercial event celebrated in Leon, Guanajuato State, Mexico, highlighting the city’s famous leather industry. Celebrations in memory of leather workers, including parades, workshops and discounts at local stores.
“Dia del Cuero” is an iconic cultural and industrial festival in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Its core is to celebrate Leon’s historical status as the “Capital de la Piel” of Mexico and the inheritance of leather craftsmanship. It is one of the most representative annual events in the local area, featuring cultural display, industrial promotion and public celebration.
- Origin: Leon is known as the “Shoe Capital of the World”. Leon produces over 60% of Mexico’s leather shoes and leather goods and exports them to the world. This event is to celebrate this leather heritage.
- Objective: To promote leather craftsmanship, support local artisans, and boost tourism and commercial development in this industry.
- Date: It is usually held in September (typically around mid-month), coinciding with the beginning of the autumn shopping season.
- Location: Centered in the historic city centre of Leon, it is situated in major leather factories/markets such as Zona Piel (Leather District).
- Product Display: Local manufacturers will showcase the latest leather shoes, boots, bags, jackets, belts and other products, highlighting the superior quality and fashionable design of Leon leather.
- B2B business negotiation: It provides a professional communication and procurement platform for domestic and foreign buyers, retailers and manufacturers, and may hold order matching meetings.
- Craftsmen ‘s live demonstration: Experienced craftsmen may demonstrate traditional leather carving, dyeing, sewing, etc. on the spot, allowing visitors to directly experience the charm of craftsmanship.
- Industrial value: Provide a display platform for Leon’s leather enterprises, promote order cooperation and brand exposure, and consolidate its status as the “Leather Capital”.
Dia del Cuero is a must-visit place for fashion lovers, entrepreneurs and culture enthusiasts. This is a celebration of leather craftsmanship, innovation and Leon’s enduring legacy as a global leather center!
What products can be bought at Leon Leather Market?
Footwear: This is Leon’s most famous product. From high-quality formal shoes and sandals to amazing cowboy boots, you can find all kinds of things here. Many international brands are produced in factories in this area, so you can often find high-quality products at a fraction of the cost in other places.
Jackets and clothing: Leather jackets, vests and coats are popular items, renowned for their craftsmanship and durability.
Bags and accessories: The store sells a wide variety of products, including wallets, backpacks, messenger bags, wallets and belts.
Other goods: You can also find leather furniture, car interiors, and even saddles.
Tips for buying leather in Leon:
- The quality varies greatly: prices range from very affordable to quite expensive. Quality is directly related to price. Look for smooth, even textures, good stitching, and a pleasant smell (genuine leather has a unique aroma).
- Negotiation: Bargaining is normal, especially in a market like Callejon de los Contrafuertes. First, offer a quotation 20-30% lower than the asking price, and then continue to strive on this basis.
- Know your size: Sizes, especially those of shoes, may differ from the standards in the United States or Europe. If possible, try it on.
- Check the customs regulations: If you have bought a lot of things, be aware of the customs restrictions on bringing the goods back to your home country.
- Bring cash: Although some larger stores accept credit cards, cash (Mexican pesos) is the king in the market and gives you more leverage during negotiations.
Summary: leather markets of León
| Market | Specialty | Location |
| Callejón de los Contrafuertes | Leather jackets, bags, belts, accessories | Behind Templo Expiatorio, Centro |
| Plaza del Zapato | Shoes and boots (León is Mexico’s shoe capital) | Near Av. Juárez / Blvd. López Mateos |
| Mercado Hidalgo | Fresh food, cecina, tacos, produce, local crafts | Downtown, near Plaza Fundadores |
| Tianguis de la Ciudadela | Weekly street market with clothes, food, and goods | Blvd. Juan Pablo II area |
| Galerías León or Plaza del Sol | Modern malls with branded leather and fashion stores | North León (Zona Plateada) |
Conclusion
Leon, as the core industrial city of Guanajuato State in Mexico, is known as the “World Capital of Leather and Shoes”. Its leather market is renowned worldwide for its mature industrial chain and high-quality products. If you are running your own leather bag business and are looking for a leather goods manufacturing factory, you can find exquisite leather bag manufacturers at Leon Leather Market.
Of course, you can also look for leather bag manufacturers in other countries such as China, that have relatively lower costs and still offer very high quality products, such as Gionar, a leather goods manufacturer based in Guangzhou, which has been manufacturing leather products for many world-renowned leather bag brands for 19 years. If you want to customize high-end leather bags in bulk, please feel free to contact us.
