Because it is the result of a dead animal, many orthodox Hindus consider it filthy.
However, since the feet are considered the lowest and most
unclean part of the body, they feel that leather is an ideal material for
shoes.
As a result, many individuals put on their shoes by slipping
their feet into them without using their hands, avoiding touching the leather
with their palms.
Leather's connections with ritual impurity (ashaucha) make
it unsuitable for other types of clothing—clothing that would be troublesome in
the hot Indian climate—though it is now sometimes used for purses and
briefcases.
People who didn't want to wear leather used wooden clogs
instead; nowadays, plastic, rubber, and canvas are other alternatives.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
