Abstract: Engineered leather substrates, methods of making the substrates, engineered leather composites including the substrates, and articles of manufacture which include the engineered leather substrates or composites are disclosed. The substrate includes leather, non-leather fibers, a binding agent and one or more additional components such as cushioning agents, softeners, processing aids, and colorants. A composite material can be formed including the substrate and one or more additional layers, such as top coat layers, reinforcing layers, and cushioning layers. The substrate and or the composite can be chemically or mechanically embossed. The leather used to form the engineered leather substrate can be derived from post-industrial and/or post-consumer materials. The non-leather fibers can be organic or inorganic, and the composition can also include inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, and clays.