Is leather the best at repelling spills and stains or is microfiber really all it's cracked up to be?

I've got two kids under 3 and couches need to be pretty tough.

Thoughts?

We've got microfiber that is about 8 years old and starting to show its age. That being said, it IS 8 years old.

There is a leather set that I want - it is so soft- but it is about $4k. But my kids are older now (10 and almost 7)and not as likely to destroy it.

My opinion - kids are hard on furniture - not just with spills, but with sitting on the arms, pens and markers, and general rough housing. I'm glad we went with the cheaper, since I don't feel bad that it doesn't live forever. I'll pick up the awesome leather set when I replace this set.

We bought some couches from Ashley furniture that are made out of a material called Durablend...60% leather and 40% cotton. We got it because we have dogs and didn't want them to scratch and tear full leather. They have been great. They are easy to clean like leather (just wipe them off) and they don't scratch no matter how hard you try.

Plus they are cheaper than full leather.

So is the general consensus full leather is the best and most durable?

I do not mind spending heirloom money on furniture that will last.

Def not looking to buy something from Rooms to Go or some store like that.

Good quality leather will last, but requires a decent amount of care. Not to mention you really get what you pay for with leather.

We have a Durahide sofa from Ashley. Had it five years with our Golden and it's holding up really well. Wipes and cleans with a damp rag, and it was about a 1/4 of the wholesale cost of a similar leather sofa.