6 Best Leather High Top Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Gotta aim higher this year by adding any of these top-rated leather high-top sneakers. Often associated with basketball kicks, high-top style offers the same supportive function to your ankles, aside from giving an athletic cool vibe when wearing one in a more formal environment.
Goes without saying, these leather sneakers are great picks if you want a lifestyle shoe that best showcases your unique personality. From the OGs Chuck Taylor All Star High Top to Nike Dunk High to Vans SK8-Hi, just to name a few standouts, the options in this category are aplenty.
With so many choices available, searching for that perfect pair can feel pretty overwhelming. Worry not. We are here to help you narrow down your ideal picks. We’ve rounded up 100+ of the best leather high-top sneakers from various brands. Check the highlights below.
How we test sneakers
We’ve vetted with care over a hundred pairs of high-top style kicks made of leather material. Each one goes through a rigorous scrutiny and mechanical tests inside our own independent shoe lab at RunRepeat. We thereafter put the shoes to the ultimate acid test -- wearing them in formal gatherings and athletic events.
The selection approach includes:
- Doing meticulous research about each model on the list. We spend time and our own money for the wear tests to ensure complete objectivity of our reviews.
- Assessing each model’s out-of-the-box fit, style, arch support and comfort, cushioning, material quality, break-in period, traction, all-day comfort, and many other key features.
- Classifying all the sneakers’ price range, overall performance, and real-life worth for their price tag.
- Gathering more useful data from internet forums, bestselling lists, and customer reviews.
To end this guide, we finalize the top rankings. We assign a rating for each pair of leather high-top sneakers in the database. See the CoreScore to view the ratings.
Best leather high top sneakers overall
Corescore
Pros
- Classic silhouette that works with any wardrobe
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable when broken in
- Padded collar for ankle support
- An easy silhouette even for a hi-top
Cons
- Takes time to put on
- Can take time to wear in
- Not good in wet weather
What makes it the best overall?
Best Nike leather high top sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Nostalgic look
- Varied colorways
- Spacious interior
- Soft upper
- Offers sustained comfort
- Durable sole unit
Cons
- Lacks support
- Thin laces
- No extra laces
What makes it the best Nike?
Best Adidas leather high top sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Striking vintage style
- Secure fit
- Offers sustained comfort
- Impressive craftsmanship
- True to size
- Reasonably priced
- Absorbs shock
- Recycled materials used
Cons
- Creases easily
- Might rub the back of the legs
What makes it the best Adidas?
Best retro leather high top sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Captivating throwback looks
- Comfier than ever
- Minimal break-in
- Excellent fit
- Fantastic colorways
- Lightweight
- Improved leather quality
- Attractively affordable
Cons
- Difficult access (women's version)
- Too high arch
What makes it the best retro?
Best value
Corescore
Pros
- Lightweight
- Keeps feet warm and dry
- Long-lasting
- Easy to slide the foot in
- Trendy style
- Sustainable
- Solid craftsmanship
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Longer break-in period
What makes it the best value?
Most popular leather high top sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Classic look
- Superb quality
- Supreme comfort and cushioning
- Great value for money
- Long-lasting
- Ample arch support
- Eye-catching silhouette
Cons
- Some versions run narrow
- Lacks ventilation
What makes it the most popular?
