7 Best Leather Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jaydee
Jaydee on
7 Best Leather Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

If you're on a hunt for sneakers that offer instant comfort and get even better as you wear them, leather sneakers are your best bet. With so many leather sneakers available, finding the best one without reading hundreds of reviews is not easy.

Whether you're new to the sneaker world or planning to add another leather kick to your collection, we will help you out. We have spent hours sifting through over a thousand pairs of leather kicks and concocted several recommendations for your easy reference. 

How we test sneakers

We meticulously assessed more than 100 leather sneakers to help you find the best one for you. To give you honest and fair reviews, here is our approach:

  • We buy these kicks using our own money to stay unbiased. 
  • We thoroughly test these sneakers to check their comfort, durability, and many other parameters.
  • We gather all available reviews from other wearers of these leather sneakers. 

Based on the above, we assign a CoreScore for each sneaker. Ranging from 1-100, this scoring system will determine how this shoe performed for the majority.

Best leather sneakers overall

Adidas Stan Smith
Adidas Stan Smith

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 409,786 users

Pros

  • Classic silhouette
  • Numerous colorways and collaborations
  • Easy to style
  • Durable
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Runs large
  • Lack of support
  • Takes some time to wear in

Verdict

The Adidas Stan Smith is a legendary sneaker with a claim to fame as the original white tennis shoe for the masses. Culture has respected that for the last 50 years the Stan Smith is still as relevant today as it was when the man was winning trophies. It's fair to say that with its robust design and sleek looks, it's probably going to last another 50.
Adidas Stan Smith full review

Best chunky leather sneakers

Nike Air Max 97
Nike Air Max 97

CoreScore

91
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 32,938 users

Pros

  • Good all-season sneaker
  • Good for sockless wear
  • An identifiable piece of fashion history
  • Fits true to size
  • Near indestructible
  • Lightweight
  • Feels as athletic as it looks
  • Great even for winter

Cons

  • Takes some time to wear in
  • Attaches to stains easily

Verdict

What else can be said about the Nike Air Max 97 that hasn't been said before, the shoe has literally had books written about it. It's an athletic, versatile, and comfy sneaker that looks incredible in so many colorways. There's a reason it's been one of Nike's most popular sneakers for decades. Like others in its family, this is a silhouette that will stay relevant for years to come and work with most wardrobes.
Nike Air Max 97 full review

Best minimalist leather sneakers

Reebok Club C 85
Reebok Club C 85

CoreScore

92
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 44,131 users

Pros

  • Ideal price point
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Durable construction
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight
  • Water-resistant
  • Surprisingly breathable
  • OK for sockless wear

Cons

  • Lacks modern inner shanks for support
  • Slightly loose fit

Verdict

The Reebok Club C85 is a piece of history. Made to fit in with the cleanest, upper-class circles the sneaker world took hold of the Club C85 and hasn't let go. From skaters to rappers, this sneaker has gone the distance and continues to do so, comfortable, durable, and stylish it's all you need.
Reebok Club C 85 full review

Best Nike leather sneakers

Nike Air Max 98
Nike Air Max 98

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,872 users

Pros

  • Retro-styling
  • Lots of colorways to choose from
  • Fits true to size
  • Speed lacing is easy and secure
  • Air pocket comfort

Cons

  • Lacks creativity in the design
  • Less durable than it looks
  • Quite stiff

Verdict

The Nike Air Max 98 suffers from middle child syndrome. Trying too hard to be equal to what came before (the AM 95) and carefree enough so that people don't notice. It is a comfy, retro-styled Air Max with elements of creativity. It's definitely one for the history books and holds true in today's trends.
Nike Air Max 98 full review

Best high-top leather sneakers

Nike SB Dunk High Pro
Nike SB Dunk High Pro

CoreScore

98
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 148 users

Pros

  • Snug fit
  • Amazing colorways
  • Can take a beating
  • Excellent for skating
  • Good ankle support
  • Quality construction
  • Comfy on foot

Cons

  • Needs time to break in
  • Pricey

Verdict

The Nike SB Dunk High Pro does not only exhibit an attractive design. It also captures the favor of both members of the skate community and casual wearers for its reliable performance and versatility. This unwavering excellence is brought forth constantly by the new colorways and collaborations that keep its spirit alive.
Nike SB Dunk High Pro full review

Best value

Vans SK8-Hi
Vans SK8-Hi

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 52,591 users

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

Verdict

The Vans Sk8-Hi is the original subculture sneaker. Built as a super-padded skate shoe it was soon adopted by the punk rock scene for its large space on which to customize. Today it's not just a piece of history but a versatile and easy-going silhouette that works with almost any outfit. Not only that but it's strong enough to last years of use and abuse.
Vans SK8-Hi full review
Author
Jaydee
Jaydee

Jaydee dispels the myth that women can't be experts when it comes to sneakers. With hundreds of sneaker articles under her belt, she gained a surefire edge over others claiming to be experts. Since joining RunRepeat in 2017, she’s published formidable arrays of sneaker write-ups - some covered in lifestyle magazines. Interested in scrutinizing a pair of sneakers? Jaydee is the best person to talk to as she can intuitively chew it over with you even while doing her laundry. When she’s not writing, you can catch Jaydee playing with her two kids, online shopping, and spending far too much time on Instagram.