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.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest chunkyBest minimalistBest NikeBest high-topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Amazon
$23
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$30
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$50
Stadium Goods
$59
CoreScore
- Top 10% in sneakers
- Top 21% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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.
Best chunky leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 97
Amazon
Free shipping
$111
Stadium Goods
$115
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Nike
$130
CoreScore
- Top 27% in sneakers
- Top 18% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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.
Best minimalist leather sneakers
Reebok Club C 85
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$54
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$68
Journeys
$70
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$80
CoreScore
- Top 14% in sneakers
- Top 16% in Reebok sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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.
Best Nike leather sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 8% most popular sneakers
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.
Best high-top leather sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Nike sneakers
- Top 23% most popular sneakers
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.
Best value
Vans SK8-Hi
Amazon
Free shipping
$38
Stadium Goods
$49
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$53
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$57
CoreScore
- Top 12% in sneakers
- Top 19% in Vans sneakers
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.
Most popular leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 90
Nike
$100
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$104
Amazon
Free shipping
$105
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 24% in Nike sneakers
- Top 28% in running sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Very durable
- Breathable
- The stuff of legends and rightly so
- Huge amounts of colorways
- Great price for a statement shoe
- Fits true to size
- Quality materials
- Easy to clean
- Stain resistant
Cons
- So stiff it asks for adjustment period
- Normal and wide feet find it too narrow
Verdict
The Air Max 90 is a sneaker with a backstory. Everyone has seen it and most love it. If you grew up between 1990 and 2010 you probably wanted a pair. Each pair feels ready to last another 30 years, with breathability to boot. Regardless, Nike renews these year after year offering more and more options to whet any appetite.
