7 Best Nike Leather Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Flaunt a sporty chic look with these Nike leather sneakers. Designed for hardwearing, stylish everyday wear, these iconic lifestyle footwear from the Swoosh label naturally blends in the streets. With its peerless design and material quality, these game-changing sneakers would be a great addition to your shoe rotation.
With over 200 pairs in this impressive selection, you will have no problem finding a perfect match to your fashion style. From Air Maxes and Dunk Retros to Air Force 1s and Dad-style sneakers, the Nike brand makes sure everyone gets a leather-made version of its iconic designs.
To save you all the hassle of searching for an ideal fit, we tested and ranked all the best Nike leather sneakers currently available. Start browsing from any of these top picks below.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest retroBest high topBest classicBest low topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
We identify truly exceptional pieces from the bunch through a battery of mechanical tests. That means vetting each pair with care at the RunRepeat shoe lab. After which a dedicated team of wear-testers laces up the kicks for a good solid ride to determine their real-life performance.
Here are the specifics of our process:
- We put in the hours, sweat, and science to make our shoe guides and top recommendations. From our own pocket, we purchase the shoes to perform the wear-tests independently.
- After a careful vetting process at the lab, we then perform a real-world test to assess the strength, comfort, and versatility of each model.
- We check the leather quality, out-of-the-box fit, cushioning, breathability, foot control, balance, flexibility, grip, ankle support, and other key features.
- Gather more useful data for further product comparisons from trusted sources such as sneakerhead forums, expert feedback, best-selling lists, and numerous customer reviews.
Lastly, we give each pair of the Nike leather sneakers its final performance rating. Find the data summary of all the models on this list displayed on the CoreScore.
Best Nike leather sneakers overall
Nike Air Max 97
Amazon
Free shipping
$111
Stadium Goods
$115
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Nike
$130
CoreScore
- Top 26% 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 Nike retro leather sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 15% most popular sneakers
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfy
- Nice fit
- Breathable
- Nice design
Cons
- Heavy
- Tight collar
Verdict
Nike has put a nice design into Air Force 270. It’s not running nor a training shoe but a lifestyle shoe. It has the looks of a basketball shoe but the feel of a running or training shoes. You can use this for special occasions but not for strolling in the mall and driving. If you're planning to use this when you travel, be ready to remove them during inspections because it will take you some time.
Best Nike leather high top 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 Nike classic leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 95
Nike
$117
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$120
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$175
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$175
CoreScore
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Part of Nike Street Style Heritage
- Super durable construction
- Speed lace loops offer great fit and comfort
- Easy to clean
- Recycled materials used
- Best for colder seasons
- Great lacing for a secure fit
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Takes time to wear in
Verdict
The Nike Air Max 95 is Air Max royalty. One of the most popular sneakers in the world, it has been subject to numerous rereleases. Today it's still the strong, well-designed, comfy-as-hell sneaker that we love.
Best Nike leather low top sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 14% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits true to size
- Mind-blowingly comfortable
- Robust
- Amazing energy return
- Blends modern and chunky styles
Cons
- Not very weatherproof
- Pricey
Verdict
Launched under the new N.354 sublabel, the Nike Zoom-Type CJ2033-100 is more comfortable than other chunky sneakers on the market today like Adidas Ultraboost and PUMA RS-Fast. More technical marvel than sneaker, the Zoom-Type offers supreme comfort from innovations in their running lineup.
Best value
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.
Most popular Nike leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 90
Nike
$96
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$104
Amazon
Free shipping
$105
Champs Sports
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.
