6 Best Leather Sneakers in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Why trust us
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.
See all
805 leather sneakers
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
93
Superb!
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Classic silhouette
- Numerous colorways and collaborations
- Easy to style
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Runs large
- Lack of support
- Takes some time to wear in
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
$23
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$47
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$50
Stadium Goods
$55
Journeys
$100
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
Best chunky leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 97
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$105
Nike
$106
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$175
Best minimalist leather sneakers
Reebok Club C 85
92
Great!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$29
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$68
Stadium Goods
$70
Champs Sports
$70
Footshop
$71
Journeys
$75
Best retro leather sneakers
Adidas Busenitz
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Busenitz has been around for a while. It stands on its own against modern skate shoes because of its durability and versatility. More than anything it's a really clean-looking sneaker that works just as well on a night out as it does in a skatepark. It helps that the shoe is easy to clean, sturdy, and has loads of cushioning to keep you comfy and supported.
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Fits true to size
- Grippy as anything
- Technical shoe for responsive skating
- Surprisingly weatherproof
- Classic silhouette
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes a long time to break it
- Narrow in the toe box
- The big tongue isn't for everyone
- Not very breathable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$48
Stadium Goods
$55
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$85
Zappos
Best classic leather sneakers
Nike Air Max 90
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Nike
$85
Amazon
Free shipping
$95
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$100
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$130
Best leather low top sneakers
Nike Air Max 98
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$192
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 6 best leather sneakers
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | |||||||
| CoreScore | |||||||
| Users rating | |||||||
| Best price | |||||||
| Ranking | |||||||
| Popularity | |||||||
| # of colorways |
