The 11 Best Leather Sneakers for Men and Women, According to a Stylist
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Top Leather Sneakers of 2023
Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneakers
Vince Blair Slip-On Sneakers
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Puma Carina 2.0 Sneakers
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers
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Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneakers
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Gucci New Ace Sneakers
Buy Men’s at Saks Fifth Avenue $750
Courser Uno Sneakers
Buy Now at saks fifth avenue $595.00
Alexander McQueen Oversize Sneakers
Buy Women’s at saks fifth avenue $590.00
Thousand Fell Vegan Leather Lace-Up Sneakers
One fashion moment we can always count on is the annual (sometimes seasonal) crowning of a new ‘It’ sneaker. Whether it originates from TikTok or celebrity street style, we’ve noticed that some of the best leather sneakers remain a prized pick every year, but unlike most social media crazes, this footwear style remains relevant through trend cycles.
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For example, styles such as the Adidas Stan Smith and Nike Air Force 1 sneakers remain ubiquitous because they’re some of the most versatile clean-cut leather styles, whether seen in all white or with pops of color. Notably, the iconic models have also been released in trend-focused chunky silhouettes and celebrity-branded collections, while still staying true to the core integrity of the shoe.
The best leather sneakers also tout a unisex style and transition seamlessly into everyday wardrobe pieces whether you’re wearing dress pants, denim, or even casual dresses. “They can make a feminine look feel sporty and grounded,” explains celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. For instance, she says the footwear gives slip skirts an effortless look, à la Jennifer Aniston, and turns wide-leg trousers into a true fashion statement, as demonstrated by Harry Styles. “Sneakers will always make your look feel more casual and sporty, but a classic all-white, black, or navy sneaker can take the place of a more formal shoe in the right scenarios,” adds Brown.
She explains, “leather is a popular material for sneakers because of its durability,” and that fabric sneakers, like canvas, are more likely to show wear and tear. The most comfortable leather sneakers “will hold up better over time and can be spruced with a quick trip to the shoemaker as needed,” she says. While some designers mimic the leather look with synthetic pieces, there’s a growing insistence by brands, including Veja, Loci, and Cariuma, to tap into more sustainable sources by using biodegradable and more ethically sourced materials. And, of course, it also helps that fashion aficionados continue to keep leather sneakers in their outfit rotation, whether Emily Ratajkowski incorporates sleek Puma sneakers into her streetwear looks or Jay Shetty wears white-out kicks on the red carpet.
With so many leather shoe options to choose from in a dizzying array of styles, we narrowed down the best leather sneakers for women and men to add to your sneaker rotation.
Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12; men’s 6 to 18
Colorways: Sanddrift and Coconut and white, white and Action Green, Sail and Oxygen Purple, black, white and Mystic Red, and more
Materials: Leather or leather and textile upper; textile and synthetic lining; rubber sole
Special features: Environmentally preferred rubber cup-sole, padded collar
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Although Nike originally designed the Air Force 1 sneakers for shooting baskets, lately these leather sneakers are best for serving looks. These low-cut, comfortable shoes for men and women are a notorious footwear choice for a diverse range of tastemakers, like Tim Cook, Serena Williams, Hailey Bieber, and Blake Lively. The Nike Air Force 1 may be the very definition of a sleek leather sneaker.
They’re some of the best Nike shoes because, while we may see athletes sporting them off the court more often than on it, Nike still kept the features that made it a first-rate pick for athletes, such as a cushioned foam midsole, sturdy stitched leather overlays, and perforation on the toes for breathability. We can practically guarantee that these Nike leather sneakers will always have a place in everyday footwear, as the brand continues to collaborate with fashion powerhouses like Supreme and Tiffany & Co. and spark new points of relevance.
What testers say: “I’ve had these sneaks for over two weeks now and I love them. I wear them all day while teaching. I even go for one mile walks during my lunch break.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $115
Vince Blair Slip-On Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 13
Colorways: Black, white, marble, Clove, Antique Olive, and more
Materials: Leather; synthetic or textile upper; leather lining; rubber sole
Special features: Imports leather
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Vince takes the slip-on sneaker style up a notch with the Blair shoe. Not only does these slip-on leather sneakers mimic the dressier aesthetic of the best loafers, but it also innovates with soft, flexible leather that comfortably stretches to fit wide feet or those with bunions. “Vince always makes a great leather slip-on as well as lace-up versions. They have a sturdy sole and sleek, minimalist design,” says Brown. In fact, Vince’s slip-ons were so popular one adaptation of the style even received royal treatment from Prince Harry.
What testers say: “They are comfortable and the material molds to the shape of your foot. I didn’t have to break them in; they fit perfectly from day one.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $224.96
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Puma Carina 2.0 Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5.5 to 11
Colorways: White, black, and pink
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
Special features: Removable cushioned insole, features at least 20% recycled material
Puma Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
On Sale 49% off
If you’re looking for something that feels like you’re walking on a cloud but is still tough enough to take on rough terrain, the Puma Carina 2.0 sneakers have you covered. The shoes feature the brand’s proprietary foam for an extra layer of cushioning and has the brand’s signature stripe around the toe and heel of the shoes, which not only adds a bit of edge to the style but also nods to the durability often seen in Puma’s running shoes and soccer cleats.
The original Puma Carina is so popular they’re rarely in stock, thanks to unofficial celebrity endorsements from Reneé Rapp, who wore a now sold-out pair in her music video, along with brand partners like Cara Delevingne and Rihanna who’ve touted variations of the style. Plus, once TikTok caught wind of the nostalgic design and comfortable features, the shoes earned over 4.3 million views, with many users remarking on their prowess as a great travel shoe.
What testers say: “Have been wearing these so much since I got them, they are super stylish and most importantly super comfortable”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35.99
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 13; men’s 5 to 13
Colorways: White, white and leopard, white and black, white and onyx gray, black and off-white, white and red
Materials: Leather upper; rubber sole
Special features: Recycled materials, handmade vulcanized sneaker, fully stitched outsole
There are so many reasons to obsess over Cariuma — from collaborations with beloved cartoons to artistic designs with Pantone and the Van Gogh Museum. Essentially, if you place your stake in the Cariuma game, you’re guaranteed to never get bored, especially since its original styles feature enduring colorways like leopard and cherry red.
The sustainable skate shoe brand keeps Mother Nature in mind with its use of recycled leather and other organic materials. Traction footbeds and sturdy vulcanized soles make for reliable kicks for shredding skateboarders or streetwear lovers like Pete Davidson, while the Cariuma Salvas’ clean-cut design bodes well for sophisticated stylers, like Helen Mirren and Alexandra Daddario. We’re sure that alongside the the Salvas’ versatile design, its popularity also extends from the all-day comfort provided by the memory foam footbeds and supportive cushioned ankles — they’re simply some of the most comfortable leather sneakers on the market.
What testers say: “I bought them to walk around Paris, and they have taken no breaking in so far. Plus, they look great dressed up or down. Love the way they look. I’m a huge fan of these shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.00
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 12
Colorways: White, off-white and black, white and mustard
Materials: Reconstituted leather upper
Special features: Made with renewed materials
On Sale 50% off
Everlane stepped foot into the sustainable sneaker industry in 2019 with a promise to do one better than competitors and vowed to remove all plastic from the shoes by 2021. Today, the brand states it’s now 90 percent of the way to its “No New Plastic Rule,” which is still an impressive feat, and one that didn’t sacrifice quality or style in the process. For instance, true to the clothing brand’s minimalist aesthetic, the recycled leather shoes feature a timeless take on a classic look by incorporating exposed stitching and appealing pops of color contrasting, resulting in an elevated sneaker that’s made to wear with dresses and suit pants.
What testers say: “Comfortable walking shoes that are cute. I got them for a trip to the south of France. Walked about 6 miles per day and they worked great.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
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Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 11; men’s 7 to 15
Colorways: White Dove, black and Optic White and Cyber Yellow, Irish Coffee, and more
Materials: Leather upper; synthetic lining; synthetic and rubber sole
Special features: Removable cushioned upper
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Maybe you became acquainted with Cole Haan when Gigi Hadid ramped up her street style with its lug sole loafers, or you’ve laced up one of the brand’s dress shoes for work or a wedding, but the leather sneakers are equally a marvel. Mimicking the preppy look of a golf shoe, their super low cut silhouette and thick rubber sole breathe an air of casualty into every outfit.
More elevated design details, including the supple leather and timeless neutral colorways, balance out its relaxed feel as a super versatile piece of footwear. We’d also consider them the ultimate commuter or travel shoe, as the rubber toe cap and traction heel make them super durable, and they’re also some of the best shoes for flat feet thanks to the supportive EVA midsoles. What’s even better is that Cole Haan works with an accredited Leather Working Group to support responsible manufacturing of its materials, so you can feel better about buying these genuine leather sneakers.
What testers say: “My husband bought these first, so I had to get a pair, and they are gorgeous. But more so the delicious cushion that they put in these shoes is beyond compare. Great travel shoes, can dress them up, dress them down.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150.00
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 11; men’s 7.5 to 13
Colorways: Cloud White and Better Scarlet and Gold Metallic, Cloud White and Gold Metallic, Core Black and Cloud White and Collegiate Navy
Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole
Special features: Made with 50% recycled content
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Try to escape the Stan Smith mania and it’ll always pull you back in when the brand inevitably releases a new, stylish iteration of the silhouette. Adidas has continued to upgrade its signature design with new colorways and cheeky collabs since the heritage tennis shoes debuted in the mid-60s, and continues to evolve the shoe with recycled materials. Of course, its timeless streamlined silhouette and sleek monochromatic design also remain a fixture in everyday footwear, as countless style stars and celebs alike have sported the shoe at one time or another — whether it be Phoebe Philo, Julianne Moore, Kylie Jenner, or Meghan Markle sporting the shoe off-duty, or even Usher during a red carpet appearance.
What testers say: “I have wanted a pair of Stan Smiths for a while and they don’t disappoint. The colored heel is a nice change up to the iconic design and they go with any outfit. I wear them casually and sporty. The toe box is roomier than expected which at first I wasn’t sure about but actually makes them really comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100.00
Gucci New Ace Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 4 to 12; men’s 5 to 16
Colorways: Green and red
Materials: Leather and genuine snakeskin upper; leather lining; rubber sole
Special features: Removable insole
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars
$750 Buy Men’s at Saks Fifth Avenue
$870 Buy Women’s at Net-A-Porter
Luxury brands are entering their athletic era. For instance, we’ve oohed and ahh-ed over the Sandy Liang x Salomon collection and are still greedily trying to get our hands on the latest Jacquemus x Nike drop. Gucci, however, has significant stake in the game, namely let by the block-busting Gucci x Adidas sneakers, which quickly became synonymous with Harry Styles’ retro-luxe personal style.
However, Gucci has a sneaker all its own that features signature design details, such as the brand’s green and red stripes and metallic snakeskin pull tab accents. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or wearing Gucci New Ace sneakers on horseback like Salma Hayek, these designer sneakers will to take you from point A to B in boundless style.
Price upon publish date of this article: $790.00
Courser Uno Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5.5 to 11; Men’s 7.5 to 15
Colorways: White and gold, silver, pink, cyan
Materials: Nubuck leather
Special features: Handmade in Italy, 100% carbon fiber plate
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
$595.00 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue
Ever fancy slipping into your most luxe set of loafers, only to have the weather or a long day of walking threaten to thwart your plans? Courser is an emerging Italian leather sneaker brand can stand up to unpredictable terrain while providing a lavish flair. Undoubtedly, the brand’s classic design is credited to founder and creative director Johnny Kraljevich, who formerly worked with heritage brands such as Ralph Lauren, Rag & Bone, and Coach.
Metallic trims and meticulous detailing sets the Uno Sneakers apart from your standard pair of kicks, along with impressive functional features. Incredibly thin nubuck leather uppers, backed by a durable fiber known as Dyneema, makes this footwear tough enough to withstand intense exercise (even moonlighting as leather running shoes), while substantial ankle support from an engineered carbon fiber plate promotes all-day stability.
What testers say: “A great shoe, really well made. Fits absolutely perfect is a very light and very luxurious.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $595.00
Alexander McQueen Oversize Sneakers
Size range: Women’s IT 34-43; men’s IT 39-47
Colorways: White and ultramarine, white and porcelain, white and halo pink, white and dark burgundy
Materials: Calf leather
Special features: Signature style, oversized rubber sole, removable insole
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$590.00 Buy Women’s at saks fifth avenue
$590.00 Buy Men’s at neiman marcus
You don’t have to be a sneakerhead to appreciate a gorgeous designer sneaker, and Alexander McQueen may have some of the most attention-grabbing styles on the market. This shoe’s oversized, exaggerated silhouette keeps true to the designer’s avant-garde aesthetic and perfectly encapsulates the brand’s essence with varying statement-making versions of the style.
Whether you want to stand out in the same brightly-hued kicks Niki Minaj rocked or keep it classic in the white-black colorway to the likes of Nick Jonas, it’s difficult to resist the ultra-chunky, thick-soled styles. We have to admit that the glittering back ankle may be our favorite iteration, considering its bedazzled accent on the pull tab is just the right amount of pizzazz to get noticed, while the overall design is versatile enough to wear with anything in our closet.
What testers say: “I bought this 2 years ago and now have 5 pairs. They are dressy or can be dressed down. I wear them with everything from dresses to jeans and they work. Highly recommend them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $590.00
Thousand Fell Vegan Leather Lace-Up Sneakers
Size range: Women’s 5 to 10; men’s 8 to 13
Colorways: White, Violet Dusk, Midnight Haze, Cactus, Kelly Green, Wakame, Starlight, and more
Materials: Rubber
Special features: Aloe vera mesh liner
The Thousand Fell sneakers are some of the best walking shoes you can purchase, starting with the fact that you don’t even need to wear them with socks. Seriously — the thin, ultra-soft insole is coated in aloe vera, which helps eliminate bacteria build-up from sweaty feet. And, thanks to super lightweight, natural materials, they can breath freely throughout hours of wear. Plus, cushioned insoles made from recycled yoga mat materials will keep you springy on your feet, no matter where you step.
These sustainable kicks are made especially durable with materials like coconut husk and sugar cane, so you’re primed to log them for miles of wear. Once you give them a long life of love, Thousand Fell will accept them back free-of-charge and provide a $20 credit toward your next purchase of leather steppers. Your laces won’t be the only loop you close when you choose this shoe.
What testers say: “Honestly the best white leather sneakers. These things traveled with my to Disney, to Greece, to the Bahamas. They took at least 20,000 steps a day with me going to work, to dinner, to walking home. I am also not a “gentle” person so I beat these things up and they still looked great. Also added bonus I can wear them on rainy days. And another added bonus, I returned my old pair to get recycled and recycled clothing so my new pair was discounted!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
The Leather Shoe Trend for 2023
We couldn’t escape the leather shoe trend if we tried, especially if celebrities have anything to say about it. “Leather sneakers have been on trend for many years, starting with Converse on young Hollywood stars and evolving to a more polished leather sneaker paired with suiting,” says Brown. She cites Zendaya as an example of one of the trailblazers who initiated the addition of leather sneakers into formal wear, particularly when the actress opted to pair sneakers with suits in many of her looks.
Today, a mix of celebrities and influencers choose to accessorize their outfits with an array of leather sneaker silhouettes. For example, this year alone, the Adidas Samba Shoes have found their way onto the feet of Katie Holmes, Hailey Bieber, and Madison Beer. The brand continues to riff on its original styles and release new collaborations with notable superstars, including a recent team-up with Pharrell Williams.
Other staples that defy the decades include the Veja Esplar Sneaker, a regular style worn among Emma Watson and Kate Middleton. But it’s not just brand recognition and longevity that have A-listers lacing up their leather sneakers any chance they get. Even newer designers, including Løci, have earned the respect of fashion maven Sophie Turner. The trend doesn’t stick to the streets, either, as we’ve spotted Trey Smith, Jay Shetty, and Usher swaggering onto the red carpet in the best leather sneakers for men.
What to Look for In the Best Leather Shoes
Type of Leather: Full-grain leather sneakers are typically made of real leather, synthetic materials, or a mix of the two. “My preference for my clients is to wear genuine leather over synthetic materials, as faux leather is more damaging to the environment,” says Brown. However, many brands are discovering innovative ways to incorporate vegan materials into their designs that are less harmful than plastic. Recycled bottles, sugar cane, and coconut husk are just a few examples of plastic alternatives that sustainable brands such as Thousand Fell design their sneakers with.
Foot Type: Even though leather tends to stretch, you should still choose silhouette shoes based on your foot type and common foot conditions. For example, if you have wide feet, try seeking out something with a wide-toe box, like the Adidas Stan Smiths. Those who face issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions will need a shoe that focuses on extra cushioning and enhanced arch support, like the Puma Carina 2.0 Sneaker or Everlane Court Sneaker. If your feet tend to swell throughout the day, we love sliding into the Vince Blair Slip Sneaker because its flexible upper and slip-on style makes getting in and out of them a breeze.
Size: “Leather does stretch and mold to the foot, but never buy an uncomfortable shoe,” says Brown, “It’s not worth the hassle of breaking it in if it’s truly uncomfortable.” Still, it’s always a good idea to cross-reference the retailer’s guidelines for choosing your best size. Real leather tends to be softer and require less break-in time, whereas shoes with synthetic frabrications could be a little more stiff.
Silhouette: The silhouette you choose for your leather sneakers is one of the areas where you get to show off your personality. For instance, “chunky sneakers are having a moment and are a fun trend piece to pair with the season’s wider leg silhouettes,” says Brown. Low-cut leather sneakers may be more appropriate for formal settings, like the workplace, and are super versatile with any kind of bottoms you wear.
The Best Way to Clean Leather Sneakers
Since brands use varying materials, it’s also worth checking the retailer’s site to see if they have recommendations for how to clean their specific sneakers. In general, for real leather, Brown always recommends taking your shoes to the shoemaker to ensure they’re well taken care of and properly cleaned. However, if that isn’t an option or you’re working with synthetic materials, she also suggests using a Magic Eraser or a scuff-removing tool (particularly if you’re cleaning white sneakers). First, start by unlacing the laces and wiping away any loose dirt with a cloth. Then, mix warm water and dishwashing soap to gently scrub the leather clean. You can also use a toothbrush to tackle more stubborn stains and get in between narrow crevices.
How We Chose the Best Leather Sneakers
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this list of the best leather sneakers, we conducted hours of research. We spent time scouring the footwear market, evaluating each shoe’s comfort level, style, and durability. We also considered any additional factors like customer reviews, social media popularity, number of colorways, size ranges, and special features, such as enhanced cushioning in the footbed. Finally, our editors personally tested several of the shoes and shared their results with the team to land on these top-rated picks. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Samantha Brown is a New York City-based celebrity stylist who has styled and worked on thousands of fashion shoes and has styling credits with publications such as Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Nylon, and more. Alongside this experience, she currently styles retailers like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s, giving her first-hand insight into what everyday shoppers are looking for, especially when it comes to comfortable footwear for stylish city residents who are on their feet all day.
Meet the Author
Irene Richardson is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, WWD, Travel + Leisure, and Brides. She’s always tapping her stylish and always on-the-go friends and coworkers to learn more about what they look for in a comfortable leather sneaker that keeps their foot supported throughout everything city life throws at them.
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