By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.