The 13 Best Leather Sneakers for Dressing Up, Down, and Everywhere In Between (2024)

Cole Haan built its business on office-friendly footwear. And unless you work somewhere with a pretty stodgy dress code, these Grand Crosscourt IIs will fit in just fine on the job. If they don't? That's what the weekend (or WFH) is for.

Not quite as minimalist as some of its counterparts in the ever-expanding ecosystem of (largely direct-to-consumer) companies making (mostly) low-key kicks, the Royale has carved out legions of fans. With its made-in-Italy construction and premium leather upper, that's no surprise.

People tend to think way back to the middle of the last century when they talk about old-school tennis shoes and the timelessness of their aesthetics, and that's not entirely unreasonable. But the Club C—a little bulkier, with abundant paneling and a little attitude—makes a strong case for keeping the '80s in mind, too.

If you've ever owned a leather product from Todd Snyder, you know what we mean when we say that these guys have leather down to a science. This classy style has suede trim for added opulence.

Want to credit just one brand with kicking off the minimalist leather sneaker movement? It's Common Projects, without a doubt. The Achilles is the OG, a modern classic that's still to many the go-to option.

Made from Italian Nappa leather (sitting on top of an Italian Margom sole), Good Man Brand's Legend sneakers live up to the name. Legendary comfort, refinement, versatility...you get the gist.

The Uptown has been at the core of sneaker culture since it first hit the streets in 1982 (despite a brief hiatus between '84 and '86), and it's going strong to this very day. When it comes to colorways—and there have been a lot of 'em over the years—it's hard to top triple white.

This luxury low sneaker by TAFT takes inspiration from the 80s, with a unique silhouette that sets it apart from the rest. It's the perfect fusion of timeless style with a modern edge and will definitely add an instant cool factor to any look.

It's remarkably easy for footwear brands and fashion designers to screw up high-end riffs on the classic runner shape. Something about the everyday vibe doesn't mesh well with an elevated execution. So when a brand does get it right—as Moral Code did with its Connor leather sneakers—you've got to give 'em credit.

A gum sole with a bright white leather upper is a combo so good (and so classic) that it's a little surprising you don't see it more often. Credit to Koio, then, for this Italian-made pair, crafted from—you guessed it!—Italian leather, and finished with hand-painted edges.

Okay, fine: the toe is made of rubber. But 1) that's the defining characteristic of the shoe also called the "Shell Toe," and it looks cool, and 2) the rest of the upper is made from full-grain leather. It might not be the height of basketball technology anymore, but the Superstar still slaps.

For Vince, leather is second nature. This low-top style is crafted with smooth leather for a classic, minimal silhouette. It's a look that can be dressed up or down, so basically, you can get away with wearing these just about everywhere.

With Beckett Simonon, details don't only matter—they're everything. The Morgen Trainers are comfortable, versatile, and an incredible value for their price. Although they're sneakers, they have a dress shoe aesthetic, so you can wear them truly anywhere.