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Whether you're a sneakerhead or not, there is no denying the enduring appeal of sneakers as staples in any wardrobe. They're easy to walk in, come in every color, and have an ever-growing repertoire of styles. All of these factors make them extremely popular and relevant in fashion year after year. While it's safe to say that they pair well with most outfits, some sneakers are more versatile than others like Chuck Taylors. For our money, the most versatile style is the leather court trainer, which is what you'd probably recognize as the "minimalist sneaker." These are low-profile sneaks with a clean silhouette that makes them as suitable for shorts and t-shirt as for going out with a smart leather jacket. Numerous brands sell this type of sneaker, but we've narrowed down the top choices on the market to make your shopping experience a little smoother. Keep scrolling past our picks for some helpful guides and frequently asked questions, but right now, let's get to what you came for. 1. Best Leather Sneaker: Koio - Low Top Capri Sneaker Italian made Sustainable, certified leather Roomier toe and more wide widths than competitors No half sizes As a brand, Koio's focus is sustainability and fair treatment of its workers. The leathers that this brand uses are from LWG Gold-rated tanneries, meaning they were audited by the Leather Working Group to meet the highest standards of sustainability, worker treatment, waste disposal, and more — all issues that plague poorly regulated tanneries that work with chrome tanned leather. All of Koio's workers are paid about 15x the world's average for shoemaking, making Koio one of the best companies to work for in the industry. Add all that to their groundbreaking regenerative line, which uses vegetable tanned leathers from "regenerative" farms in the Swiss Alps that help to restore Alpine ecosystems, and you've got a unique brand that blends ethics and style so seamlessly that, frankly, you don't even need to know about their sustainability practices to love these elegant, minimalist, go-with-anything luxury sneakers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vWUyKmT9nxDA Key Highlights Over 20 different leather options from Gold-rated tanneries. Margom cup outsole. Fitted with removable OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insoles for comfort and shock absorption Lined with soft cow leather. Made in Tuscany, Italy Now, onto the sneakers. The Capri is a low-profile, sleekly designed sneaker that aims to elevate your style while taking attention away from your feet. Depending on which of the twenty or so colorways you get, the Capris will either be crafted out of suede or full-grain calfskin, but there are models that use a combination of both materials. For the sole, Koio went with Margom's cup sole. This is a big deal: Margom is one of the highest-regarded sole manufacturers in the luxury sneaker industry. The hard-wearing rubber sole is typically considered the gold standard. While being slightly more expensive than the next options on this list, Koio's price tag is reflective of its meticulous leather selection process, its fair wage guarantee for workers, and for its proud, 100% Italian heritage: everything down to the shoebox is made in Italy using Italian materials. Koio Capri Sizing Guide Slim, but roomier toe than many competitors. No half sizes; size up if in between. Koio doesn't produce half sizes. Get your normal sneaker size for a perfect fit. If you are in between sizes, size up. They tell you to size down, but we found success sizing up. 2. Best Value Leather Sneaker: Thursday Boot Co. - Premier Low Top Sneakers If you've been in the boot game for a while, Thursday Boot Company shouldn't come as a surprise for making the best value footwear out there. This direct-to-consumer brand sources its leather from renowned tanneries like Horween and Lefarc and has an emphasis on giving customers the highest-grade product for as little as humanly possible. Retailing for only $129, these Premier Low Top sneakers are an absolute steal for a versatile, minimalistic shoe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vSNZ2mf5123c Key Highlights 18+ leather options, including boot leathers Wide and Extra Wide sizes Leather lined Shock absorbent performance footbed Padded tongue and collar for comfort $129 As for its design, the Premier Low Top sneaker is extremely minimalistic. There are no excess leather panels used to create design patterns, and the only visible branding is a small embossed logo on the heel label. The sneaker comes in over 16 colorways, is lined with sheepskin leather, and has dual-density rubber outsoles. Further Reading 16 Best Boots For Men to Buy Tested By Experts (Spring 2024) Looking for a great pair of boots to throw on during the winter months? Learn more → The main differentiator with industry leaders like Koio and Common Projects are the wider fit, which is good news for guys who can't squeeze into some of the Italian fare. The White colorway also has visible nickel eyelets, which turns off some customers who want as "clean" a look as possible. Thursday Premier Sneaker Sizing Guide Available in half sizes Three widths Order your usual sneaker size This sneaker is produced full and half sizes. A rare but appreciated feature! It fits like your regular sneaker, so just buy your usual sneaker size. Folks used to complain about their narrowness, but Thursday listened and released the Premier in wide and extra wide options. Few brands in this niche even offer half sizes, even fewer do wide widths, and three widths? It's practically unheard of. Except for... 3. Best for Big or Wide Feet: Adelante's Brisa Koio does wide and Thursday do wide and extra wide, and they're very rare in the space for doing so. But if you have really wide feet, or narrow feet, or your feet are different sizes, or you just want a relatively resoleable sneaker, you have to check out Adelante. Key Highlights 9 leathers to choose from, with option to use multiple leathers on different panels 7 widths to choose from, including an extra narrow one Sizes 4 to 17, and you can order two sizes Resoleable; made with a form of Blake stitch If your foot is atypical, this is the brand for you. Adelante has a huge range of sizes up to 17 and they have seven widths to choose: a narrow C all the way to EEEEE. They're so good at customizing fit that they'll even give you two different sizes if you've got odd feet. The Brisa sneaker is made to order but it gets stitched and delivered to your door in under a month. What’s really unusual is they’re Blake stitched, which is how a lot of dress shoes are made: the upper is stitched into a soling leather and then an EVA composite sole is glued to the bottom of that soling leather. It's not quite as easy to resole this sneaker as a regular dress shoe but it's definitely the easiest to resole on this list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vAMzjN2lrCwk On top of all that, Adelante have a really cool humanitarian mission. Founded by former humanitarians, I visited their workshop in Guatemala and learned how they pay local shoemakers more than twice the local wage, give them formal employment and insurance (which 99% of people in the town don’t have), and so on. That mission combined with the customizability and available sizes of these shoes make the Brisa really special. Adelante Brisa Sneaker Sizing Guide Half sizes from 4 to 17 7 widths available Virtual fittings via Zoom available You can order your "true" size for the Brisa sneakers, but since you have so many more sizes available to choose from, it's not a bad idea to take advantage of Adelante's offer to do a free online foot sizing over Zoom. You might have differently sized feet or a narrow width and never known. (I was reviewing boots for years before I learned my left foot is a quarter size bigger.) The brand also offers free exchanges if they don't fit, or you can get 110% store credit back. That's unheard of for custom shoes. One example of a customer-designed sneaker. 4. Best Customizable Leather Sneaker: Idrese - Nuno Idrese is a newer brand founded in Chicago with the vision to deliver made-to-order footwear at an affordable price. Plenty of their catalogue is already designed for you (they'd never sell to the decision-paralysis crowd otherwise) but the real draw of the brand is their incredible custom footwear. Key Highlights Dozens of materials including leather, suede, and patterned fabrics Margom cup outsoles Components like cork filling and shanks usually found on welted shoes Made in Spain Typical lead time is just one month You not only have the option of designing your own "minimlist" sneakers in over a dozen Napa leathers — napa being the soft leather of choice for these kinds of shoes — you can also use full grain, roughout, pebble grain, and suede leathers. And you can do vegan leathers, linen, flannel, tartan, tweed, and you can mix and match panels to have a combo of several materials. After that you can decide if you want the stitching to contrast, if you want blind eyelets or not, how thick the sole will be, and you can get them in wide fits. I own a pair of the Nunos in standard white and found it fascinating how they barely creased with wear because they’re made so fresh for you. In addition, there's a dual cork and metal shank under the footbed to help with stability when you walk. This is unheard of in sneakers, and it means they confer more stability and comfort-over-time than competitors. You can also just get a regular ol' white sneaker for a little less. Idrese Nuno Sizing Guide Get your normal sneaker size for a perfect fit. If you are in between sizes, size up by 1/2 as they run a little narrow. Idrese doesn't produce half sizes, so size up if you're between sizes. 5. Best Vegan Leather Sneaker: Clae - Bradley Cactus Clae is a Los Angeles-based brand that started in 2001. They have a commitment to innovating classic designs for the modern lifestyle and their dedication to finding new ways to make existing concepts refreshing can be seen in their vegan sneaker made not from the usual polyvinyl chloride you see in vegan leathers — it's completely made of cactus. Key Highlights Cactus-based leather uppers Eco-friendly recycled cardboard packaging Cotton canvas lining Molded EVA footbed Natural rubber soles $170 The Bradey sneaker is designed in LA and crafted in Zacatecas, Mexico. It is the world's first sneaker with uppers made entirely out of cactus. Clae developed this entirely plant-based leather with Adriano Di Marti, a Mexican company whose's vision is to produce and market plant-based leather alternatives. What is great about their cactus leather is that production is done with the plant's mature leaves, so not even any plants had to be destroyed for the production process. For added comfort, the shoes have a canvas liner and a molded EVA footbed for shock absorption. Although at $170, a cactus leather liner would have made this shoe a little nicer, the canvas is not a bad material. It is breathable and the EVA footbed is comfortable. Lastly, the soles are made from natural rubber extracted from the latex sap of Hevea trees. Clae Bradley Sneaker Sizing Guide Get your normal sneaker size for a perfect fit. Sizing goes from men's size 4 to size 13, and half sizes are available. 6. Best Retro Leather Sneaker: Adidas - Stan Smith 80s Adidas needs no introduction and neither does the Stan Smith. After the sportier, less minimalist Superstar fell out of favor, the simple and accessible Stan Smith basically became Adidas's unofficial mascot and reigned over the fashion world. Me, my mom, Meghan Markle, and even President Obama were seen in a pair or two. Key Highlights Leather Uppers Leather Liners Rubber Outsole Chunkier than most minimalist sneakers Made in Asia $128 for leather, $100 for vegan This version of the Stan Smith we're highlighting (the Stan Smith 80s) is a reproduction of the ones sold in the 1980s, when the shoe had a leather upper. If you prefer vegan or you just like saving money, the current model is completely vegan. The Stan Smith 80s is made by the ever-expansive Adidas corporation, but by no means does this mean it is a bad shoe. The materials on the Stan Smiths are very decent considering the fact that you can buy it for around $80 on sale. Most Stan Smiths have uppers and liners made from leather and while you can't expect the highest grade material, they do their job well and will not deteriorate as long as you clean and condition them. A common complaint about his shoe is that it lacks arch support. A quick remedy for this is swapping out the insoles for a more orthopedic one — or accepting the fact you paid under $100 for a shoe, so what can you really expect, here. What the shoe lacks in comfort, it makes it up in style. I really can't think of a more accessible shoe that goes well with every outfit than the Stan Smiths. Just note that it's a bulkier fit than the sleek, European models we've focused on — and it's made in Asia. Adidas Stan Smith Sizing Guide Order your usual size The Stan Smith comes in sizes 4-14 and has half sizes. Get your normal sneaker size for a perfect fit. 7. Most Sustainable Leather Sneaker: Nothing New - Deluxe Nothing New is a brand that specializes in producing shoes with as much recycled material as possible and with the Deluxe, everything from their uppers to their outsole is completely upcycled from something else. Known for their Better Canvas sneakers, they invigorated their collection in 2022 with a line of upcycled Italian leather sneakers — all the style and durability, but no carbon footprint. Yup, Nothing New buys carbon offsets and donates to environmental charities to eliminate the carbon footprint of their operation. The brand offers various sneakers that are made from upcycled leather material, which are made with a Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certification to ensure there's no human or ecological harm being wrought, but we will focus on the Deluxe as it is the most similar to the sneakers above. On their site, you can find many more selections that resemble popular brands like Vans and even Alexander McQueen. Key Highlights Each shoe is carbon neutral Upcycled Italian Leather Uppers Stitched construction to reduce glue usage Durable Outsoles Made From Rubber & Cork $160 The Deluxe is a very simple, minimalistic sneaker that doesn't look too different from the other ones on this list. What sets this pair apart is that it is actually carbon neutral and made from recycled materials. The uppers on these shoes are made from discarded Italian leather that is then upcycled. For the heel counter, Nothing New uses 100% recycled fishing nets, and for the outsoles, the brand uses a blend of recycled rubber, recycled cork, and natural rubber. Nothing New Deluxe Sizing Guide Order your usual sneaker size These fit slightly smaller than your true-to-size Brannock sizing so for a good fit, go with your regular sneaker sizing. https://youtu.be/Zdfj7V5u5rc 8. Best Luxury Sneaker: Crown Northampton - Derby Crown Northampton is an English brand founded by Chris Woodford. Woodford and his family have a long history in shoemaking but it wasn't until 16 years ago that Woodford decided to start his own brand. His brand has a large array of stitchdown constructed boots and of course, sneakers. Key Highlights Luxurious leather options like veg tan calfskin and even shell cordovan Fully leather lined Hand-stitched and finished Sustainable Lactae Hevea soles Oak bark counter & stiffener ~USD556 It was very difficult narrowing down a specific pair of Crown Northampton sneakers to showcase on this list. All of their offerings are unique and deserve a mention on this list. However, the Hand-Stitched Derby is their premium (of the premium) line, including vegetable tanned leather uppers and even a version made of Horween's Shell Cordovan for 685 pounds. The Derby is part of the brand's hand-stitch line. It has a low profile silhouette, hand-finished construction, is made to order, and is crafted out of some of the most luxurious leathers out there — veg tan calf, shell cordovan, buffalo, you name it. All of these factors make this sneaker the best option for guys who want the absolute best made sneaker on the market. Currently, the brand offers this Derby in Horween's Color 8, Bourbon, Black, and Dark Cognac shell cordovan. If the shell doesn't interest you, they also have calfskin and bison, and kudu leather in all sorts of colors. Every Derby sneaker will have an oak bark counter & stiffener, cork filling, and Lactae Hevea soles. If you're looking for a premium sneaker, this is the one for you. Crown Northampton Sizing Guide Order a half size larger in your true British size My US Brannock size is 11.5, my UK size is 10.5, and I fit their UK11 Crown Northampton sneakers have a similar length to Nikes and New Balances. They have men sizes UK 3 all the way to UK 14, including half sizes. For those who are not aware, UK sizes fit 1 size larger than US sizes, meaning you'd order a smaller size. If you're a US 9, then you would be a UK 8. Most of my British boots are 10.5, but my toe bumped up against the end of my Crowns and 11 is the right size for me. Crown Northampton also includes the insole length on their sizes. If you are unsure, take your best-fitting shoe and compare the insole's length (cm) to what the brand has listed for your size. I got mine in waterproof blue suede, since i obviously own enough white sneakers. 9. Beckett Simonon - Reid Sneaker Beckett Simonon is another direct-to-consumer brand that sells myriad affordable, yet elegant footwear. What separates them from Thursday Boot Company is that when placing an order, expect at least 2-3 months before receiving your shoes, as this company crafts its products in limited runs. The lead time might be long, but it's well worth it for the value — they're $135 with 'STRIDE' used at checkout — and the environmental factor. Producing shoes in small batches ensures that every item is sold and this helps the company lower its carbon footprint/waste. Key Highlights 6 leather (calf skin) options from a Gold-rated tannery from Arzignano, Italy. Vachetta leather liner for breathability and comfort. Natural rubber outsole Made in Colombia Takes 1-2 months to arrive $169 The Reid sneaker comes in 6 colorways and is shaped on a streamlined last to give it a sleek silhouette. The design is extremely minimal, even more so than the Premier Low Top. There is absolutely no branding, embellishments, or decorations on the sneaker which makes it the perfect shoe for dressing up a casual outfit. Currently, the Reid retails for $169 but there's always a 20% discount available. Use STRIDE at checkout for yours. Beckett Simonon Sneaker Sizing Guide Half sizes available Buy half a size smaller than your regular sneaker size. Beckett Simonon also produces this sneaker in full and half sizes. Note that the Reid sneaker has a generous instep volume, and most guys like to go down a half size. 10. Oliver Cabell - Low 1 To put it simply, Oliver Cabell is a brand that makes luxury footwear at a fair price. They are so confident about their prices that they are even willing to tell you what their production cost is. On their website, every listing will include a breakdown of the material and labor costs to ensure customers know why they are paying what they're paying. They are by one of the only few companies to do this and we love the transparency — but the shoes ain't bad either. Key Highlights Over 50 styles with numerous colorways and patterns. Margom cup outsole Lined with cow leather. Made in the La Marche region of Italy. $220 Their Low 1 sneaker is a classic court shoe with a streamlined design. In total, there are over 50 different color variations available and all of which are crafted out of full-grain, chrome tanned leather or top-quality suede from Italy. They sell plenty of other patterns that include classics like hi-top sneakers and German Army Trainers, all of which are largely unbranded besides the company's name on the tongue and heel. Other aspects of the shoe include padded heel collars, a leather heel counter, and a leather liner. All of this adds to the comfort and will prevent or lessen slippage when you first put the sneaker on. Sizing Guide Get your normal sneaker size for a perfect fit. If you are in between sizes, size up by 1/2. Oliver Cabell doesn't produce half sizes but they do make sizes from a US 5 to a US 14. Size up if you're between fits. 11. Runner Up: Greats - The Royale 2.0 The brand started in Brooklyn in 2014, priding themselves as being the first sneaker brand born in Brooklyn, one of the streetwear capitals of the world. Greats built great word of mouth and eventually got acquired by Steve Madden in 2019. (They were never made in Brooklyn, they're made in Portugal. Or Spain. Or Italy.) Key Highlights 13 leather uppers available A little chunkier and less minimalist than other offerings Sizes 7 to 18, then just 22 for some reason Footbed with antimicrobial properties and cushioning $189 It’s hard to talk about leather sneakers without touching on Greats, and the Royale 2.0 is their flagship. Another great option for under 200 bucks, this is a good bet if you want something a little closer to your childhood skate sneakers but you still want something a little grown up looking. Plus, more voluminous sneakers — while more casual — tend to be easier to wear with loose pants or shorts if that’s your jam. They also aren’t quite as minimalist as the other picks here, with three panels of leather on the side that produce two seams and ventilation holes on the toe. But they're very lightweight! My criticisms are that there are more colorways at a lower price if you pick Thursday, plus Greats aren't transparent about their sourcing or sustainability. In the 2020s, that can be a drawback. Sizing Guide Size down half a size from your Brannock Most sneakers are a half size bigger than your Brannock size, also called the "true size" they get on that device at a shoe store. The Royale 2.0, oddly, goes the opposite direction: you should round down from your Brannock, which might be a whole size down from your other sneakers. For reference: I'm 11.5, most sneakers are 12, but I'm 11 in Greats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vTh9I0yR_qiw Are Leather Sneakers Waterproof? Many brands use misleading marketing tactics and will use the words waterproof and water resistance interchangeably. Although they have similar meanings, they are not the same. In short, waterproofed shoes will keep your feet dry no matter how much it precipitates. Water-resistant shoes will only protect your feet for so long before they start to get wet. Generally speaking, leather and water don't mix well but all leather, even untreated leather, has a degree of water resistance. What you want to really look at is the construction, though. While the uppers are water resistant, you probably can't walk through puddles because these shoes are either cemented, stitched, or a combination of both. Are Leather Sneakers Business Casual? Business casual is one of those elusive terms that nobody really knows the meaning of. It is highly subjective from workplace to workplace. For some offices, it can mean jeans and a polo shirt, in others, it's khakis and a blazer. The rule of thumb is that if you work in a setting that requires formal attire, then leather sneakers would not work. However, if the day-to-day attire is not as formal, then wearing leather sneakers would be just fine. In order to pull off this look, make sure the leather sneakers are similar in color enough to dress shoes. Black, brown, and even white sneakers would work best with a button down. If you wear more adventurous patterns or playful colors, you risk appearing too casual for the office. Are Leather Sneakers Easy To Clean? Leather sneakers are one of the easiest sneakers to clean. This is because leather does not absorb moisture very well. All you need is a damp rag and a little bit of cream leather conditioner afterward. To start, brush the sneakers with a brush to remove any dust on them. Then wipe them with a damp cloth to get stubborn, dried-up stains. If things are still dirty, grab a gentle leather cleaner like Cobbler's Choice. Lastly, wait for the shoes to dry and apply a thin coat of conditioner on the. Wrapping Up Leather sneakers are a good alternative to boots if you want something you can wear with shorts, something easier to throw on, or you miss the supple comfort of that rubber sole. The sheen on the leather sneakers gives the shoe a more classy appearance while not sacrificing the comfort of this type of shoe. They are the perfect middle ground between a sports trainer and leather boots.

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