The best leather sneakers are a rare kind of wardrobe workhorse. The material can elevate a simple denim-and-tee ’fit, or complement something dressier like a satin maxi skirt or tailored trousers. And unlike canvas, mesh, or knit fabric, leather is the easiest to clean (just wipe it with a damp cloth). We can’t imagine a solid sneaker collection without a leather pair; that’s why we asked some of the most stylish people in our network for their recommendations. We tried some of the most popular brands (hello Adidas and Nike) and evaluated them based on comfort, versatility, and style. These were the ones our editors say they live in during the summer months.
The best leather sneakers, at a glance
- Best Overall: Adidas Samba, $90
- Best Tennis Shoes: Reebok Club C, $60
- Best for Work: Soludos Roma, $132
- Best High-Tops: Nike SB Dunk High x Antihero, $145
- Best Designer: Golden Goose True Star, $595
Best Overall: Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from April Benshosan testing Adidas Sambas
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Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
Nordstrom
Adidas
- Sizes: 5–12
- Colors: 33 options
If you take one thing from this review, let it be that Sambas are worth the hype. From the moment I tried them on, they felt great. The fit is soft and almost moccasin-like—they mold to your feet and have a relaxed, loose feel while still being supportive. I wore them through airports, on long flights, while driving for hours, and during full days of walking, and they stayed comfortable throughout. The arch support is solid enough that I never noticed it, which (to me) is a good sign.
What really stood out was how breathable they are. I’ve worn them in hot, humid environments—like in Hawaii for a week straight—and never once thought about my feet feeling sweaty or uncomfortable. Even after a few months of regular wear, they still hold up well, and they’re proving to be more durable than other sneakers I’ve owned at a similar price point.
Pros: No break-in period; breathable; easy to styleCons: Some colorways are usually out of stock
Best Tennis Shoes: Reebok Club C Sneakers
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from April Benshosan testing Reebok Club C 85
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Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers
Amazon
Nordstrom
- Sizes: 5–16.5
- Colors: 6 options
Reebok knows how to marry functionality and style, and the Club Cs are the epitome of a classic, comfy shoe that can be worn with almost anything. They have just the right amount of cushion and support to carry you through a game of pickleball or tennis, and their retro-vintage vibe is cute enough to wear off the courts. I’ve owned my off-white pair for about a year, and since then, most of my other white leather sneakers have basically been benched. These go with so many outfits—leggings, shorts, skirts, dresses—thanks to the low-top and easy-to-match style. I have the ones with the green-lettered logo, and I love how they tie together a look with blue jeans or a cool-toned top. Plus, the leather is like butter, so the break-in period was non-existent. I’d say these run a tad short; I usually run between a 7.5 and 8, and the 8 fits perfectly.
Pros: Easy to style, no break-in period, good priceCons: May run a half size small
Best Designer: Golden Goose True Star Sneakers
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from April Benshosan testing Golden Goose True Star
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Golden Goose True Star
Golden Goose
- Sizes: 35–42
- Colors: 1 option
I’m on my second pair of Golden Goose, and these are the only sneakers I’d splurge on. Each pair is hand-made from Italian leather, and it’s easy to tell because they hold up well. Golden Goose screams effortless cool girl with the unique, layered designs that demand a double take. Take my new True-Stars: They boast hiking boot-style laces with extra-long ends, the signature gold-foil star, and a tobacco-colored leather heel tab, all style elements that speak to the boldness of the brand.
These kicks double as the ideal going-out shoe. I’m not so much of a heels girl—I prefer an elevated sporty look—so I take my sneaker collection pretty seriously. And my True-Stars take me from brunch date to dance floor with zero effort on my part. I always feel super confident in these. Besides the fact that they’re edgy and have character (unlike minimalist competitors like Common Projects), they also have good arch support. I’ve worn them for full days at a time, and my feet weren’t sore (I have flat feet, FYI)—a welcome surprise. They sit a bit low around the toe box, so that area requires a bit of breaking in; but after, they mold to your feet with each wear.
Pros: Good arch support; super stylish; some styles come with extra lacesCons: Some styles may require breaking in
Best High-Tops: Nike SB Dunk High x Antihero Sneakers
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from April Benshosan testing Nike SB Dunk High x Antihero
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Nike SB Dunk High x Antihero
Nike
- Sizes: 5.5–16.5
- Colors: 1 option
I love a good high-top on a guy, so I naturally had to get these for the dude in my life. He loved them more than I do—mostly because they have so much character and don’t feel like “just another white sneaker,” he says. These leather and suede Nike Dunks boast exposed foam under the tongue, and the cracked-texture toe gives off a rugged, bro-ey look that can level up a simple outfit. It’s also a very supportive shoe. The plush foam on the tongue and collar delivers excellent ankle support, and tightening the laces creates a snug, almost cocoon-like hold around your foot. The arch feels fairly flat, more neutral than cushioned, but that’s not a drawback; he barely noticed it once he was on the move. Another plus: These come with an extra pair of gray laces for when you’re not going for an all-white look.
Pros: Great ankle support; stylish; comes with extra lacesCons: Suede parts scuff easily
Best for Wide Feet: New Balance 577v1 Sneakers
New Balance 577v1 Sneakers
Amazon
Zappos
- Sizes: 5–12
- Colors: 2 options
New Balance is known for comfort and durability, and the 577s come in wide and extra-wide widths to accommodate many feet. “I have very wide feet, which limits my choice of footwear, so I’m incredibly loyal to New Balance,” says Glamour copy director Talley Sue Hohlfeld, who’s on her eighth pair of 577s. “The 577s are classic-looking and comfortable for everything I do (now that I’ve stopped jogging). They have enough curve to the sole to provide support for walking. But they’re sedate, which is what I want in my sneakers,” she says. So it’s no surprise this pair made our list of the best white sneakers.
Pros: Comes in multiple widths; great cushion and supportCons: Their dad-core look isn’t for everyone
Best for Work: Soludos Roma Sneakers
Soludos Roma Sneaker
Zappos
Soludos
- Sizes: 5–11
- Colors: 8 options
If you’re on your feet all day, you need a sneaker that’s comfortable and goes with most of your work wardrobe. The Soludos Romas are just that: They feature padded insoles for all-day comfort and a low-profile look that’s easy to style. “As someone who primarily wears sneakers, I reach for this pair when I want to look casual but put-together. I never have to worry about blisters or achy feet,” says Condé Nast commerce analyst Stewart Savin. “Although the brand suggests a half-size up, my standard size six fits perfectly since I have a narrow foot and prefer a snug fit.” And the high-quality leather is so soft, you can wear these shoes straight out of the box.
Pros: Easy to style, comes in all-white colorwayCons: Leather might stretch over time
Best Court Shoes: Cole Haan GrandPrø Breakaway Sneakers
Cole Haan GrandPrø Breakaway Sneakers
Nordstrom
- Sizes: 5–11
- Colors: 8 options
“Everyone should have court sneakers in their rotation, since they’re comfortable, versatile, and so easy to wear,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith. “I love this pair from Cole Haan—a trendy brand that actually delivers on its promise of high-quality leather—because it’s a little busier than your usual court kicks. Design details like zigzag leather, quilted stitching, and slightly contrasting suede make these feel truly special. My one complaint: I wish the branding were a little less noticeable.”
Pros: High-quality leather; trendy, sporty lookCons: Sizing runs narrow
Best Value: Skechers Hotshot Varsity Crew Sneakers
Skechers Hotshot Varsity Crew Sneakers
Amazon
Skechers
- Sizes: 6–10
- Colors: 5 options
Skechers always seem to strike a balance between good quality and value, and the Hotshot Varsity Crews are the perfect everyday sneaker for around $60. These suede sneakers come in four different colorways, including a striking cobalt blue that’ll make any basic outfit pop. “I have a pretty extensive sneaker collection, but more often than not, I end up reaching for my Sketchers Hotshots. These retro-inspired sneakers are my go-tos when I’m looking for a comfortable walking shoe that doesn’t look like a walking shoe,” says Emily Tannenbaum. “I recently trekked 23,000 steps in Vegas in these babies, thanks to their foam insoles and supportive fit on my narrow feet. Plus, their gum soles do not show dirt and grime like my sneakers with white outsoles, making them perfect for concerts and day-to-day city life. Whether I’m wearing them in black or red, I get countless compliments, and nobody believes me when I tell them they’re from Sketchers!”
Pros: Sporty and chic; very comfortableCons: Sold out in many sizes
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