These are the best leather sneakers for winter
Put a spring in your step this season, with our curation of the most durable, dependable leather sneakers on the market...
Words: Anna Galbraith
They are two little words capable of filling anyone with dread as an invitation falls through their letterbox. Sat next to the information detailing where and when, comes the dress code ‘smart casual’. There isn’t a man (or woman for that matter) who really knows what it means, but something we do know is that any foundation to a good look begins from the bottom and works up — so getting your footwear right is key.
Thankfully, there’s a glimmer of lace-up hope hiding at the back of your cold weather wardrobe. Summer may be sneaker season, but we’re championing these casual kicks well into winter. With leather trainers, bright colours and autumn-appropriate designs, take a look below to discover the best leather sneakers for winter.
North-89 No-1 Napa 35 Sneakers
Part of North 89’s Essential Collection, these elegant sneakers are made from butter soft Italian Napa Batida leather, sitting on a thin Italian margom cup sole. The matching white waxed cotton laces and calfskin lining give these shoes a super clean, simple and sophisticated look and feel.
CQP Racquet White Leather
Designed in Sweden, handmade in Portugal, and crafted in Italian leather, these CQP Racquet white leather trainers offer winter-proof durability, and extreme comfort with several layers of cushioning – perfect for the gentleman who spends his day on his feet, as opposed to behind a desk.
A top tip here: CQP sneakers are only available in full sizes. If you normally wear a half size, buy a pair half a size smaller than usual.
Adidas Originals Lacombe Leather Sneakers
The word ‘iconic’ might be among the most overused in the English language, but when it comes to this particular fashion house, we feel it’s an entirely justified adjective.
Adidas Originals modelled its ‘Lacombe’ sneakers on one of its tennis shoes from the ’70s – supple leather uppers allow for agility on the court, while off it, the minimal low-profile design is easy to style. This reissued pair has gold logos and perforations to represent the brand’s three stripes — promising durability even in the harshest conditions.
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
If you’re in the market for a pair of sneakers that you can dress up or down, Common Projects’ Original Achilles sneakers are ideal – they work equally well with jeans or smart trousers. They’re made from brown Italian full-grain leather that promises to age beautifully, and set on rubber soles stitched to the uppers for durability.
Rubirosa Odile Low Black Sneakers
Picking your footwear as the seasons turn can be something of a minefield. Fortunate, then, that the chaps over at Rubirosa are on hand (or should that be on foot?) to ensure that your shoes will never let you down as the mercury drops and the winds pick up.
Perfect for putting a little more ‘smart’ into a ‘smart-casual’ dress code this winter, the Low Odile model blends the typical features of a classic brogue with those of a low-top sneaker. The result is a totally unique concept piece. These will pair perfectly with a lighter pair of formal trousers — equally at ease in the office as on a relaxed winter city break.
Looking for more seasonal style tips? Here’s how to make your cashmere jumper last forever…
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