Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you’re anything like me, you’re all about collecting a set of shoes any of which could be worn as your everyday pair. While there are a lot of classic styles to consider, low top leather sneakers are certainly one of the most popular. They’re simple, work with a ton of outfits, and age beautifully. Some of you might be partial to low top canvas sneakers, and I respect that, but it’s hard to argue with the versatility of leather.
1) Common Projects: Achilles Low
Common Projects’ Achilles Low are arguably the most well-known leather low tops out there. The design is beautifully simple, with only CP’s heel stamp to identify them, and features top-class construction and materials throughout. They come in a wide range of colors (although personally, I lean toward classic white and black) so there is truly something out there for everybody.
Available for $425 at Mr. Porter.
2) Feit: Handsewn Latex Low
Feit is known for minimalist, yet avant-garde shoes. And their newest style, the Handsewn Latex Low sneaker, exemplifies that aesthetic perfectly. It features a single-piece handsewn upper with a natural rubber outsole that ensures all-day comfort, regardless of what you’re doing. If you’re only going to own one pair of leather low tops this is a great choice, although personally, I’d love to see these in black or a dark-colored suede.
Available for $600 from Feit in White and Tan.
3) Butts and Shoulders: The Sneakers
Butts and Shoulders’ The Sneakers are a great pair of simple sneakers, with only leather foxing around the edge of the shoe to set them apart from the competition. While the style is certainly a bit divisive, it’s a great pair if you want your sneakers to stand out a bit more. Each of these sneakers are made from vegetable tanned leather with cork and foam padding, leather lining, and a PMU outsole for both durability and grip.
Like this? Read these:
Available for $291 from Cultizm.
4) Buttero: Lined Tanino Low Sneakers
Buttero has been a quality sneaker maker for years, but they’ve recently become even more popular. With their simple styles, fantastic construction, and quality materials, there’s no reason they should be considered anything but a top-tier sneaker brand. And while every aspect of their shoes is great, sourcing from their materials from the finest Italian tanneries makes the leather the star. Their Lined Tanino Low Sneaker is the brand’s mainstay and it’s clear to see why.
Available for $319 from End Clothing.
5) Reproduction of Found: German Military Trainer
If you think I’d put together a list of leather low top sneakers without a nod toward classic German Army Trainers you’re sadly mistaken. Reproduction of Found is one of the best options currently, with their great authentic reproductions in a wide range of different colorways. The white/light grey color is certainly the most traditional for GATs but the all white, all black, and cream options are fantastic in their own right, especially if want to add a little something different to your collection.
Available for $230 from Need Supply.
Plus One — The Flat Head: “Diamond” Cowhide Sneakers
The Flat Head makes some of the best leather goods out there, be them jackets, accessories, boots, or sneakers. And their Diamond Cowhide Sneakers are certainly included in that list. While I’m all about keeping things simple so they can be worn every day, the small pattern added by TFH to their diamond sneakers adds a bit of character without making them too gaudy to be your daily drivers.
Available for $374AUD (~$270USD) at Corlection.
