Top Leather Shoe Brands: Elevate Your Style Game

Finding the perfect pair of leather shoes can be a transformative experience, blending style, comfort, and durability. In today's market, several esteemed brands continue to dominate due to their craftsmanship, innovative designs, and premium materials. From timeless classics that exude sophistication to modern designs that offer versatility, these brands cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Curious to discover which brands have earned their rightful place in the leather shoe hall of fame? Explore the names that have set the benchmark for quality and fashion below.

Illustration of leather shoes

Best brands of leather shoes in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is a renowned American upscale men's shoe company, established in 1922, known for its high-quality, handcrafted shoes, with over 98% of U.S. shoes being produced overseas, yet Allen Edmonds maintains domestic manufacturing in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The company is one of the largest producers of Goodyear welted shoes globally and has a long history of supplying shoes to U.S. presidents and the military. Each shoe undergoes a 212-step process and is handled by up to 60 different craftspeople. Despite recent quality concerns, Allen Edmonds still offers a recrafting service, having recrafted over one million pairs of shoes since the program's inception. The company employs 135 craftspeople, many of whom are second and third-generation makers.

Alden

Alden Shoe Company, founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden, is a renowned American brand specializing in handcrafted men's leather shoes and boots, including Oxfords, Bluchers, loafers, and Chukka boots. Known for its high-quality products, Alden sources leathers from small tanneries in Europe and the U.S., notably using shell cordovan from Horween Leather Company since 1930. Despite challenges, Alden has experienced a resurgence in the 21st century due to a renewed interest in traditional men's shoes, contributing to its estimated annual revenue of $75 million. The company's commitment to quality and custom fits, using various lasts, has made it a favorite among shoe enthusiasts. Alden's products are built to last, with Goodyear welt construction allowing for multiple resolings.

Church's

Church's is renowned for its high-quality, English-made leather shoes, particularly notable for their durable and well-crafted designs, such as the Monk Strap, which features Goodyear-welted construction and premium leather that withstands wear and tear exceptionally well. Despite a decline in quality perceived by some after the Prada group takeover, Church's traditional shoes still maintain their classic values and exceptional build quality. The brand's use of high-grade leather, such as full-grain aniline and semi-aniline, ensures a long-lasting product. Church's shoes have been a staple in men's footwear for years, with a market presence reflected in the global men's formal shoes market, which is expected to reach $14.1 billion by 2030. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned it a loyal customer base. For more details, visit their official website.

Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones is a renowned British brand celebrated for its high-quality, Goodyear-welted leather shoes, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The company has seen significant sales growth, with a 6% increase in the UK and almost 5% internationally, reaching a turnover of £31 million by 2018. Known for their meticulous production process, they employ over 400 people, including 300 on the factory floor, and have expanded their retail operation to include 13 international stores. Despite challenges such as limited skilled labor and high-quality leather availability, the brand continues to thrive, benefiting from trends in English style and the development of their City sole. Their commitment to quality and value has made them a staple in the footwear industry. For more insights into their meticulous production process, visit the Crockett & Jones production page.

Loake

Loake, a renowned British shoemaker since 1880, is celebrated for its traditionally crafted, handmade Goodyear-welted shoes. The company, still family-owned and based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, employs over 130 skilled workers in the production of some styles, involving up to 75 shoe parts and 200 operations, taking up to 8 weeks to complete. Loake holds a Royal Warrant since 2007 for providing men's footwear to Her Majesty the Queen and produces around 4,000 pairs of shoes per week in their UK factory. The company has also reduced reject rates to 0.5% through innovative processes like a steam sauna for leather treatment. Loake's commitment to quality and tradition has earned it the title of 'Men's Footwear Brand of the Year' at the Drapers Footwear awards.

John Lobb

John Lobb is a renowned luxury shoe brand, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality leather shoes. Founded in 1849, the brand has a rich history, with the London bespoke workshop, John Lobb Limited, remaining family-owned and operating independently since 1866. The French branch, acquired by the Hermes Group in 1976, produces around 500 pairs of shoes per week, utilizing premium leathers from tanneries like Du Puy and Annonay. John Lobb shoes are known for their meticulous production process, including hand-clicking and the use of state-of-the-art machines like the EUR120,000 toe lasting machine. The brand holds royal warrants for both the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales, reflecting its prestige and quality. For more detailed insights, visit their official website.

Santoni

Santoni is a renowned Italian luxury footwear brand, founded by Andrea Santoni in 1975, celebrated for its high-quality, handcrafted leather shoes. The brand has experienced significant growth, including a 12% sales increase to EUR81 million in 2017 and a projected 20% revenue increase in 2023 to EUR98.8 million. Santoni's products, such as sneakers which now occupy about 50% of their range, are crafted from premium leather, including that from Pink calves, ensuring exceptional quality and durability. The company is focused on expanding its product line to include leather goods and is investing in e-commerce, with online sales currently contributing to 10% of their global turnover. Santoni plans to open more mono-brand stores, strategically targeting markets in Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Tricker's

Tricker's, established in 1829 by Joseph Tricker, is a renowned British footwear company celebrated for its exceptional quality and traditional English style. With 75% of its production exported to 43 countries, Tricker's stands as a global leader, particularly admired in Japan, Italy, and the US. The company, still family-owned after five generations, produces shoes through 250 individual processes, taking eight weeks to manufacture each pair. Tricker's was granted a royal warrant in 1989 and is known for its Goodyear welted shoes and innovative use of materials like Olivvia leather. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability has maintained its high standards over 190 years. For an in-depth review of their Bourton Brogue Shoe, explore this Tricker's Bourton Brogue Shoe Review.

Meermin

Meermin, a Mallorca-based company, stands out as a premier producer of high-quality leather shoes, offering hand-welted and Goodyear welted models at exceptionally competitive prices, such as $179 for the "Classic" line and $295 for the "Handwelted" line. Despite manufacturing 90% of their shoes in China, Meermin maintains rigorous quality standards, with some models even featuring shell cordovan for under $450. The company has managed to keep prices stable for five years, despite rising costs in leather, labor, and shipping. Meermin's innovative approach, including their MTO Groups system, allows for made-to-order models through crowdsourcing. Their spring sales offer significant discounts, up to 40% off, making their already affordable footwear even more attractive. For a deeper insight into the brand and its evolution, you can read an exclusive interview with Pepe Albaladejo.

Red Wing Heritage

Red Wing Heritage is renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted leather shoes, celebrating over a century of American craftsmanship since its founding in 1905. The brand is committed to timeless design, with over 60% of its boots manufactured in the USA, and has introduced initiatives like the "Will Your Wings" campaign to emphasize the longevity and personal stories behind each pair. The Heritage line, launched in 2007, features premium materials and traditional construction methods, such as the Goodyear welt system. Red Wing Heritage also focuses on sustainability, with its repair shop refreshing, re-soling, and reconditioning over 40,000 boots annually. The brand's dedication to quality and durability has made it a favorite among customers who value boots that get better with age. Discover more about their legacy and products by visiting the official Red Wing Heritage website.