10 Best Leather Shoes for Men in Australia for 2025
Step things up with these men’s leather shoes, including one resort-inspired style that’s seeing a massive resurgence.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Men’s fashion is always best when kept simple, and this philosophy extends to a great pair of leather shoes.
You don’t need to overthink leather shoes. They instantly smarten up any outfit, and help ooze charisma and confidence. They also change your posture and help you stand taller.
If you’re smart with your shopping choices, you’ll only ever need a handful of leather shoes in rotation. Plus if you look after them, they have the potential to last decades.
One footwear trend proving incredibly popular right now is relaxed leather shoes.
We can thank the producers of shows like The White Lotus and classic films like The Talented Mr Ripley for the surge in relaxed styles like loafers and leather slides.
“Loafers are in trend and give a more fashionable edge to your look,” Nicole Adolphe, the Head of Fashion at THE ICONIC told news.com.au checkout.
“A brown loafer works with denim and tan chinos, a suede loafer is more casual and can be paired with shorts, black loafers look sharp for workwear or more dressy occasions.”
The good news is you don’t need to spend hours looking for the best men’s leather shoes, because we’ve done the heavy lifting and found some real winners.
Among our top picks are the Julius Marlow Kick Boots, a popular Australian label that’s an excellent dupe of the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots at a fraction of the price (we coincidentally have these too if you want the real deal).
The Clarks Tilden Loafers in Dark Tan Leather, which we road-tested, are currently under $70, while you’ll be sorted for pretty much any social event with these ECCO Melbourne Men’s Leather Derby Shoes or these Hush Puppies Men’s Cain Dress Shoes, which are 38 per cent off right now on Amazon Australia.
Still after inspo? Read on for our full wrap of the best men’s leather shoes.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST MEN’S LEATHER SHOES
Julius Marlow Kick Boots Black, from $115.95 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love Them: An affordable dupe of the classic R.M Williams Chelsea Boots
What To Consider: Product comes in US sizing so check your fit
Material: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colours: Black, Tan, Mocka, Cognac | Sizing: US 7 to 15
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Julius Marlow is an Australian label that’s been around for nearly 100 years, and the style that was formed on the streets of Melbourne carries through to these Kick Chelsea Leather Boots.
Made from high quality leather, these Julius Marlow Chelsea Boots are comfortable and look great. They have a snug fit that wraps nicely around your foot, and the small heel lift will give you a spring in your step.
I’ve been wearing these to work and during some more formal social events, and find these boots work best with dark jeans or chinos. They’d be a perfect match for business wear or a wedding suit too.
One thing to mention is that I’m normally a size 10 in shoes but had to drop down to a 9.5 for these boots. Just ensure you’re happy with the fit and make the most of the exchange policies of the online retailers if you do need to change sizes.
Their best selling point is the price.
While R.M. Williams boots are typically around $700, these are a fraction of the price.
I liked the Julius Marlow Chelsea Boots so much I got them in two colours – the Black and the Mocha – and they’re now my go-to when I’m dressing up.
Clarks Craftarlo Lo Loafers in Black, $229.95 at Myer
Why We Love Them: Retro 70s vibes meet modern comfort
What To Consider: They have a wide, chunky look
Material: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colour: Black | Sizing: 6 to 13
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Alongside the Tilden loafers, I’ve also been trying out the Craftarlo Lo Loafers from Clarks, and I love their retro, 70s-inspired design that feels timeless but still works with a modern wardrobe.
These loafers are great for anything from the office to a wedding or dinner out.
They’re slip-on, which I really like. No laces either, just slide them on and go.
The black leather looks clean and polished, and the little tassel detail gives them a bit of personality without overdoing it. I’ve worn them with chinos, jeans, and dress pants, and they’ve slotted in with no trouble. Comfort-wise, they hold up really well.
There’s plenty of cushioning underfoot, and the flexible rubber sole makes them easy to walk in, even over longer days.
At $229.95, they’re definitely not your cheapest pair of loafers, but I think the price reflects the quality.
You’re getting premium leather, a sleek silhouette, and a design that won’t date any time soon.
If you’re after a versatile shoe that offers both comfort and polish, the Craftarlo Lo Loafers from Clarks are solid value for money, and well worth the investment.
BEST MEN’S LEATHER BOOTS
A wardrobe staple, a great pair of leather boots will cover many bases, from work to casual socialising through to more formal events such as celebrations and weddings.
R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots (Wide Fit), $699 at THE ICONIC
Why We Love Them: The OG of Chelsea boots, plus they’re made in Australia
What To Consider: These are expensive
Material: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colours: Black, Chestnut, Dark Tan | Sizing: UK 3 to 17, some sizes low in stock
What You Need To Know
Hugh Jackman is a big fan (well he’s also the brand ambassador) and so are we.
Made in Adelaide, the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots have a wide fit, comfortable insole, padded heel and microfibre sock-lining.
While at the top of the pricing spectrum, these are a long-term investment that will comfortably move between casual looks to more formal settings.
There’s three colour options but whether you go for the Black, Dark Tan or Chestnut, these all make for a timeless look.
One shopper said: “These boots are superb quality and a perfect fit. They are extremely comfortable straight out of the box and need no breaking in at all. My only regret is waiting so long before buying them.”
BEST MEN’S LEATHER LOAFERS
With the rise in relaxed fashion looks, a pair of men’s leather loafers will keep things casual, whether it’s coffee with mates, a stroll through the city, or something slightly more formal like a dinner date.
Clarks Tilden Loafers in Dark Tan Leather, from $67.48 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love Them: Lightweight, durable and with great heel support
What To Consider: These come in US sizing
Material: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole | Colours: Dark Tan, Black, Schwarz Black, Brown, Dark Brown | Sizing: US 7.5 to 15
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve always been a big fan of Clarks, when it comes to men’s footwear they’ve been a consistently reliable brand.
The best part of these Clarks Tilden Loafers is the slip-on design.
There’s no time wasted lacing them up, and they are great to pair with chinos and shorts.
Their stylish, timeless look plays to my earlier point of wanting to invest in footwear that’s versatile and can work with a number of different outfits and occasions.
There’s excellent ankle and foot cushioning, and I have been able to comfortably wear these all day. I’ve had a niggling calf issue for a little while and can’t wear boots for extended periods of time, but the heel on these loafers has been manageable while I’m still doing my rehab.
They’re easy to care for with some basic leather polish and at under $70, these are also an excellent price, and a worthy investment. I’m very happy with these and have no hesitation recommending them.
G. H. BASS Weejun 90s Larson Penny Loafers, $272 (down from $340) at THE ICONIC
Why We Love Them: A sleek, polished look
What To Consider: These are expensive
Material: Leather Upper, Sole and Inner | Colours: Black, Wine | Sizing: UK 6 to 13
What You Need To Know
Handmade with polished black leather, these G. H. BASS Weejun 90s Larson Penny Loafers have a timeless, classic look that will ensure a level of longevity in your wardrobe.
The strap you see over the front of the shoe makes these distinctly “penny loafers”, and pays homage to the original design of G.H. Bass, who first released the shoe in 1934.
Popular among men before the rise of sneakers, these penny loafers combine the best of both worlds, with modern design features including the lightweight EVA outsole, and the heel-to-heel stitching.
Wear these ones with chinos, or for the summer months, pair with shorts, a leather belt and go without socks.
BEST MEN’S LEATHER LACE UP SHOES
Whether it’s a Derby Shoe, an Oxford Shoe or a nice pair of Brogues, you’d want at least one pair of lace up leather shoes in your wardrobe, either in a neutral brown or black (or both if you can manage it).
ECCO Melbourne Men’s Leather Derby Shoe in Amber, from $123.51 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love Them: A contemporary look which blends comfort and style
What To Consider: These are made with US sizing
Material: Leather Upper, Synthetic Sole | Colours: Amber, Black | Sizing: US 5 to 14.5
What You Need To Know
Featuring the signature open lacing you’ll typically see with Derby shoes, these ECCO Melbourne Men’s Derby Leather Shoes come in a classic Black or Amber and have a smart, slim look.
Super lightweight and made with breathable insoles, you’ll be able to wear them in multiple settings.
They’re perfect for long days at the office or long nights out on the town.
They’ve also been popular with shoppers, some saying they give as much support as racing shoes.
“I even run to work in these shoes, paired with dress pants and a dress shirt, covering just 2km from where I park my car by the park,” said one shopper.
Another enthused: “I recently purchased the ECCO Melbourne [Leather Derby Shoes] and the fit was great right out of the box. Very comfortable and stylish.”
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
These are some very smart shoes indeed, I’ve been testing out the ECCO Melbourne Men’s Leather Derby Shoe in Amber and I’m honestly completely won over.
I’ve been wearing these ones to work the last couple of weeks and they’re great when paired with dark chinos and coloured socks. My favourite part of the shoe is the colour blend of the leather, which is primarily an amber brown but features some darker tones on the front near the toes of the shoe.
The width of the shoe is not too wide, plus there’s excellent support and cushioning in the heel and the arch of the foot, making them ideal for long days on my feet. I’ve had a previous calf injury and can’t wear dress shoes or boots with a massive drop on the feel, but these ones have been great. The laces are quite thin and well made too, and when I have these Derby shoes on, my whole foot feels quite snug and supported.
Plus they’ve been easy to clean and look after, and I’ve been keeping the leather nourished with a simple shoe polish.
I haven’t had the chance to wear these out yet on social occasions, but with a whole bunch of 40th birthdays coming up, I’m sure these will get some great mileage there.
If you’re after a modern looking, well-crafted leather shoe than transitions well from work to your social life, then look no further than the ECCO Melbourne Men’s Leather Derby Shoe.
Hush Puppies Men’s Cain Dress Shoe, from $104.83 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love Them: Stylish, comfortable and waterproof
What To Consider: These come in US sizing options
Material: Leather Sole and Upper | Colours: Tan Burnish, Black | Sizing: US 7 to 14
What You Need To Know
A classic dress shoe with toe cap, these Hush Puppies Men’s Cain Shoes are part of the label’s TriTech range, which blends lightweight waterproof leather with a bouncy sole.
These shoes are a great choice for the workday, in particular thanks to insoles which are made with breathable memory foam.
There’s also great arch support and a standard wide fit, making them a winner among shoppers.
“I find it very hard to find great shoes I can just slip on and wear, without giving it another thought. I’ve sent so many pairs of shoes back after making an online purchase that just didn’t work. I found a winner with my Hush Puppies. I will be buying a second pair to wear to work,” raved one reviewer.
Another added: “Comfortable everyday work shoes. Bounce Technology makes it a wonderful shoe to wear all day at the office.”
Staple Superior Oscar Brogue Leather Shoes, from $45 (down from $99.99) at THE ICONIC
Why We Love Them: An affordable option from a new Australian label
What To Consider: Larger sizes unavailable
Material: Leather Upper
Colours: Black, Tan
Sizing: AU 7 to 12
What You Need To Know
Made with a smart leather upper in the Derby style, these Staple Superior Oscar Brogue Leather Shoes are currently starting at just $45, a great price for shoes across the board.
Brogue shoes typically feature more intricate design motifs and that’s consistent with the Oscar Brogue, which comes in both Black and Tan with the perforations around the top, sides and toe sections of the shoe.
A Sydney based label that consistently delivers, the Staple Superior Oscar Brogue Leather Shoes won’t last long at this price.
BEST MEN’S LEATHER SLIDES
Yes, they’re great for more casual settings like a barbecue or a beach trip, but you can also easily dress up a pair of leather slides with a nice shirt and a pair of chinos.
Birkenstock Arizona Waxy Leather Mens Slide, $279.99 at The Athlete’s Foot
Why we love it: A luxe leather slide that’s popular among shoppers
What to consider: Higher price point, some larger sizes unavailable
Material: Leather, cork, latex
Colour: Black
Sizing: UK 5 to 10
What You Need To Know
Blending comfort with a timeless design, Birkenstock’s Arizona slides feature a classic two-strap design that suits the natural shape of your foot.
The straps on these slides are made from soft, full-grain leather, ensuring comfort on the top and sides of your feet. They also have a cork outsole and light midsole, providing cushioning and excellent shock absorption.
“Exceptional quality sandals, superior comfort and fit. These Birkenstock Arizona sandals will last a long time. Much healthier for your feet compared to synthetic materials,” wrote one reviewer.
Another said: “Have used Birkenstocks and different variations of the Arizona for many years, these made me curious with their sturdier sole. So far I am very satisfied, [there’s] good support for the foot.”
Rollie Rhodes Men Slide, $219.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Designed in Melbourne
What to consider: These are expensive
Material: Leather upper, EVA soles
Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Designed in Melbourne, the Rollie Rhodes Men Slides offer both style and function, making them a great pick for an Aussie summer.
Crafted from premium leather, these slides also feature a sole designed with proper arch support in mind.
They’re incredibly lightweight and anti-slip, two must-have features if you spend time around the pool or at the beach.
Customers are also very happy with the Rollie Rhodes Men Slides, with one saying they’re the “perfect” purchase.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING LEATHER SHOES
Leather Quality: Essentially, not all leather is equal. If you want a pair of leather shoes that will last a long time, then you’ll need to pick footwear that uses full grain or top grain leather. Full grain leather is the highest quality, and because it keeps its natural grain, it will be more durable and breathable. Top grain is sanded down very slightly, resulting in a smoother look but it’s still a great option. Avoid anything with a label that says it’s been bonded or corrected, this means the leather has been glued together from different pieces and they won’t perform in the long term.
Fit and Comfort: Leather shoes should feel snug to wear, but you don’t want them to be super tight when you first put them on. Like jeans, they’ll adapt over time to the shape of your feet, but if it’s a bad fit from the get go, you’ll be disappointed. Like with all shoes, check you have enough room at the front for your toes, and ensure your heel doesn’t slip at the back. Check the insoles also have good support, especially if you’re wearing them for long periods of time.
Sole Material: There’s always going to be a big focus around the quality of leather upper, but you should also consider the materials used in the sole of your shoe, which is typically going to be crafted from leather or rubber. This will affect things like durability and shock absorption. Another option might be going for shoes that have a leather sole and rubber insert. At the end of the day, do your research and due diligence first.
Style: The right men’s leather shoe should match existing items in your wardrobe, and work for multiple social settings and occasions. If you need something formal, Oxford shoes are a great performer and look good with business wear and suits. For something more relaxed, Derby shoes feature a relaxed lacing system, and you’ll be able to wear these in both casual and semi-formal settings. For something stylish yet easy to slip on, loafers or brogues are very popular, and let you also show off a sense of personality and style. If you also keep to basic colours like black, brown or tan, you’ll get the most bang for buck with the option to pair with many different looks and outfits.
Price: Quality materials and craftsmanship aren’t usually cheap, but don’t burn a hole in your wallet. A great pair of full-grain leather shoes will likely set you back between $200 and $400, and while that may seem expensive, these will last for several years and counting if they’re properly maintained. Cheaper shoes priced at $100 or less are often made with lower grade leather or glued soles, and they’ll typically wear out faster. To work out how much to spend on men’s leather shoes, settle on your budget. Then, think of the shoes as a personal investment, in the same way you might buy a good quality jacket or coat.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
At news.com.au checkout, we love doing the hard yards to discover great deals and epic bargains which deliver the best in value, affordability and product features.
This includes men’s leather shoes, where we looked at a number of factors such as the fit, comfort, and versatility to curate a selection to keep you looking and feeling your best.
We also spoke with Nicole Adolphe, the Head of Fashion at THE ICONIC for her expert insights into men’s footwear, and the factors you need to consider when purchasing boots, loafers, slides and lace up shoes like Oxford shoes and brogues.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I approach buying a pair of men’s leather shoes?
Nicole Adolphe, the Head of Fashion at THE ICONIC recommends that you should first consider what you already have in your wardrobe.
“An easy formula is to own a pair of white, black and tan shoes and then insert a fashion sneaker in a statement colour,” she told news.com.au checkout.
“With this in mind, search by colour first, then check fabrication. A shoe with a leather inner, upper and sole is going to last the longest and be the best quality. The key would be a black or brown loafer, a brown classic boot and a white slim sneaker if you want to keep it simple.
“Start by looking at fabrication, whether the whole shoe is leather, or just the exterior. Opt for simple colours like black, white, tan, that can be styled multiple ways. Wear what works for you, there are a lot of different styles, some may suit and some may not.”
How much should I spend on a pair of men’s leather shoes?
Adolphe says that the average is between $150 and $300 for a quality pair of leather shoes.
“Expect to pay $400 plus for premium leather shoes,” she added.
What are the best ways to clean and care for leather shoes?
To keep your leather shoes in great condition, Adolphe recommends using a leather cleaner or a shoe polish once a week to keep them looking new.
“Buff and polish off the scuff marks. Make sure they are not stored in a damp spot in your wardrobe to avoid mould. Let your shoes dry out if you get caught in the rain, don’t just throw them back in the wardrobe,” she said.
How can I style leather shoes for various occasions?
“The classic craftsman R.M. Williams boot is timeless and your style and comfort pick. Pair back with denim or chinos and a shirt or knit. A good quality loafer can be worn with anything and very easy to style,” Adolphe explains.
“Use a loafer as a dress shoe for work with a sock or try them back with a loose fit chino and an invisible sock.
“The suede or leather mule, like a Birkenstock is the easiest slip on, these work best with shorts.”
How long will a pair of quality leather shoes last?
If looked after, and with daily use, Adolpe believes that a pair of leather shoes should last at least two years.
“If you’re buying quality they can honestly last forever if you look after them, if worn regularly, almost daily I’d say two years,” she said.
More Coverage
“Polish them to remove scuff marks and dry them out well if they get damp. You can also get the soles resoled to maximise their life span.”
Stay in the loop with the best new products, sales, and deals by signing up for the news.com.au Checkout newsletter.
‘Superior’: Best men’s running shoes ranked
These newly-redesigned Adidas men’s trainers elevate the best parts of the shoe, and then takes it to another level.
‘Brilliant’ White Lotus men’s fashion trend
The White Lotus has put men’s resort fashion back on the map. Here’s how you can make the most of “destination dressing”.
‘No-brainer’: Dapper men’s fashion essentials
Building a wardrobe can be stressful, but we’re saving your oodles of time and money with this excellent range of essentials.
‘Timeless’ men’s white sneakers under $100
Versatile, comfortable and stylish, these men’s white sneakers will put a spring in your step.