Men's Sneakers in Leather & Nubuck

Our men's leather sneakers are made for everyday wear: genuine leather, nubuck or a mix of both on the outside, and a Respira lining in breathable Italian leather on the inside. Each pair is cut and stitched by hand at our family-owned factory, where we have made shoes since 1997. This page explains the materials, the main lines, the fit and how to keep a pair looking good.

Leather or nubuck: which is better for sneakers?

Both are genuine leather; the difference is the surface.

• Smooth leather. Firm, holds its shape and wipes clean with a damp cloth. The easy choice for white and black pairs. Smooth-leather models are grouped in men's smooth-leather sneakers.
• Nubuck. Leather buffed to a fine, velvety nap. It feels softer and looks more relaxed, but it needs a dry brush and a protective spray.
• Leather and nubuck together. Many Alen and Space models combine the two, for example a nubuck upper with smooth leather inserts.

If you are unsure how nubuck differs from suede, read nubuck or suede: what is the difference.

Which Babylon sneaker line suits you?

Five of the lines in this section, with facts from their product pages:

Montana and Vital are further options in smooth leather; Montana-23 has a nubuck upper. Montana-11 and Montana-23 have a red Respira lining, and Vital has a foam insole covered with Respira leather.

Are felt or sheepskin sneakers warm enough for cold days?

For the colder months there are three choices. The Alen-V felt sneakers have an Italian felt upper and an inner finish you choose: Italian wool on a backing layer or brushed cotton. Space-01-D, Space-02-D and Space-04-D are made of double-face sheepskin, with the wool left on the skin, and are rated from +5 to −20 °C on their product pages. The 1654 models pair a nubuck upper with a faux fur lining and a cold-resistant TPE sole.

How should men's leather sneakers fit?

Every line has its own last, so your size can change from one model to the next. Men's sizes run from EU 39 to 45; Montana starts at 40.

• Measure your foot. Do it in the evening, in centimetres, and compare the length with the chart on the product page.
• Wide feet. Space models are listed as suitable for wide feet and are made on an anatomical last with a wide toe box — see all wide toe box sneakers and boots.
• The first days. A new leather or nubuck pair can feel snug at first and softens with wear, but do not expect it to stretch a full size.

Step-by-step instructions and UK and US conversions are in the size guide.

How do you clean leather and nubuck sneakers?

• Smooth leather. Wipe with a damp cloth, let it dry at room temperature and add a matching cream now and then.
• Nubuck. Brush when dry, in one direction, and refresh the protective spray before rain.
• White pairs. Clean them little and often. The full method is in how to clean white leather sneakers, and white models are collected in men's white sneakers.

What to wear with men's sneakers?

Low leather pairs suit straight jeans, chinos and smart-casual trousers that end just above the shoe. Nubuck works with denim, knitwear and a field jacket. Felt and sheepskin sneakers sit well with heavier coats and cuffed trousers. More ideas are in how to wear sneakers.

Why buy handmade leather sneakers from the factory?

We sell from our family-owned factory straight to you, with no distributors or retailers in between, so the price is fair for genuine leather and handwork. If your size is not in stock, we make it within 3 business days. Shipping is free worldwide and usually takes 5–10 business days (7–12 to the US, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Georgia and Montenegro); import duties or VAT may apply, as explained on the shipping and duties page. International orders can be returned within 30 days.