The best leather football boots are becoming harder and more difficult to find, as brands continue to move away from natural uppers towards synthetic ones.
For whatever reason it may be, many brands just simply don't want to use leather - calf or kangaroo - in the best football boots anymore, much to the dismay of many footballers who still prefer the feel of a traditional leather football boot.
Fortunately, there are still some great leather options available to players, which I've done my best to whittle down and present my favourites ones currently available on the market. Be sure to check out our guides on the best football boots for flat feet, the best football boots for strikers, and even the best firm ground football boots, too.
But here, you'll find the best leather football boots...
Comfortable immediately, the leather forefoot is buttery soft while the synthetic midfoot is extremely premium. Crafted to perfection, there's honestly no better football boot available at the moment - leather or otherwise.
Perhaps the most recognisable boot to every single generation of football fans, the Adidas Copa Mundial are showing no signs of losing their appeal. Traditionalists will always exist, and the full leather upper appeals greatly.
Everyone loves a bargain, but to see high-quality leather boots come in under £100 feels like an absolute steal. The materials feel great when in contact with the ball, while the soleplate is comfortable and durable.
Constructed with high-quality materials but still retaining a lightweight design, it's fair to say these feel like feathers on feet. Every touch of the ball is cushioned, while every sprint is made easier and sharper through the soleplate.
The most recent leather release from Adidas has combined the leather qualities of previous Copa generations and modernised them into a wonderful boot that competes among the very best options.
A cheaper alternative to the Copa Pure 3 Elite but still a more modern version of the Copa Mundial, the Copa Icon 2 has high-quality leather that is built to last, through rain, sleet or snow - perfect in the winter months.
Best overall
In my opinion, the Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV Made in Japan is head and shoulders above the best leather football boots available to buy. Handcrafted in Japan by manufacturers with an incredible eye for detail and left on a specially made last for 24 hours, this boot combines the highest quality kangaroo leather in forefoot and a synthetic midfoot for better lockdown.
This provides a plush and cushioned touch on the ball that feels buttery soft, with modern technology utilised in the rest of the boot for supreme lockdown. What's more, the boots are also among the most comfortable football boots I've tried, with that comfort only increasing the more you break them in.
While there's a major stumbling block with this boot when it comes to the price, with the retail cost of £300 extremely steep, they're honestly worth every penny. There is also the Elite version which can be bought for £185 or less, which will offer a similar level of performance but without the same intricate levels of craftmanship. Overall, the Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV is currently the best leather football boot out there.
Best for traditionalists
The old reliable, there’s a reason why Adidas has continued to issue Copa Mundial in a practically unchanged state since the 1970s. Featuring a full kangaroo leather upper to provide comfort and durability, as well as traditional touch on the ball, the Adidas Copa Mundial is also one of the best football boots for wide feet, thanks to the construction and quality of the leather.
Reliable and durable, don't expect any fancy new technologies or exciting elements to these boots - they're nearly 50 years old and still incorporate much of the same design features that once made them so revered. Sure, modern professionals might have moved away from them, but the Adidas Copa Mundials are still one of the best football boots for defenders thanks to the added protection and plush leather.
The firm ground outsole features several round rubber studs, making the boots suitable for both natural grass pitches and artificial pitches, with the conical design comfortable though provides a lack of aggression. I rarely wear the Adidas Copa Mundial, but whenever I do it always reminds me just how good the classics can be.
Best value for money
A standout option for players seeking both comfort and performance at an affordable price, the Kipsta Viralto IV Premium are one of the best football boots under £100, which is made all the more impressive by the soft and supple leather upper, which moulds to the foot for a snug fit, as well as enhancing touch and ball control.
I found the leather to have a premium feel that is typically found in higher-end models, while it's durable, too - Kipsta includes a lifespan approximation on their boots using an XP value that equates to the number of uses, stating the Viralto IV Premium can last 95 wears. That's a durable boot when considering others on the market.
The soleplate impressed me by the amoung of traction it provided, which also ensured stability in sharp changes of direction. Plus, the cushioning in the insole adds extra comfort by reducing pressure on the feet. Overall, these boots are a solid choice for players of all levels, balancing performance with affordability.
Most comfortable
Epitomising a masterclass in craftmanship, the Mizuno Morelia II Made in Japan offers a blend of tradition, premium materials and top-tier performance. Designed for players who value a classic football boot, they feature a premium kangaroo leather upper that delivers an unparalleled touch on the ball.
Inspecting the boots closer highlights a meticulously stitched upper to maintain shape and durability, while offering exceptional comfort and a glove-like fit. They're ideal for longer training sessions and matches, too, with the boot's padded tongue and molded heel enhancing comfort. The micro-taffeta feature on the upper also helps prevent the leather from over-stretching, meaning they'll always conform to the shape of your foot.
But even though they're leather, they're still surprisingly lightweight. Visually, the Morelia II Made in Japan sticks to its heritage roots, with a sleek and understated design that appeals to purists. On feet, though, there's a clear focus on quality and performance which helps to make it a top choice for traditionalists seeking elegance and reliability on the pitch.
Most modern
The latest offering of Adidas’ iconic flagship Copa line, the Copa Pure 3 Elite features modern technologies designed for performance in the modern game, while still maintaing the classic feel that once made the boot so revered. The fusionskin upper, a combination of calf leather and thin textile layer on top allowing for an easier print of graphics on the upper, ensures they have a lightweight build, with the leather used soft and premium.
I did find plenty of response between my foot and ball that is uncommon among leather boots, though, highlighting these are on the thinner side in comparison. This leather is supplemented by a primeknit tongue to help enhance comfort and offer more adjustability to suit most foot types, as well as provide better lockdown and responsiveness when maneuvering.
Modernity is improved thanks to the mix of conical and chevron studs in the soleplate, which help to provide traction and mobility at all times.
Most durable
A sleek homage to the brand's timeless soccer heritage, the Adidas Copa Icon 2 blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality. Crafted with premium leather, the upper provides a supple touch on the ball, ensuring precision and control - ideal for those wanting the best football boots for midfielders on a budget.
The retro-inspired design, complete with iconic three-stripe detailing, appeals to players who value tradition without compromising performance. While this unfortunately means they can't really be considered up against the best lightweight football boots, comfort has certainly been prioritised with a snug, sock-like fit and a padded collar, making it ideal for long sessions on the pitch.
I particularly enjoyed playing with the soleplate, too, which offered great traction on firm ground. The stud configuration allowed for swift turns and stable footing during intense gameplay.
