Similar to all shoes, the fit of a sneaker if important, but the fit of a leather sneaker even more so. When it comes to running shoes this is the single most important thing to be aware of while shopping, and although sneakers are similar they will not and should not be worn for actual running or vigorous workouts.

Sneakers look and fit differently on everyone, and just because your friend recommends a pair that feels great for them, they will not necessarily feel great on you, rushing to buy them solely based on their opinion will 90% of the time leave you with shoes you don’t enjoy.

Knowing your size is important, but you must consider that no style of shoe fits like the other, and therefore it is essential to try on different sizes to know what will feel right. Just because you are a certain size in one type of shoe, does not mean you will be in another. Another common mistake is thinking it is okay for a shoe to be slightly too tight because it will get broken in and stretch over time; this generally does not happen and you will be left feeling uncomfortable and not ever wanting to wear your new sneakers.

A good leather sneaker may have a slight break-in period, but once that is over the shoe should almost mold to your foot, and begin to fit like a glove. There is a large difference between a break-in period and a shoe that simply does not fit. Running shoes, for instance, should have zero need to be broken in and should fit perfectly immediately. Sneakers, especially ones that are leather tend to be a little stiffer and may require time to become extremely comfortable. Do not changes sizes based on that. Depending on the quality of the leather this may vary, however, if the shoe is made of bad synthetic materials it isn’t worth the buy, to begin with.

Sticking with brands you know work well for you is always a good idea because you have gone through the trial and error process and know your exact fit when it comes to this brand. This takes the time-consuming process of testing sizes and styles out of the equation and makes purchasing a new pair of shoes quick and painless. That is not to say you should never branch out, but with specific styles of shoes like sneakers, the fit is important and this can help with your foot’s overall health in the long run.

Lastly, always remember that your foot expands and swells throughout the day and therefore the evening is the best time to measure your foot to find the correct shoe size. It doesn’t always make the largest difference in size, but for shoes that should be snug and fitted like slip-on sneakers the exact size is important for optimum comfort.

Whether you are wearing your new sneakers to the mall, or on your next vacation where you will be exploring a new city, your feet need support. Walking as little as ten feet can be uncomfortable if your shoes are not properly fitted to your feet. Everyone’s feet are different and will need different levels of support, so take the time to assess the type of feet you have and the type of shoe needed to prevent pain and injuries.

Your feet should not slide around in your shoe, they should be secure at all times. If they have laces they should be tied just enough so that your foot feels snug but not constricted in your shoe; laces that are tied too tight can damage the top of your foot. Slip-on sneakers are convenient but do not always provide the same support as those that have a velcro or lace closure. If you notice things like your heel rising in the back of your shoes, or your toes pushing to the front of the shoe and feeling pinched and sore these do not fit you properly.

Take a good look at the soles and determine if they will not only provide proper support but protection as well. That doesn’t necessarily mean protection against things like sharp objects or anything that could pierce the sole, but more so protection against the surfaces you will be walking on. Walk around on a soft surface such as grass or carpet, and then a hard surface like concrete or wooden floors. You should not feel a difference when you walk between the two.

Your sneakers should have a sufficient amount of cushioning and be flexible yet still sturdy. All impact should be absorbed by your shoe and not leave any part of your feet feeling achy. Additionally, a padded tongue and collar will aid in comfort and help support your ankles and upper foot preventing possible injuries. Sneakers are not made to be worn during high-impact sports or activities and will have a different more flexible design in the ball of the foot to accommodate how your feet move when you walk.

If you are in need of arch support, look for shoes that are made to support your particular arch; neutral, high or low. If you have flat feet it is important to pay closer attention to the sneakers you wish to purchase because you are in need of more cushioning for shock absorption. Without proper support, you are more prone to stress on your body which can lead to pain and injury.

Shoes are not made to multitask which is why there are so many different types of shoes for different possible needs in your life. Although similar in appearance, sneakers and running shoes are very different and are used for different things. A running shoe can be very multipurpose and does not need to be worn strictly for running, whereas a sneaker is multipurpose in the fashion sense but not in the way it can be used. Both offer completely different levels of support, although a sneaker can be worn as a walking shoe, it should not be used during any sport or activity that is high-impact.

The word “sneaker” is very broad and does not mean one specific type of shoe. There are many types of sneakers, and they all have a different purpose, from runners, tennis or walking shoes, consider what you will be wearing these for and purchase accordingly. If you wear your leather sneakers during a run the soles will wear out much faster than had you worn proper shoes designed for running.

It is important to keep in mind that regardless of what you use your shoes for, the general rule of thumb is to replace them after roughly 400 miles. This may differ depending on how often you wear them and again the activities; if you notice them begin to not give you the same support as before, or the soles look worn down, it is time for a new pair.

Leather sneakers have quickly become a fashion staple in many closets because of how easy they are to style and wear. Due to the sleek leather appearance, they automatically look much chicer than your average pair of canvas sneakers and can be easily dressed up to be somewhat formal. Pair them with nice trousers and a button down for a smart, business casual look or with any skinny jeans and tee shirt for a comfortable, everyday stylish look.

Genuine leather can easily be mistaken for synthetic leather so it is important to know the difference between the two. Leather is very flexible and can be stretched, it is also a very breathable fabric which makes it a great choice for all-day wear. Breathable fabric is better for your foots overall health and ensuring airflow throughout the day. Keep in mind your leather sneakers need to be properly cared for and cannot and should not just be simply wiped down with a cloth.

Leather shoes need to be properly polished with special cleaners and polishes made specifically for that type of leather. To be proactive, there are many types of sprays and protectants you can use prior to wearing them to ensure they stay in good shape, and do not show wear quicker than they should. They may be extra work, but in the long run with love and care, it is worth it.

Synthetic leather or faux leather is much more popular and common as an easily accessible and convenient choice because of how much more affordable they are, and easier to maintain. Instead of having to be careful with protectant sprays and properly polishing and cleaning your shoes, synthetic leather can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. Other less admirable things are how faux leather is not a breathable material nor is it as flexible as real leather, making it in the long less an overall less desirable material overall.

From the leather used to the insoles, soles, laces and everything in between, every single thing and every second spent making those shoes determines the quality of them. You want to invest in a pair of shoes that you know were made with quality and care and that will last you for years to come, although more expensive up front, in the long run, it is always better to do a one time purchase of quality items rather than continually having to repurchase cheap, flimsy items.

Leather is always the best option when deciding on a sneaker material, especially when being worn as a fashionable item because of how sleek they look. Not only does leather look great, but it is also breathable and feels great as well; meaning it will mold to the shape of your foot over time and begin fitting more and more like a glove after each use. Although more expensive, if you are looking to invest in your new pair of leather kicks, try to opt for genuine leather as its quality is obvious and you will have a pair of shoes that last years.

Genuine leather is classy, comfortable and extremely durable which is why it is such a popular material choice for shoes. Although generally associated with dress shoes, leather does not just need to be worn for formal, or dressy events and can easily be worn in more casual settings. It is more so the quality of the leather that determines how formal a shoe is, not necessarily simply the fact is it leather.

If you happen to come across a pair of sneakers with a leather insole they are a great investment, although it adds to the price, not only does this prolong the life of the shoe, leather is great for preventing odor and bacteria from growing.