How to Spot Quality Leather Sandals That Last (2026)

Read the leather line on the product page first. It tells you more about how long a pair will last than the photo does.

Last updated: October 2026

Check three things: a named leather (first-layer cowhide, genuine cowhide or 100% genuine leather), hand-stitched seams and a rubber outsole. The Adam & Westcott Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals state all three at $44.98.

A photo cannot show you the leather grade or how the strap is fixed, but the product page can. Every spec below is quoted from Adam & Westcott product pages.

In this article

• What leather do sandal pages list?
• How do you check the stitching?
• Which sole and closure should you look for?
• How do you make leather sandals last?
• FAQ

What leather do sandal pages list?

Five materials: first-layer cowhide, genuine cowhide, 100% genuine leather, split leather and suede. First-layer comes from the top of the hide; split is cut from beneath it.

Pair	Leather stated	Construction	Closure	US sizes	Price
Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal	100% first-layer cowhide	Closed toe	Bungee lace	6 to 14, whole	$54.98
Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals	Genuine cowhide	Hand-stitched seams	Velcro strap	6 to 14, whole	$44.98
Cowhide Covered Toe Sandals	100% genuine cowhide	Hand-stitched, covered toe	Hook and loop	6 to 13 half, plus 14	$54.98
Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal	100% genuine leather	Handstitched upper	Metal buckle	6 to 14, whole	$44.98
Cage Weave Leather Sandals	100% genuine leather	Hand-stitched cage, closed toe	Hook and loop	6 to 15, skips 11.5 and 13.5	$59.98
Open Toe Leather Slide	Split leather	Handcrafted woven strap	Slip-on	6 to 13 half, plus 14	$44.98
Buckle Strap Flip Sandal	Suede leather	Toe ring, buckle detail	Slip-on	6 to 13 half, plus 14, 15	$34.98

None of the sandals currently states full-grain leather, so first-layer cowhide is the highest grade on offer. For the full ladder across belts, bags and shoes, see the leather grades guide linked below.

How do you check the stitching?

Look for the word stitched on the product page and visible thread where the straps meet the sole. The Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals ($44.98) and Cage Weave Leather Sandals ($59.98) both state hand-stitched construction.

Stitching holds where glue alone can let go in heat and damp. The Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals are the second best-selling Adam & Westcott sandal of the last 30 days and put the stitching where you can see it.

Which sole and closure should you look for?

A rubber outsole and a closure you can adjust. All seven pairs in the table have a rubber outsole, and five close with a buckle, lace or hook and loop rather than slipping on.

An adjustable closure lets the strap take up slack as leather softens. The Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal goes furthest, with a closed toe, a bungee quick-lace and an anti-slip rubber outsole at $54.98.

How do you make leather sandals last?

Wipe them after each wear, dry them at room temperature rather than on a heater, condition the leather about once a month while you wear them, and store them flat.

Split leather and suede, such as the Open Toe Leather Slide and the Buckle Strap Flip Sandal, are the ones to keep out of standing water. Cowhide pairs take rougher ground but still dry out if left wet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best leather for sandals?

Of the leathers named on Adam & Westcott sandal pages, first-layer cowhide is the top layer of the hide. The Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal uses it, at $54.98.

Is split leather real leather?

Yes. Split leather is cut from the lower layer of the hide, beneath the grain. The Open Toe Leather Slide ($44.98) and Cross Strap Slip On Slide ($49.99) use it.

Do any Adam & Westcott sandals use full-grain leather?

Not currently. The highest grade named on a sandal page is first-layer cowhide, on the Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal.

How can you tell if leather sandals are good quality?

Look for a named leather, stitched seams and a rubber outsole. The Craftsman Stitch Leather Sandals have all three: genuine cowhide, hand-stitched seams and a non-slip rubber sole, at $44.98.

Is suede good for sandals?

Suede is napped leather and marks more easily when wet. The Buckle Strap Flip Sandal is suede at $34.98, so keep it for dry days.

Next: full-grain, first-layer and split leather explained and the six types of men's sandals and leather sandals vs slides.