Another all time star sneaker, the Reebok Classic Leather is up for a closer look and short review this week. This is arguably the most popular model from Reebok, being first released in 1983. It is for the brand what the Superstar is for adidas, the Suede Classic for Puma, the Cortez for Nike or the 574 is for New Balance. In many ways these all have many things in common, including the retail price. Like all these, back when it was first released, the Reebok Classic Leather was first advertised as a running shoe and it was quickly absorbed into street culture as a lifestyle sneaker. It also served as an inspiration for many other models like the Reebok LX 2200.
How They Fit
Despite its name, Reebok came up over the time with versions of this shoe that also featured a mesh upper. It was one of these versions we came across, a 2022 release in black and red that we got our eyes on. In this way this is an atypical pair of this style but in most ways keeps the features of the original. They fit true to size but they run a bit narrow. Therefore, especially for the all leather upper it’s best to get a half size upper if you need more room in the toe box area (for those with wider feet). Also, usually you’ll need to wear these a few times to break them in before getting comfortable. They are quite lightweight and seem like they are made to last.
Upper
The upper of the Reebok Classic Leather usually features leather materials with more leather or suede overlays. Despite the few perforations in the toe area the breathability is quite reduced which makes great for all seasons except the hot summer days. For the pair we got the shoes featuring mesh instead of the leather base which is a version made for the warmer days. This makes it so it has a superior air flow and it makes it more versatile. The suede overlays add some durability to the upper construction but also the much needed side support. Like its retro peers, we quickly concluded for our Reebok Leather classic review that these are at their best as everyday shoes and less for athletic activities.
Sole Unit
The sole unit for the Reebok Classic is a very simple one, with an exposed EVA foam much like we’ve seen recently at the New Balance 237 or at classics like Nike Pegasus 83. There is basically no side support (other than the one from the suede overlays) which makes it even more clear that wearing these in the gym or for any intense sporting activities is not a good idea. The energy return and impact absorption is quite minimal which makes these great for walking or in school. The EVA midsole tends to mold on your feet and once shaped that way it will last for a while. The rubber outsole has a big part in that regard. While the traction pattern is quite basic it does the job for an everyday shoe.
Bottom Line
To finish our Reebok Leather Classic review, these are still a viable choice for those looking for a casual, retro shoe. They are great as everyday shoes, at school or even at work.. At a $70 price tag they offer a stylish, distinctive look that is easy to match with any casual attire.
