Are you a discerning dresser in search of the perfect pair of shoes? Look no further than Lethato, a luxury footwear brand that specializes in handcrafted leather shoes for men.
Based in India but sourcing materials from Italy and Argentina, Lethato is all about old-world craftsmanship with a modern twist. The brand‘s signature is its hand-painted patinas — rich, multi-dimensional colors achieved through a meticulous process of layering and finishing.
Whether you‘re in the market for a classic oxford, a brogued wingtip, a penny loafer, or a dress boot, Lethato has a style to suit your taste. Each shoe is made-to-order from full-grain calfskin leather and features goodyear welted construction, cushioned insoles, and lightweight rubber soles.
I had the pleasure of testing several of Lethato‘s bestselling styles, and I can confidently say this brand delivers on its promise of quality, comfort, and style. Read on for my in-depth review of Lethato‘s handcrafted shoes.
The Global Luxury Shoe Market
Before we dive into the specifics of Lethato‘s offerings, let‘s take a step back and look at the broader landscape of luxury footwear. The global luxury shoe market was valued at $25.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $39.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021 to 2028.[^1]
The growth of the luxury shoe market is driven by several factors, including:
- Rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles in developing countries
- Growing preference for high-end, handcrafted footwear over mass-produced options
- Increasing demand for comfortable, well-constructed shoes suitable for both work and leisure
- Shift towards sustainable and ethically-made footwear using eco-friendly materials
In this context, brands like Lethato that offer handmade, small-batch leather shoes at accessible price points are well-positioned for success. By combining the quality and craftsmanship of heritage shoemakers with the style and affordability of direct-to-consumer brands, Lethato fills a key niche in the market.
Lethato‘s Bestselling Shoes: A Detailed Review
Now that we‘ve set the stage, let‘s take a closer look at some of Lethato‘s most popular styles. For each shoe, I‘ll share my experience with fit, comfort, quality, and style.
1. The Laureano Wingtip Oxford in Burgundy
The Laureano Wingtip Oxford is a prime example of Lethato‘s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Constructed from full-grain Italian calfskin, this shoe features intricate broguing along the toe cap, vamp, and quarters. But what really sets the Laureano apart is its hand-painted patina in a rich, burnished burgundy hue.
When I first unboxed the Laureanos, I was struck by the depth and dimension of the color. The burgundy has undertones of brown and red that catch the light beautifully, giving the shoe a unique luster.
Slipping them on, I was pleased to find the Laureanos fit true to size with a comfortable, rounded toe box. The leather lining is soft and supple, while the cushioned insole provides ample arch support. I wore these shoes for a full day of meetings and was impressed by how well they held up. No break-in period, no blisters, no foot fatigue.
The Laureanos are definite statement-makers, but they‘re surprisingly versatile too. They pair just as well with cuffed jeans and a sport coat as they do with tailored trousers and a crisp dress shirt. If you‘re looking for a shoe that can take you from the boardroom to the bar, this is it.
2. The Uetam Penny Loafer in Black
Penny loafers are a staple of the preppy-collegiate wardrobe, but Lethato‘s Uetam Penny Loafer puts a fresh spin on a classic silhouette. Handcrafted from black Italian calfskin, the Uetam features handsewn moccasin construction, a high vamp, and a beefroll strap with a hand-stitched penny keeper.
What I appreciate most about the Uetams is their versatility. You can easily dress them up with a suit or down with jeans and a polo shirt. The black colorway is sleek and goes with everything, while the leather develops a nice patina with regular wear.
In terms of fit, I found the Uetams run a bit long. I‘m typically a US 9.5 in dress shoes, but I ended up going down to a 9 for a snugger fit (which is ideal for loafers, as you don‘t want your feet slipping out when walking). The leather is a bit stiff at first but becomes suppler with wear. And the combination leather/rubber sole offers good traction and durability.
If you‘re in the market for a go-anywhere, do-anything loafer, the Uetams are a solid choice. The hand-stitched details and full-grain leather construction belie the sub-$200 price point, making these a great value proposition.
3. The Aniki Double Monk in Tan
For guys looking to level up their shoe game, the double monk strap is a style worth considering. It‘s dressier than a loafer but not as formal as an oxford, occupying that in-between space that‘s perfect for creative offices and cocktail parties alike.
Lethato‘s Aniki Double Monk in tan puts a fresh spin on the monk strap silhouette. The rich caramel colorway is achieved through a hand-painted patina that gives the leather incredible depth and character. Antique brass buckles, wingtip broguing, and a rubber mini-lug sole complete the look.
What impressed me most about the Anikis is how well-made they are. The stitching is tight and even, the leather is top-notch, and the soles are securely welted. These shoes feel solid and built to last.
In terms of fit and comfort, the Anikis delivered. The last is pleasantly roomy in the toe box without feeling clunky, and the cushioned footbed kept my feet happy all day. I appreciated the grippy sole, which performed well on both wet and dry surfaces.
Styling-wise, I like the Anikis best with slim-fit trousers and a crisp dress shirt. You could also pair them with dark denim and a sport coat for a night out. Just avoid wearing them with shorts — monk straps are a little too formal for that.
The Quality and Craftsmanship of Lethato Shoes
One of the things that sets Lethato apart from other online footwear brands is the level of craftsmanship that goes into each pair of shoes. Lethato‘s shoes are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques like Goodyear welting, hand-stitching, and hand-painting.
Let‘s start with the leather. Lethato sources its hides from Italy and Argentina, two countries renowned for their high-quality calfskin. The leather is carefully selected for its grain, texture, and color consistency. It‘s then tanned using vegetable-based dyes and oils, which gives it a rich, natural luster.
Next, the leather is cut and sewn by hand to create the upper of the shoe. This is where Lethato‘s attention to detail really shines through. The stitching is always neat and even, with no loose threads or rough edges.
Once the upper is complete, it‘s time for the patina. Lethato‘s artisans use a variety of techniques to achieve the brand‘s signature hand-painted finishes, including burnishing, antiquing, and color layering. The result is a one-of-a-kind patina with incredible depth and character.
Finally, the upper is lasted and attached to the sole using a Goodyear welt. This construction method involves stitching a leather strip (the welt) around the perimeter of the upper, which is then sewn to the outsole. Goodyear welting is prized for its durability and water-resistance, as well as the fact that it allows shoes to be resoled multiple times.
All of these construction details add up to a shoe that looks and feels premium. As owner Vidhi Anshuman puts it, "Each pair of Lethatos is a labor of love, involving hours of handcrafting by our skilled artisans. We don‘t take shortcuts, because we believe that quality and craftsmanship are what set our shoes apart."
What Customers Are Saying About Lethato
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Lethato has racked up hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied customers around the world. Here are a few highlights:
"I‘ve owned many expensive dress shoes in my life, but these are easily my new favorites. The leather is so soft and supple, and the color is just stunning. Worth every penny." – Mark S., United States
"I was a bit hesitant to buy shoes online, but Lethato made the process so easy. The shoes arrived quickly and fit perfectly out of the box. No break-in period at all." – Ahmed K., United Arab Emirates
"The hand-painted finish on these shoes is unlike anything I‘ve seen before. I get compliments every time I wear them. Plus, they‘re so comfortable I can wear them all day without any issues." – Javier R., Mexico
Lethato‘s commitment to customer service is another point in the brand‘s favor. The company offers free worldwide shipping, easy returns and exchanges, and a responsive customer support team. If you have any issues with sizing, quality, or delivery, Lethato‘s staff is quick to make things right.
Styling Tips for Lethato Shoes
So, you‘ve treated yourself to a pair (or three) of Lethato shoes. Now what? Here are a few tips for styling your new kicks:
Oxfords
- Stick to a classic suit in a neutral color like navy, grey, or black. Experiment with patterns like pinstripes or windowpane for added visual interest.
- Finish the look with a crisp dress shirt, a silk tie or pocket square, and a leather dress watch.
- For a more casual take, try pairing oxfords with rolled-up selvedge jeans and a lightweight sweater.
Brogues
- Embrace the preppy aesthetic with a pair of tailored khakis, a button-down oxford shirt, and a sport coat.
- In cooler weather, try brogues with wool trousers, a cable-knit sweater, and a tweed blazer.
- Cuff your pants to show off the intricate perforations on the shoe.
Loafers
- Go for a smart casual vibe with dark-wash jeans, a polo shirt, and a lightweight jacket.
- In warmer months, pair loafers with linen trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a straw fedora.
- For a more formal look, try loafers with a suit in a lighter color like tan or light grey.
Boots
- Create a rugged-meets-refined look with a pair of selvedge jeans, a flannel shirt, and a denim jacket.
- For a night out, dress up your boots with slim-fit trousers, a turtleneck sweater, and a leather jacket.
- In bad weather, protect your boots with a waterproofing spray and use cedar shoe trees between wears.
No matter which style you choose, remember that the key to pulling off Lethato shoes is confidence. These are statement-making shoes that are meant to be seen and admired. Wear them with pride and let your personal style shine through.
The Bottom Line
By now, it should be clear that I‘m a big fan of Lethato shoes. The brand‘s commitment to quality materials, thoughtful design, and artisanal craftsmanship is evident in every pair.
Are Lethato shoes cheap? No. But when you consider the level of quality and attention to detail you‘re getting, the price point is more than reasonable. A pair of Lethatos will last you for years (if not decades) with proper care, making them a smart investment for any stylish gent.
Of course, Lethato isn‘t the only brand out there making high-quality dress shoes. Competitors like Allen Edmonds, Carmina, and Crockett & Jones also offer excellent options in the same price range.
But what sets Lethato apart, in my opinion, is the brand‘s unique design sensibility. The hand-painted patinas, the creative use of color and texture, the modern twists on classic silhouettes — these are the details that make Lethato‘s shoes feel truly special and one-of-a-kind.
So, if you‘re looking to upgrade your shoe game with a pair of handcrafted, artisan-made kicks, you can‘t go wrong with Lethato. Your feet (and your wardrobe) will thank you.
[^1]: Allied Market Research, "Luxury Footwear Market Size, Share & Trends"
