Amberjack Low-Top Sneaker Review
The Best Leather Sneaker?
Maybe we don’t need another minimalist sneaker, considering it takes a lot to make a sneaker that stands out these days. But we tried the Low Top by Amberjack, and for a $159 sneaker, it could be our favorite daily sneaker.
In the past, we’ve tested various Amberjack shoes, and we’ve always been impressed with the comfort and quality of leather that they use. They are all about comfort and style, which at my age, is exactly what i care about. I’m too old to be wearing shoes that hurt my feet, which is one of the main reasons I’ve been a big fan of the brand since they launched in 2021.
How Comfortable Are They?
Amberjack is all about comfort, and the Low-Top sneaker is undeniably top-notch when it comes to comfort technology. We tested the shoes for 3 weeks. Right out of the box, the break-in period was minimal. After the first wear, a few hours in, it felt like a glove. The sizing is generally true to size, although perhaps slightly on the larger side. The comfort is more similar to that of a mid range running shoe.
The comfort of The Low Top mostly comes from the extra-thick cushioned insoles and athletic outsole. The insole molds to your foot fairly quickly and is very supportive. It’s 8mm thick and has a noticeable cushion, but it doesn’t take away from the feel of the shoe, and still feels solid underfoot. They are also easily removable if you have custom orthotics.
The outsole is springy and supportive; it feels closer to a running shoe than a typical sneaker. We tested them on wet surfaces, potentially slippery like tiles, and they held very strongly. The touch to the ground when walking is soft, and we have seen minimal wear to the outsole since we have been wearing them.
How To Wear The Low Top?
Minimalist sneakers are great for their versatility; you can pretty much wear them anywhere. The styling of the Low Top is consistent with most shoes in its category. The Low Tops come in full-grain leather and 4 different colors, which made styling fairly simple, and they work best with formal trousers, shorts, or neutral-toned jeans.
The shoe works great with different outfits, so we took the full look to the office, on a flight, during lunches, and on nights out. Leather sneakers can rub ‘dress shoe’ traditionalists the wrong way, yet these don’t feel out of place; they are not a replacement for dress shoes, but they are a good addition to your business casual office look. For travel and social settings, they are simple to slip on and off.
When To Wear The Low Top
They are great for a business casual look at the office or going out with the wife or friends, but the timing is important. Casual Fridays at work or daytime weddings make the look more fitting than a formal dinner, which will piss off the uncles and traditionalists.
These are perfect for most less formal social settings and travel, this is where they thrive. Walking through terminals and arriving at your destination not dressed as a slob, but still comfortable.
Are They For You?
If you’re on your feet a lot and love a dressed up but still casual look, the Low Tops are a great match. They’re more wearable and useful than your average minimalist sneaker but still look great throughout the day – office, friends, travel, wherever the day takes you.
At a $159, using high-quality full grain leather, we think it’s a great value and hard to beat at this price point. Other brands worth considering would be Bruno Marc or Common Projects, but for the money I’d take Amberjack over those brands any day of the week.
Read also: High Top vs. Low Top
