Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men’s Low Top Leather Sneaker

November 6, 2019 By Adam T | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Nisolo Men’s Leather Low Top Sneaker – $148

About the Author: Adam Terry is Dappered’s resident shoe & denim expert. He’s a thirtysomething Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, and raw denim. He’s also a new dad!

UPDATE: Nisolo got word of the review and wanted to offer 15% off on the Nisolo with code DAPPERED15. Well okay then. That’s a nice surprise. Drops the price to $125.80.

Nisolo is a smaller brand that you might not have heard of. Based out of Nashville, TN, Nisolo got its start in 2011 when its co-founders visited Trujillo, Peru and learned that their talented craftsmen had trouble accessing the global market to make a fair wage for their families. Nisolo is a Certified B Corp that focuses on ethically sourced, well made, and beautifully designed shoes.

Details:

  • Brand: Nisolo
  • Style: Diego Low Top Sneaker
  • Size: 10.5 D
  • Last: N/A
  • Construction: Stitched and bonwelted (glued)
  • Leather: Nubuck leather upper
  • Sole: Vibram Cup
  • Details: Leather lining, soft leather insole
  • Extras: Pair of wide cotton laces and two shoe bags
  • Country of Origin: Mexico
  • Price: $148 USD

Ordering/Delivery:

My Diego low top leather sneakers in “tobacco” tan were ordered on a Thursday and were delivered the next day. Nisolo’s HQ is only about 30 minutes from my house, so that’s not really representative of the norm, but they shipped out UPS Ground. For anyone in the continental US, that means you should expect your order to arrive in 2-4 business days.

FYI: Unworn Nisolo shoes can be returned within 30 days of purchase, but you’re out $6 for return shipping. If you’re exchanging for a different size or wanting store credit, there’s no additional cost.

Score: 5/5

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

The box. The bag(s). The thank you note!

Packaging:

This pair arrived in a nicely textured, branded shoe box. Inside, you’re greeted with the shoes, two GIANT cotton canvas shoe bags, a spare pair of laces (either flat cotton or round waxed cotton), a shoe care instructions card, and a hand-written thank you note. Mine read:

“Thank you for your order! Your purchase provides a living wage for all of our producers and helps combat climate change through preserving forests in the Amazon Basin. Sincerely, Entissar + Team Nisolo”

Score: 5/5 

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

From above. Nubuck leather uppers with plenty of natural characteristics.

First Impressions:

After opening the box and removing the sneakers from the provided shoe bags, I thought for a moment that someone had mixed up the order and sent me a pair of leather Vans sneakers on accident. The silhouette looks almost exactly like the Vans Era low top sneaker and that’s a great look to emulate. The upper nubuck leather is finished in this warm tan shade they’ve dubbed “tobacco” and it pairs really well with blue jeans.

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

Pairs great with jeans.

The upper leather isn’t a highly polished slate of hide. Instead, lots of natural bovine character shines through – some wrinkles, crinkles, and variations in the color. Both shoes do have a bit of noticeable loose grain on the panel near the arch. Normally that’s something you’d really care about on sneakers at this price point, but it kind of fits the “natural” look and feel of the Diego low tops.

The inside is lined with smooth tanned leather (I think it’s pigskin?) and the insole is padded and wrapped with the same. You can see the sole stitching running around the interior, but you shouldn’t feel it.

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

Vibram soles similar to those found on shoes that cost twice as much.

Speaking of the Vibram cup sole, it’s a dang nice one. Cup soles are outsoles that have high sidewalls that cradle or “cup” the upper of the shoe. Cup soles provide protection for the toe, heel, and sides of the shoe – which makes them popular for sneakers and casual/athletic lifestyle shoes. This Vibram one is made out of tough, durable rubber and that’s important because they’re permanently glued and stitched to the upper. You cannot resole these. Rancourt uses a similar Vibram outsole on their Court Classic models that cost at least twice as much as the Nisolos.

Score: 4/5 – Would like to see a little less loose grain leather for this price point.

Fit, Sizing, and Comfort:

The Diegos fit exactly like my Vans Era and Old Skool sneakers, so a 10.5 feels like a 10.5. Nisolo recommends sizing down a half size if you plan on wearing thin socks or no socks.

For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers.

In terms of comfort, it’s entirely subjective. For me, the leather lining and cushioned leather insole feel like you’re walking on leather pillows. I’d compare them to a normal pair of Vans without any fancy insole. While I wish they were a bit more breathable overall, that’s not unusual for leather sneakers.

Score: 5/5

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

“Leather pillow” comfort.
Size down half a size if you plan on wearing them with thin socks, or no socks.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re in the market for a refined, casual pair of leather sneakers, but want something with higher quality components and ethical construction, I’d highly recommend the Nisolo Diego Low Top Sneakers!

Avg. Score: 4.75/5

In Review: The Nisolo Diego Men's Low Top Leather Sneaker | Dappered.com

Filed Under: Reviews, Shoes Tagged With: Diego sneakers review, Nisolo, Nisolo Diego Sneakers review, Nisolo Men's review, Nisolo review, Nisolo sneakers review

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Style Scenario – Valentine’s date night dressed up, going out

Style Scenario – Valentine’s date night dressed up, going out

Sharp, dark, and handsome for a nice night out.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More

There is a peculiarity about the Rhone pack deals though.

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Totes, sneakers, and Nordy Rack is worth a look.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Rhone Polo & Commuter Shirt Savings Packs are back, & More
  • Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.