Best Leather Footballs of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Leather footballs have been a staple of the game since its inception. Known for their durability and classic look, these footballs are made from high-quality leather and can withstand heavy use on the field. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences. Leather footballs are often preferred by professional players and serious enthusiasts who value the traditional feel and performance of the game. Whether you're playing in a backyard pickup game or on a professional field, a leather football is sure to provide you with a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WILSON GST Leather Game Football Cover #TOP 1
WILSON GST Leather Game Football
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wilson GST1003 Defect Leather Football Cover #TOP 2
Wilson GST1003 Defect Leather Football
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Franklin Junior Professional 5010 Football Cover #TOP 3
Franklin Junior Professional 5010 Football
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Leather Footballs

#TOP 1

WILSON GST Leather Game Football

WTF1003R
Brown
Official
WILSON GST Leather Game Football Cover
WILSON GST Leather Game Football - Official

The Wilson GST Leather Game Football, designed for a new generation of talent, features a modern design that combines signature GST performance. Its light leather formula makes it the softest football leather on the market, with a unique feel that's easier for your fingers to sink into for more control. With sewn-on stripes that provide 82% more grip and the patented Accurate Control Lacing (ACL) that provides more grip in all conditions, this ball is perfect for accurate throws. It is handcrafted in the US and NCAA and NFHS approved.

What We Like
Softest football leather on the market
Provides more grip for accurate throws
NCAA and NFHS approved
#TOP 2

Wilson GST1003 Defect Leather Football

WTF1003S
Wilson GST1003 Defect Leather Football Cover
WILSON GST1003 Leather Game Football Factory Defect/Blemish - Official Size, Tan

The Wilson Defect Football is a great choice for practice sessions. This ball features minor imperfections, such as slightly misaligned leather panels and small visual flaws from stitching. These defects make it unsuitable for competitive play but perfect for honing your skills. You can enjoy the same quality and feel as the official GST game football, with its light leather formula and patented sewn-on stripes. The accurate control lacing provides excellent grip, ensuring you can master your throws and catches with ease.

What We Like
Great for practice
Affordable option
High-quality leather
Familiar game feel
#TOP 3

Franklin Junior Professional 5010 Football

5010
Brown
One Size
Franklin Junior Professional 5010 Football Cover
Franklin Sports Official Size Football - All-Weather 1000 Regulation Outdoor Football - Synthetic Leather Adult Size Football - Extra Grip Official Size Football - Brown + White

The Franklin Junior Professional 5010 Football is the perfect practice ball for kids. It has a junior size that is easy to grip, throw, and catch with ease. The synthetic leather covering provides extra grip for easier catching and throwing, while the pro-style, hand-sewn laces are designed for young players to throw tight spirals. This football is built tough with all-weather materials, making it durable for any weather condition. The ball is easy and comfortable to use, giving young players the confidence to improve their skills.

What We Like
Junior size is perfect for kids to grip, throw, and catch the ball with ease
Synthetic leather covering provides extra grip for easier catching and throwing
Pro-style, hand-sewn laces designed for young players to throw tight spirals
#TOP 4

WILSON GST Leather Game Football - Junior

WTF1321B
Brown
Junior
WILSON GST Leather Game Football - Junior Cover
Wilson GST Leather Game Football - Brown, Junior Size

The Wilson GST Leather Game Football - Junior Size features a modern design that combines signature GST performance with a new-look for the new generation of talent. It is made with Wilson's Light Leather Formula, which is the softest football leather on the market, providing a unique feel that's easier for your fingers to sink into for more control. Handcrafted in the US, it offers unmatched quality craftsmanship. This football has patented sewn-on stripes and Accurate Control Lacing (ACL) that is pebbled instead of smooth, providing more grip in all conditions. It is approved by AYF, National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), NCAA, Pop Warner.

What We Like
Softest football leather on the market with a unique feel that's easier for your fingers to sink into for more control
Handcrafted in the US with unmatched quality craftsmanship
Patented sewn-on stripes are composite material instead of paint, providing 82% more grip to aid release for more accurate throws
#TOP 5

Modest Vintage Player Ltd Retro Heritage Brown Leather Football

Modest Vintage Player Ltd
Brown
Modest Vintage Player Ltd Retro Heritage Brown Leather Football Cover
Modest Vintage Player Ltd Retro Heritage Brown Leather Football

The Modest Vintage Player Ltd Retro Football is a hand-crafted football made from 100% genuine heavy duty cowhide leather. It features a professional heavy duty rubber bladder insert, ensuring optimal performance and durability. The 100% genuine leather lace provides a secure grip, allowing for precise throws and catches. With its official NFL size, this football is perfect for both casual games and professional training sessions. Additionally, the MVP logo embossed on the surface adds a touch of authenticity. Whether you're playing a game with friends or practicing your skills, the Modest Vintage Player Ltd Retro Football offers quality and style.

What We Like
Genuine cowhide leather
Professional rubber bladder
Precise throws and catches
#TOP 6

Wilson NCAA Supreme Junior Football

WTF1624 PT
Brown
One Size
Wilson NCAA Supreme Junior Football Cover
Wilson NCAA Supreme Composite Leather Football w/ Pump & Tee - Junior Size, Brown

The Wilson NCAA Supreme Junior Football is ideal for players aged 9 and up. It comes with a pump and tee, making it easy to get started. The PVC cover provides a comfortable grip while the butyl rubber bladder ensures advanced air retention.

What We Like
Comes with a pump and tee
PVC cover for better feel
Butyl rubber bladder for advanced air retention
#TOP 7

Cannon Sports Leather Composite Football

CANN-FBPTWSETPP
Orange/White
Official
Cannon Sports Leather Composite Football Cover
Cannon Sports Leather Composite Official Size Football Indoor and Outdoor with Ball Pump (Official, Orange/White)

The Cannon Sports Football is designed for top-notch performance on the field. With its official size and weight, it offers an excellent grip, making it easier for you to throw and catch, even in rainy weather. The durable construction ensures it can handle rough play, whether you’re indoors or outside. Plus, the premium butyl rubber bladder helps maintain air pressure for longer, so you can focus on the game without interruptions. This football comes deflated with a convenient pump included, allowing you to inflate it easily and get right to playing.

What We Like
Excellent grip in wet conditions
Durable for all weather
High-quality air retention
Includes convenient pump
#TOP 8

GoSports 6 Pack Composite Footballs

BALLS-FB-COMBINE-HS-6
Dark Brown
GoSports 6 Pack Composite Footballs Cover
GoSports Combine Football 6 Pack - Regulation Size for High School and College - Official Composite Leather Balls

Get ready for the field with the GoSports Football 6 Pack. This pack includes six regulation size footballs suitable for high school and college players, a handy ball pump, and a mesh carrying bag. The composite leather exterior ensures optimal flight and grip, while the pro-grade construction guarantees exceptional grip and feel for top-tier players and coaches who demand uncompromised performance. Whether you're practicing indoors or outdoors, these all-weather footballs are built to withstand any condition. With the GoSports Football 6 Pack, you'll have everything you need to train like a pro.

What We Like
Six premium regulation size footballs included
Composite leather exterior for optimal flight and grip
Pro-grade construction for exceptional grip and feel
#TOP 9

WILSON GST Leather Game Football

WTF1003B
Brown
Official
WILSON GST Leather Game Football Cover
WILSON Sporting Goods GST Game Football - Official Size, (WTF1003B)

The WILSON GST Football is designed for optimal performance with its modern look and advanced features. The light leather formula offers a soft touch, making it easier for you to grip and throw accurately. The patented sewn-on stripes enhance grip, ensuring better control during your throws, while the Accurate Control Lacing provides a textured feel that improves handling in any weather. This combination of features allows you to focus on your game without worrying about the ball slipping from your hands.

What We Like
Soft leather for easy grip
Enhanced grip for accurate throws
Textured lacing for better control
Modern design for new generation
#TOP 10

NIKE All Field 3.0 FB Football

N.FI.04.222.09
Único
NIKE All Field 3.0 FB Football Cover
NIKE All Field 3.0 FB 9 Official Single Brown/White/Metallic Silver/Black Football Ball

The NIKE All Field Football is crafted for adult players, offering a comfortable and performance-oriented experience. Its soft faux leather material ensures a lightweight feel, making it easy to handle during play. The durable construction features reinforced toe and heel, so you can count on it to withstand rigorous training sessions and casual games. Additionally, the roomy toe box and pre-bent knees provide an excellent fit, allowing for natural movement as you maneuver on the field. This football is perfect for various uses, whether you’re practicing your skills or enjoying a game with friends.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Durable for training
Lightweight material
Versatile use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are leather footballs better?

Leather Footballs: The highest quality and grade of footballs you can purchase. Used in games and practice play. The only type of footballs allowed in NFL and NCAA play. Made with a tanning process, making them tacky and easy to grip, especially when wet.

2. Does the NFL use leather footballs?

NFL and NCAA footballs are made of cowhide, not pigskin. That little fiction dates from American football's rough draft, English rugby, for which the inflated bladder was, depending on whom you believe, a pig's bladder, encased in pig hide or in any leather deemed to be as tough as a pig's skin.

3. When did they stop using leather footballs?

It weighs 410–460 g (14–16 oz) and is inflated to 65.7–68.8 kPa (9.5–10.0 psi). In 1980, leather-encased balls, which were prone to water-logging, were replaced with balls encased in synthetic waterproof materials.

4. Are Wilson footballs real leather?

Note that it's real leather, so it will take a beating if used on pavement. Great for beginners and pee wee level players. Good for kids that are in flag football and ages 6-15 most likely.

Editor's Notes

During our leather football research, we found 24 leather football products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 51,388 customer reviews through our big data system to write the leather footballs list. We found that most customers choose leather footballs with an average price of $43.73.

The leather footballs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of leather footballs, including WILSON, Franklin Sports, Modest Vintage Player Ltd, Cannon Sports, GoSports. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.