Koio Sneakers: A Deep Dive into Leather Quality and Craftsmanship
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Time to read: 5 min
Today on the Rip My Shoes Challenge, we have a fresh submission from Koio, an Italian sneaker brand known for its minimalist aesthetic. This pair was sent anonymously through our network of buyers, meaning Koio had no idea their product was about to face a full teardown. What immediately caught my attention during this submission was a reference to Rose Anvil that specializes in dissecting shoes to analyze quality and craftsmanship. As someone who shares a similar mission, I was intrigued to see how Koio’s offering would stand up under scrutiny.
DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Shoes Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
Does the Koio sneaker deliver enough material quality and craftsmanship to justify its $345 price tag?
How do its leather choices, construction methods, and overall build compare to other premium sneakers on the market?
Is Koio a better value than higher-priced competitors, and should it be on your radar for well-made Italian sneakers?
First Impressions and Design
The sneaker has a classic, understated design that won’t turn heads on the street but offers timeless appeal. The overall style is familiar within the market, so from a purely aesthetic perspective, I would rate the design a 3.5 out of 5. However, what makes this sneaker truly interesting is the tactile experience. The leather is exceptionally smooth and silky, immediately communicating a sense of quality. The inner lining is also fully leather, creating a consistent feel throughout the shoe, and contributing to its premium impression.
The Leather: Quantity and Quality
Koio has clearly made intentional choices when it comes to materials. This sneaker is layered with an impressive amount of leather. The outer shell is crafted from white leather, while the interior layers—including a vegetable-tanned leather toe cap and heel support—provide structure without relying on synthetic materials. Even the insole features a full-grain leather middle layer, which is far from typical in sneakers. This extra attention to leather placement not only enhances durability but also ensures comfort and longevity. These thoughtful construction choices earn the shoe a 4.5 out of 5 in my assessment.
@tanner.leatherstein Latico Leathers' Theo shows off natural leather and woven details—does this make it worth the $325? Visit them at @laticoleathers DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. #laticoleather #rmbc #leatherbag #bagtok #bagreview #review #tiktokfashion #tannerleatherstein ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Construction Details and Craftsmanship
A standout feature of this sneaker is the incorporation of vegetable-tanned leather between the foot and the rubber sole. This layer serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics, as vegetable tannins are naturally antibacterial and help prevent odor caused by sweat. The internal stitching and assembly are exceptionally clean, demonstrating strong craftsmanship. From inside out, the sneaker is meticulously stitched and finished, reflecting a level of attention to detail that justifies a craftsmanship rating of 4 out of 5.
Leather Choices and Functionality
The leather selection is highly intentional. The full-grain calfskin used for the outer shell offers a refined finish, while the inner lining, though claimed to be aniline, is actually a more finished leather suitable for inner surfaces. This choice prevents color transfer and other common lining issues, showing that Koio prioritizes both aesthetics and function. The shoe avoids hardware entirely, but the leather itself serves as the star of the show. For these reasons, I give the leather choices a solid 4 out of 5.
Price and Value
Retailing at $345, Koio sneakers deliver excellent value for money. This model reminded me of a previous dissection of a Golden Goose white sneaker, which retailed between $500 and $600. In terms of material quality, construction, and overall execution, Koio arguably surpasses that higher-priced competitor, making it a standout option for anyone seeking well-made Italian sneakers at a more reasonable price.
| Criteria | Score | Results |
| Leather | 4 |
Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries |
| Hardware | N/A | N/A |
| Design | 3.5 |
Minimal changes to common styles |
| Engineering | 4.5 |
Clean and quality inner support materials and structure |
| Craftsmanship | 4.5 |
Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality. |
| OVERALL SCORE | 4 |
Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try |
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Koio sneaker impresses with its quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and functional design choices. While the design may not be revolutionary, the thoughtful use of vegetable-tanned leather, the luxurious feel of the materials, and the clean construction set it apart from many other sneakers on the market. For anyone hunting for a reliable, well-made Italian sneaker, Koio should now be on your radar.
As always, I hope this deep dive into the shoe’s construction helps you make more informed decisions, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts—what other brands should I examine next? Until then, stay leathertained!
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About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
