Posted on October 17 2026
The Johnston & Murphy Luther Lace to Lace is a leather sneaker with an Italian nappa leather upper, a soft leather lining, a removable molded footbed and a rubber outsole, at $318. It comes in black, navy, cognac and taupe. Yes, you can wear it with a blazer, as long as the outfit is smart casual rather than a suit.
What is the Johnston & Murphy Luther?
The Luther is a lace-up sneaker made in Italian nappa leather that can be dressed up or down.
Here is what you get, straight from the product details:
- An Italian nappa leather upper, which is soft and smooth to the touch.
- A leather lining, so the inside of the shoe is leather too, not fabric.
- A molded, removable polyurethane footbed for cushioning and support.
- A rubber outsole for traction on wet sidewalks and parking lots.
The removable footbed matters if you use your own insoles. Bring them when you try the shoe on so you can test the fit with them in.
Is the Luther worth $318?
For a man who wants one pair of sneakers he can wear with a sport coat, yes; for a man who wants a gym or walking shoe, no.
The money goes into the leather. A full leather upper and lining is what lets the Luther sit next to tailored trousers without looking out of place, which a canvas or running shoe can never do.
The honest trade-off: soft nappa leather creases across the toe as you walk. That is normal, and it softens the look over time, but if you want a shoe that stays crisp and rigid, a dress shoe is the better buy. The Luther is also not a winter boot. In a GTA January, wipe off road salt the same day or it will mark the leather.
Which Luther colour should you buy?
Buy cognac if your wardrobe is mostly blues and browns, and black if it is mostly black and grey.
- Luther in Cognac ($318): the most useful fall colour. Wear it with brown or navy trousers, dark denim and anything in walnut, camel or olive.
- Luther in Taupe ($318): lighter and softer. Best with grey, navy and white, and on weekends. Lighter leather shows scuffs sooner.
- Luther in Navy ($318): the quiet one. Great with grey trousers, mid-blue denim and a navy blazer for a tonal look.
- Luther in Black ($318): the dressiest. Black jeans, charcoal trousers and evening outfits.
Can you wear the Luther with a blazer?
Yes, the Luther works with a blazer or sport coat and trousers or dark jeans, but not with a business suit at a formal event.
Three things make the pairing look intentional. Keep the shoes clean, because a scuffed sneaker under a jacket looks careless. Keep the trousers short, with no break or only a slight one, so the hem just touches the top of the shoe. And match your socks to your trousers or go darker; white athletic socks undo the whole look.
Where it does not belong: a black-tie event, a wedding with a formal dress code, or a conservative interview. For those, wear dress shoes. For more on the jacket half of the outfit, see How to Wear a Blazer With Jeans or Chinos, and match your belt to your shoes using our belt and shoe guide.
How does the Luther fit?
Start with the size you wear in other Johnston & Murphy shoes, and buy for length, because leather relaxes in width with wear but never gets longer.
If you have never worn the brand, our post on Johnston & Murphy sizing explains how it compares with other makers. Try the shoe with the socks you will actually wear. There should be about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end, and your heel should not lift when you walk. If you are between sizes, call us at 905-489-0809 and tell us what you wear in another shoe; we will give you a straight answer.
Common questions
Is the Luther a dress shoe or a sneaker?
It is a sneaker, made in leather. It sits between a casual trainer and a dress shoe, which is why it works with smart-casual outfits.
Can you wear the Luther to the office?
In a business casual office, yes. Black or navy with trousers and a collared shirt is the most professional combination.
How do you clean nappa leather sneakers?
Wipe them with a damp cloth after wear, let them dry away from heat, and condition the leather every few weeks in season. Shoe trees help keep the toe from creasing deeply.
Where to find it
All four colours are linked above at $318, with free shipping over $75 across Canada and the US (duties may apply on imported brands for US orders). Or come see us at 166 Bullock Drive in Markham, try two sizes side by side, and we will show you each colour next to the trousers you wear most.
