Best Leather Basketball Balls of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Leather basketball balls are high-quality sports balls that are perfect for basketball enthusiasts. These balls are made from genuine leather and are designed to provide a superior grip and feel. The leather material ensures durability and longevity, making it an ideal choice for outdoor courts. These balls are available in different sizes and colours, catering to the needs of both professional and amateur players. With their superior quality and performance, leather basketball balls are an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their basketball experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lusum Optio PU Leather Basketball for All Cover #TOP 1
Lusum Optio PU Leather Basketball for All
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wilson EVO NXT FIBA Game Basketball Size 7 Cover #TOP 2
Wilson EVO NXT FIBA Game Basketball Size 7
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Wilson NCAA LEGEND Blended Leather Basketball Cover #TOP 3
Wilson NCAA LEGEND Blended Leather Basketball
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Leather Basketball Balls

Lusum Optio PU Leather Basketball for All

HU-XI-5
Size 5 Ball Only
Lusum Optio PU Leather Basketball for All Cover
Lusum Optio Basketball Ball PU Leather Indoor Outdoor Basketball Size 5, 6 and 7. Durable Basket Ball for all Conditions. Suitable for all Ages and Abilities. Comes with Optional Pump Set Included

The Lusum Optio Basketball is a versatile choice for players of all ages and skill levels. Made from durable PU leather, this basketball is designed for both indoor and outdoor play, ensuring you can enjoy the game in any condition. It is available in size 5, making it suitable for younger players and beginners. Additionally, the product comes with an optional pump set, giving you the convenience of maintaining optimal air pressure for your game. With its durable construction, you can rely on this basketball for countless matches.

What We Like
Durable PU leather material
Suitable for all ages
Indoor and outdoor use
Optional pump set included

Wilson EVO NXT FIBA Game Basketball Size 7

WTB0965XB
Brown
Wilson EVO NXT FIBA Game Basketball Size 7 Cover
Wilson Basketball EVO NXT FIBA GAME BALL, Mixed Leather, Ideal for Indoor, Size 7, Brown, WTB0965XB

The Wilson EVO NXT Basketball offers a range of features designed to enhance your game. With its Extended Range Tech, you can shoot from further away with ease. The soft feel of the ball allows you to maintain better control, giving you confidence in your shooting touch. Additionally, the no sweat feature ensures that moisture is kept at bay, providing a strong grip even during intense play. Lastly, the ultimate control provided by its composite leather construction helps you handle the ball with precision.

What We Like
Improved long-range shooting
Better control and feel
Moisture-wicking for grip
Consistent texture for handling
#TOP 3

Wilson NCAA LEGEND Blended Leather Basketball

WZ2007601XB7
Orange/Black
Wilson NCAA LEGEND Blended Leather Basketball Cover
Wilson Basketball NCAA LEGEND, Blended Leather, Indoor- and Outdoor-Basketball, 7, Orange/Black

The Wilson NCAA LEGEND Basketball is designed to excel on both indoor and outdoor courts. Its recessed rubber grooves provide you with an excellent finger grip, ensuring clean throws and precise passes. The soft touch cover, made of blended leather, offers a high-quality feel, enhancing your overall playing experience. Additionally, the premium core construction delivers exceptional durability while maintaining a soft touch, making it a reliable choice for any player.

What We Like
Great grip for accurate throws
High-quality soft touch feel
Durable for long-lasting use
Suitable for indoor and outdoor play
#TOP 4

VIPER Size 6 Composite Leather Basketball

VIPER
VIPER Size 6 Composite Leather Basketball Cover
VIPER Basketball Size 6 Composite Leather Street Basketball Indoor Outdoor Game Ball Black

The VIPER Basketball features a special hygroscopic PU cover that provides excellent grip and control, making it easier for you to handle during your game. Its professional nylon wound and butyl bladder ensures correct bounce and precise spinning, enhancing your playing experience. This size 6 basketball is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to enjoy one-on-one practice sessions. Keep in mind that the basketball arrives deflated, so you'll need to inflate it before use.

What We Like
Superior grip and control
Correct bounce and durability
Suitable for indoor and outdoor
Great for practice sessions
Easy to handle
#TOP 5

Molten BG3800 Basketball, FIBA Approved, Size 7

B7G3800
Orange/Ivory
Size 7
Molten BG3800 Basketball, FIBA Approved, Size 7 Cover
Molten BG3800 Basketball, Indoor, FIBA Approved, Composite Leather, Size 7, Suitable For Boys Age 14 & Adult, Orange/Ivory

The Molten BG3800 Basketball is designed for club players who need a reliable ball for both training and games. Its superb composite leather surface provides enhanced grip, allowing you to make precise shots and passes. The stylish matt finish ensures durability and performance, while the iconic 12-panel design offers excellent control during play. With a butyl bladder that retains air exceptionally well, you can count on consistent bounce quality, making it ideal for intense matches.

What We Like
Exceptional grip and control
Durable and stylish design
Consistent performance throughout the season
FIBA approved for competitive play
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 6

Wilson Men's Evolution Indoor Basketball Size 7

WTB0516XBEMEA
Brown
Wilson Men's Evolution Indoor Basketball Size 7 Cover
Wilson Men's Evolution Basketball EMEA, Brown, 7

The Wilson Evolution Basketball is designed specifically for indoor play, making it an excellent choice for those who play on sports parquet, granulate, linoleum, or PVC flooring. Its size 7 is the official size for men and youth aged 12 and over, ensuring it meets standard requirements. The moisture-absorbing top layer enhances your grip, allowing for better control during intense games. Additionally, the cushion core carcass prevents slippage, giving you confidence as you dribble and shoot. Inflation is quick and easy with a separate ball pump.

What We Like
Great grip for better control
Designed for indoor surfaces
Official size for men and youth
Easy inflation with separate pump

Molten BG4500 Basketball, Premium Game Ball

B7G4500
Standard
Molten BG4500 Basketball, Premium Game Ball Cover
Molten BG4500 Basketball, Match Ball, BBL & WBBL, FIBA Approved, Premium Composite Leather, Indoor Play, Orange/Ivory, Size 7, Suitable For Boys age 14 & Adult

The Molten BG4500 Basketball is the official game ball of the British Basketball League, making it a trusted choice for serious players. Its premium composite leather surface provides an exceptional grip, enhancing your control on the court. The technologically advanced construction, featuring foam backing and high foamed rubber, ensures optimal handling, allowing you to perform at your best. With its iconic 12-panel design, you’ll enjoy greater feel and control, making every shot count.

What We Like
Official BBL game ball
Superior grip and control
Optimal handling for players
Iconic 12-panel design
#TOP 8

Wilson Basketball, LA Clippers, Size 7

WTB3100IDLAC
Wilson Basketball, LA Clippers, Size 7 Cover
Wilson Basketball, Team Alliance Model, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, Indoor/Outdoor, Mixed Leather, Size: 7

The Wilson LA Clippers Basketball features a mixed-leather construction, providing you with a professional-like feel during play. Its Pure Feel cover outer layer ensures durability, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The advanced NBA Pro grooved-seams construction caters to your playing style, enhancing grip and control. Furthermore, the sophisticated design includes a special layer that improves air-retention capacity, ensuring the ball maintains its shape and performance over time.

What We Like
Professional-like feel
Durable mixed-leather material
Enhanced grip and control
Improved air retention
#TOP 9

Wilson NCAA EVO NXT Basketball Replica

WZ2007701XB7
Orange
Wilson NCAA EVO NXT Basketball Replica Cover
Wilson Basketball NCAA EVO NXT REPLICA, Blended Leather, Indoor- and Outdoor-Basketball, Orange, #7

The Wilson EVO NXT Basketball is a high-quality NCAA replica designed to bring the excitement of March Madness to your game. It excels on both indoor and outdoor courts, allowing you to dominate your play. With its premium core construction, this basketball offers exceptional durability and maintains its shape over time. The composite grooves provide excellent control, giving you a better grip and feel, making it easier for you to handle the ball during play.

What We Like
Durable construction
Excellent grip and control
Suitable for all courts
High-quality replica design
#TOP 10

Molten BG4500 Basketball, FIBA Approved, Size 6

B6G4500
Standard
Molten BG4500 Basketball, FIBA Approved, Size 6 Cover
Molten BG4500 Basketball, Match Ball, BBL & WBBL, FIBA Approved, Premium Composite Leather, Indoor Play, Orange/Ivory, Size 6, For Boys age 12, 13, 14 and Girls age 14 & Adult

The Molten BG4500 Basketball is the official game ball of the British Basketball League, used by top teams like the London Lions and Newcastle Eagles. Its premium composite leather surface provides an exceptional grip for players, ensuring better control during intense matches. The technologically advanced construction features a foam backing layer, enhancing handling and responsiveness. The iconic 12-panel design not only combines tradition with innovation but also offers more seams for improved feel, making it easier for you to dominate the court.

What We Like
Official game ball for top leagues
Superior grip for better control
Enhanced handling and responsiveness
Iconic design for improved feel
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are leather basketballs better?

Most indoor basketballs use composite leather, which is softer than rubber, offers more grip, and makes dribbling and shooting much more enjoyable in general. Unfortunately, composite leather balls are less durable and tend to feel a bit slippery out-of-the-box, especially when playing with sweaty hands.

2. Are basketballs still made of leather?

Characteristics. Nearly all basketballs have an inflatable inner rubber bladder, generally wrapped in layers of fiber and then covered with a surface made either from leather (traditional), rubber, or a synthetic composite.

3. Are Spalding balls leather?

Bring out the pro in you with the Spalding TF Model M. SUPERIOR GRIP: The Model M is wrapped in full-grain, premium leather that softens for superior handling the more it's broken in. SHOOTER'S TOUCH: Spalding Shooter's Seam is designed for instant ball recognition, exceptional control, and precise accuracy.

4. Which leather is used in basketball?

High quality basketballs are made of genuine leather or composite leather (cheap balls are made of rubber). Balls that are made of genuine leather are generally considered to be the best ones and are used in the NBA and WNBA.

Editor's Notes

During our leather basketball ball research, we found 178 leather basketball ball products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,080 customer reviews through our big data system to write the leather basketball balls list. We found that most customers choose leather basketball balls with an average price of £28.99.

The leather basketball balls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of leather basketball balls, including Lusum, Wilson, VIPER, Molten. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 324 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.