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Where to buy leather in Buenos Aires

Jed Rothenberg

By | May 28, 2013

shopping for leather in argentina

*Updated October 2020*

All you ever wanted to know about buying leather in Argentina: where to go, what to buy, and other important Argentine leather tips.

Leather Districts: Where to shop for leather in Buenos Aires

For those who like to browse, shop hop and bargain check out these three general areas:

    • Murillo and Scalabrini Ortiz, VILLA CRESPO: Very close to Palermo, Villa Crespo is known as the leather district in Buenos Aires. Follow your nose to the scent of leather down Murillo and you’ll find a number of great stores.
    • Florida and Corrientes, DOWNTOWN:  A major hub for all things souvenirs, you may have to fight the busy foot traffic on Florida street, but keep your eyes peeled for a number of leather stores. This area sees a lot of tourists so get ready to haggle!
    • San Jose and Belgrano, MONTSERRAT: Keep a look out for great bargain buys long with high quality pieces.


View Leather shops and districts in a larger map

Boutique Leather Shops

*Terán – Thames 1855, Palermo Soho

If you are on the hunt for the best men’s leather shoes in Buenos Aires, look no further – this spot gets our top recommendation for leather. All of the shoes are made with 100% Argentinean leather, each pair stitched by hand. The lines are limited and sizes are less than plentiful, but the quality is unmatched by anything in the whole city. Extra plus: they throw in a bullhorn shoe horn with each shoe purchase.

Boniface- San Jose 559, Monserrat

A go-to spot for all your simple leather shoe and jacket needs, Boniface makes pieces for both men and women.

*Centrico – Francisco Acuna de Figueroa 1800, Palermo

Centrico is a personal favorite of LandingPadBA – we are actually wearing Centrico leather shoes now. Why is this leather better than the rest? The quality is extremely high and each piece is handmade (men and women) without the insanely expensive price tag.

Murillo 666 – Murillo 666, Villa Crespo

This one is more for those who are in Buenos Aires more permanently. Murillo 666 makes quality leather furniture at fair prices.

*La Casa de las Botas< - Paraguay 5062, Palermo Hollywood

Should be your first stop for polo and horseback riding gear in Buenos Aires. This small shop makes handmade riding boots, all to order (2-3 weeks per pair). Shipping option available.

Rossi & Caruso – Posadas 1387, Recoleta

Think high end leather: jackets, bags, wallets, saddles, crops and more.

Flabella – Suipacha 263, Downtown

Tango lovers, check this one out – Flabella makes handmade tango shoes, custom made and ready in about two weeks.

Darcos – Sarmiento 835, Downtown

Another great spot to buy tango shoes in Buenos Aires, Darcos offers a wide variety of handmade shoes with the custom made option available.

Leather boots lined shelves in Palermo, buenos aires

Well Known Leather Shops and Popular Stores

Cardon – Avenida Alvear 1750, Recoleta

Many say Cardon is the top end leather store in Buenos Aires. There are multiple locations and it makes a great stop to buy leather, wallet, clothing, and traditional Argentinean gifts.

*Doma – El Salvador 4693, Palermo Soho

Cutting edge leather jacket fashion at its best. Sold in high-end boutiques in New York for triple the price. Multiple locations.

Prune – Florida 963, Downtown

The most popular purse and bag maker in Argentina. A good selection of real and synesthetic leather purses and accessories. Multiple locations.

Casa Lopez – Marcelo T Alvear 640 & 658, Downtown & Galerías Pacifico

High-end leather wallets, purses, bags and luggage.

Lopez Taibo – Alvear 1902, Recoleta

High end, handmade men’s leather shoes and purses. Multiple locations.

*Editor’s top picks

Tips for buying leather in Argentina

  • Pay in cash. Most leather stores aren’t fond of credit card purchases. Many will have two prices: one for credit card purchases and a cheaper price for paying in cash.  While most of the prices displayed will be for cash payment, double check and always ask how much the leather will cost in “efectivo” (cash).
  • Offer USD, Sterling or Euros. Getting foreign currency in Buenos Aires is a task in itself, so use it to your advantage as this could be a good bargaining chip.
  • Bargaining & Haggling. If you have not guessed yet, try to bargain a bit. Some people will just look at you and others will make a deal. The more of a franchise the less likely they will offer a discount, but you never know if you do not ask.
  • Do you leather homework. Before you come to Argentina stop by a high end store that has leather products. Examine the stitching, feel the leather, look at the liner and use this as a base for when making a purchase here.
  • Type of leather. Sheep and goat leather are softer and more high end. Cow leather is tougher and should be less expensive generally speaking.
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