Buy a lead, walk your dog. Simple, right? As it turns out, spending a bit of time picking the best lead for your pet and the style of walks you go on is very much worth it. Trust me, I've had dogs my whole life, and while my three-year-old golden retriever, Lowen (Cornish for happy – mostly true) is a delight to walk, the best lead makes our walks even more enjoyable.
When it comes to choosing the right lead for your four-legged friend, you’ll want to think about what length will be best, and if you'd like a lead to be stretchy or retractable. If you've got a new puppy – or are trying to teach an old dog new tricks – you'll want a training lead, while reflective leads are best for walks at dawn or dusk.
If you enjoy running with your pup, consider opting for a hands-free design that conveniently ties around your waist. As for contending with a big dog or a persistent puller, go for something robust and especially comfortable in the hand.
And then there’s the price point. A well-maintained, high-quality leather lead could last a lifetime, but I have also tested some more affordable options too, which passed muster and offered good value for money.
For this review, Lowen and myself tested a host of different leads on the Cornish coast. Keep reading for the leads that got a thumbs (and paws) up.
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The best dog leads for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Warriner Leather traditional leather dog lead: £50, Warrinerleather.co.uk
- Best budget option – Petface paws neoprene padded dog lead: £6, Argos.co.uk
- Best retractable lead – retractable dog lead: £20, Argos.co.uk
- Best for training – Trinkety Paws waterproof biothane handsfree dog training lead: £37, Trinketypaws.co.uk
How we tested
To give these leads a decent test, we tried them out on Lowen’s morning walks, to see how they fared on a range of Cornish rambles, from shoreline strolls to clifftop exploration. The vast majority of our walks take place on the beach, so waterproof leads came in handy. I was interested in designs that gave Lowen room to roam safely and, as female retrievers go, she’s a robust girl who like a lot of exercise, so I was particularly interested in leads that looked like they'd last for a long time. You can find out more about my full testing criteria at the bottom of this review.
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Warriner Leather traditional leather dog lead
Best: dog lead overall
Length: 1.14m
Lead material: English bridle leather
Why we love it
- Exceptional quality and craftsmanship
- Lifetime guarantee
- Beautiful with a developing unique patina
- Strong
- Comfortable
Take note
- Expensive
Classically handsome and designed to last, this leather lead offers unbeatable quality. It’s handmade out of oak bark-tanned British bridle leather, one of the oldest and most natural methods of turning hide into durable, beautiful and characterful leather. It’s naturally incredibly strong, yet supple. When I tested it out on Lowen with the matching collar, lead and collar performed exceptionally well, proving comfortable to hold and able to handle a bit of excitable pulling.
The leather is offset perfectly with the chunky solid brass trigger hook and O ring at the handle end, allowing you to hook it up and sling it cross body when the dog is off lead. I couldn’t get enough of the classic design, and neither could Lowen, if her proud-as-punch face is anything to go by. If you're looking for a fine lead to go the distance, this is it.
Buy now £50, Warrinerleather.co.uk
Petface paws neoprene padded dog lead
Best: budget dog lead
Length: 1.2m
Lead material: Nylon
Why we love it
- Ridiculously good value
- Comfy padded handle
Take note
- Not as durable as some
Cheaper than a jar of Nescafé, this Petface lead offers incredibly good value. The neoprene padded handle is really comfy to wear, and an unexpected but welcome design addition for such a budget model.
Made of nylon, the lead itself is incredibly lightweight and feels like basically nothing when coiled up in your pocket. It's also easy to wash in a sink and dries out super quickly, without the maintenance needed for leather leads.
As a budget lead, it doesn't feel the most luxurious and I wouldn't expect it to last a dog's lifetime. That said, for a dog that doesn't pull a lot, it could still last a long time.
This is a practical, lightweight option for anyone looking to save their pennies, although I’d advise against it for anyone whose four-legged friends like to chew…
Buy now £6, Argos.co.uk
BlossomCo Berneray Harris Tweed dog lead
Best: dog lead for heritage design
Length: 1m
Lead material: Tweed with made of pure virgin wool, with cotton reverse lining and a nylon inner core
Why we love it
- Heritage design
- Comfortable to hold
- Sustainable materials
- Excellent craftsmanship
Take note
- May fuzz over time
- Not fully waterproof
I couldn't get enough of this delightful lead, with its heritage design in charming hot pink reverse lining. It has the Harris Tweed Authority label, reflecting its status as a protected, high-quality fabric legally defined as 100 per cent pure virgin wool, dyed, spun and finished in the Outer Hebrides.
The lead might look pretty, but it's not a case of style over substance. The strong nylon inner core adds some serious muscle, making this lead feel substantial enough on walks with Lowen, who is pushing 30kg and not afraid of the occasional lunge.
It offers a little natural weather resistance, but this wouldn't be my first choice for a walk in a downpour. You'll also want to take good care of it to avoid too much pilling or fuzz on the wool fibres. Overall, this is a truly stunning lead.
Buy now £37.5, Blossomco.com
Flexi comfort large dog lead
Best: retractable dog lead
Length: 5m
Lead material: Nylon
Why we love it
- Adjustable grip is really comfortable
- Huge range of lead lengths
- Offers secure freedom
Take note
- Makes an annoying clicky noise
- Heavy
This is a really well-designed, robust retractable lead for bigger dogs. Lowen's big for a female golden retriever, and when she’s on heat and restricted to lead walks, this is a lifesaver, as it allows her the ability to roam a bit further.
It's supremely comfortable to hold, thanks to the clever adjustable handle. Simply scroll the little roller up to adjust, and hey presto, you have a bespoke fit for your hand. It is, though, overall quite heavy to hold.
The nylon tape-style lead is robust and intended for dogs up to 50kg. I wouldn't want a 50kg dog pulling at the end of the 5m lead setting, though.
Buy now £20.05, Argos.co.uk
Tetherleads the Oxford slip and lead
Best: adjustable leather lead
Length: 1.1m
Lead material: Rope, Italian leather and solid brass fittings
Why we love it
- Includes a slip collar
- Adjustable length
- Perfect for tethering to anything
Take note
- Higher upfront cost
Essentially, this is the perfect choice for a countryside walk followed by the pub, when your dog can snooze securely at your feet. It has eyelets to adjust its length, but also to secure your dog to just about anything, by fastening the unclipped handle around said object, then securing to the appropriate eyelet.
This was my first time trying out a slip collar (these are designed to slip on and off your canine companion with ease), and I have to say I loved the ease of it. It's made from hardwearing rope, and the lead is handmade in England from Italian leather and kitted out with solid brass fittings. All in all, this is a good looking, incredibly well-designed lead.
Buy now £80, Tetherleads.uk
Trinkety Paws splattered biothane dog leads
Best: waterproof dog lead
Length: 1.2m
Lead material: BioThane (coated polyester)
Why we love it
- Waterproof
- Odour-free
- Easy to clean and maintain
Take note
- Less comfortable to hold than some
If you've got a fish for a dog, this totally waterproof lead will be revelation for beach dog walks. It has been for Lowen and I, as it also wipes clean and holds onto zero wet dog smell.
It’s made with biothane, a polyester webbing with a waterproof PVC coating, which remains flexible in all weather conditions and is tough enough to likely withstand chewing better than nylon or rope, although it's not totally chew-proof, should that be a concern.
The waterproofing does make the lead feel quite plastic-y, which some walkers might struggle with, but if you're sick of soggy leads then I would recommend looking into this as a solution.
Buy now £36, Trinketypaws.co.uk
Halti anatomy multi lead
Best: adjustable dog lead
Length: 2m
Lead material: Polyester
Why we love it
- Multifunctional across a range of walks and environments
- Ideal for training
- Replaces multiple leads
- Reflective detailing
Take note
- Multifunctional design is slightly overwhelming
The Swiss army knife of dog leads, this lead adapts to different dogs, walks and training scenarios. It has a double-ended design and various attachments for close control, hands-free use, and for longer walks with the harness.
One of the key attractions is the shock-absorbing bungee, which can absorb sudden jerks or lunges when walking with an energetic, unpredictable or young dog. You can also deactivate this if you prefer.
I tend to walk Lowen pretty close to heel when we're walking to our destination, and then let her off on arrival, for which the close control handle is ideal. I also appreciated the reflective detailing, a great addition for early morning or late evening walkers.
Buy now £27.99, Companyofanimals.com
BlossomCo Libby Liberty print dog lead
Best: patterned dog lead
Length: 1m
Lead material: Cotton
Why we love it
- Stylish, classic look
- Soft to hold
- Lightweight to carry
- Excellent quality
Take note
- Not waterproof
Handmade with genuine Liberty London fabric, this delightful floral lead is a pleasure to use. Every time it catches my eye, it's like a little jolt of spring.
As to how it holds up on a dog walk? Well, the cotton fabric is incredibly soft to hold, while the nylon inner core lends the lead strength. It's also incredibly lightweight, so you can chuck it in your pocket or bag and forget it's even there.
Cotton is annoyingly absorbent, though, so this wouldn't be my pick for a mizzly walk on the beach. And despite the inner core, it's not super meaty compared with some of the other leads Lowen and I tested, so I wouldn't use this on a big dog who wants to go places fast.
However, for a lightweight, everyday lead to make your walks just that little more joyful, look no further.
Buy now £37.5, Blossomco.com
Trinkety Paws waterproof biothane handsfree dog training lead
Best: training dog lead
Length: 2.45m
Lead material: Biothane (coated polyester)
Why we love it
- Can be used for different activities
- Waterproof
- Odour-free
Take note
- Complicated at first
If you're looking to do some training or a range of activities with your best four-legged friend, then this is a one-lead solution. It lead enables you to walk (or run) your dog hands-free, cross body, with a harness or just, you know, the standard way, thanks to two trigger clasps, two fixed D-rings and a movable perfect-fit adjuster.
Bonus points were awarded for the fact it’s totally waterproof, ideal for walking and training in all sort of terrains and weather. Plus, as the waterproof material is tough, it won’t fray or soak up that wet dog smell like other fabrics can.
Buy now £37, Trinketypaws.co.uk
What is the best dog lead?
For a staggeringly good quality leather lead that will last a lifetime, you’d be hard pressed to beat the Warriner Leather traditional leather dog lead. But if you like your leather a little more multifunctional, check out The Oxford slip and lead from Tetherleads. If you’re watching your spending, you cannot beat the pure value offered by the Petface neoprene padded dog lead. Or if you’re looking to up your training game, consider the Trinkety Paws waterproof biothane handsfree dog training lead.
How I tested dog leads
To put these dog leads through their paces, I tested them on daily walks with my three-year-old golden retriever, Lowen, across a variety of Cornish routes, from sandy shoreline strolls to clifftop rambles.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Abby Driver is a lifestyle writer based in Cornwall with more than a decade of experience writing for magazines, editorial websites and brands. A lifelong dog owner and current owner of a three-year-old golden retriever, Lowen, she puts daily dog walks to the test along Cornwall’s coastal paths. This hands-on experience, combined with her editorial expertise and sharp eye for practicality and value for money, makes her well placed to select and review the best dog leads.
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