If you're shopping for a basketball and come across “composite leather,” you might wonder what that actually means. Understanding what a composite leather basketball is can help you pick the right ball for your playing style and court surface.
What Does Composite Leather Mean?
Composite leather is a man-made material designed to replicate the look and feel of genuine leather. Unlike traditional leather, which is made from animal hide, composite leather is crafted from synthetic fibres and resins.
The advantage is clear: it offers a softer grip and more consistent performance, especially on indoor courts, without requiring the break-in time or maintenance that real leather demands. That’s why many modern basketballs, including several in the Spalding composite range, use composite leather for its versatility and comfort.
How It Compares to Other Basketball Materials
There are three main types of basketball materials: rubber, composite leather, and genuine leather.
- Rubber is tough and ideal for outdoor courts, but it lacks grip and softness.
- Genuine leather is used in professional indoor games, offering unmatched feel, but it needs time to break in and should not be used outdoors.
- Composite leather combines the best of both. It provides a soft feel, reliable grip, and immediate playability, making it ideal for both indoor and occasional outdoor use.
Indoor or Outdoor Use?
Most composite leather basketballs are labeled “indoor/outdoor”, meaning they’re built to perform well on both hardwood and asphalt courts. While they feel best on indoor surfaces due to their texture and grip, they can also hold up to occasional outdoor play better than genuine leather options.
If you’re not sure which type you have, check out our guide on how to tell if a basketball is indoor or outdoor.
Why Choose a Composite Leather Basketball?
A composite leather basketball is perfect if you want a ball that offers soft grip, low maintenance, immediate game readiness, and multi-surface use. Whether you're training in a gym or shooting around in the driveway, it delivers consistent quality without the downsides of pure rubber or leather.
Explore Spalding’s range of composite leather basketballs made with premium composite leather and find the right one for your game.
