REVIEW – As a general rule of thumb, water and leather don’t mix, especially when it comes to Apple Watch bands. However, Nomad recently released an Apple Watch Strap that is made of waterproof leather. So let’s take a look at the Nomad Active Strap.
What is it?
The Nomad Active Strap is a waterproof leather band made for the Apple Watch.
Design and features
The Active Strap has a full leather construction and is fitted with custom-designed, metal injection molded lugs and buckle. The style isn’t going to jump out at you, but it does hold a subtle elegance that easily goes from workout to night out. I chose to go with the all-black leather and hardware because I knew it would go with everything in my closet. The strap is also available in Mocha Brown leather and silver lugs and buckle. Active Strap is compatible with all 44mm / 42mm models/versions of Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
The main feature of the band is its waterproof leather. To achieve this, Nomad uses a high-tech tanning process that infuses Heinen Leather from Germany with natural lipids making it waterproof. There are no coatings or artificial finishes that will wear off over time.
Another design feature is the ventilation channels pressed into the leather on the underside of the band. These channels provide ventilation allowing water and sweat to evaporate.
The industry-leading marine grade 316 stainless steel hardware adds to the overall durability of the strap.
Fit and performance
As important as style and functionality are the most important thing about a band is how comfortable it is. I put my Apple Watch on first thing in the morning, and it doesn’t come off until I put it on the charger when I go to bed. So comfort is paramount. The strap isn’t instantly comfortable as it’s pretty stiff. However, after wearing it for about a week, it conformed nicely to my wrist and became very comfortable.
I go to the gym 4-5 times a week, and my goto band is the Nomad Sport Strap that I reviewed just over 2-years ago. I like it a lot, but because its made of silicone, my wrist tends to sweat. With the Active Strap, sweat wasn’t an issue. No matter how hard the workout, my wrist stayed dry. As a workout strap, the Active Strap grades out as an A.
When the strap gets dirty, it easily rinses clean with water, something you could never do with a traditional leather band.
What I like
- Durable construction
- Waterproof leather
- Comfortable
- Versatile style
- Easy to clean
What I’d change
- Nothing
Final thoughts
Overall, I love the functionality of this strap. It’s nice knowing that when I put it on in the morning that it’s good to go all day and all night. No matter what’s on my schedule. The Nomad Active Strap is the most versatile and comfortable leather Apple Watch Band I’ve ever used.
Price: $69.95
Where to buy: Nomad and you can find some Nomad straps on Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nomad.
