Review: Nomad leather case for iPhone 8 Plus

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

One of the best things about the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is that they can use cases from last year's model. This means that unlike newer models with entirely new designs, consumers don't have to wait around for the new cases to come in.

I've actually been using the Nomad leather case with my iPhone 7 Plus and while I dound the fit wasn't as good as the Apple leather case, it did grow on me for a number of reasons. I like the unusual dark blue colour and love the feel of the Horween leather, which is seasoned leather that's used for leather straps and wallets and wears nicely through time.

For the iPhone 8 Plus, I've been alternating between Apple's red leather case as well as the Nomad case. While the Horween case from Nomad doesn't look and feel as 'finished' as Apple's case, which still looks new, it does wear nicely and has a bit more character. 

Leather that wears nicely develops a patina and Nomad created their iPhone cases to have this look through time. As their website puts it:

Made from minimally treated, vegetable-tanned leather from one of America's oldest tanneries. We rely on full-wrap construction to give 360° of raised-edge protection to your iPhone. Designed to beautifully patina with time, creating a handsome, rich leather case with a look that is uniquely yours.

The Nomad leather case protects the iPhone 8 Plus' glass rear and its sides. It also adds substantial grip without adding much bulk. The leather goes nicely with the premium gold colour of my iPhone 8 Plus and while the cutouts for the bottom firing speakers aren't super precise, they manage to do a decent job of protecting while still enabling ample space for sound and for the Lightning port.

The Nomad Leather Case for the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus is a great alternative to Apple's own excellent and precision-made leather cases. It is also cheaper by almost half the price, not bad for a certiified Horween leather product. Some Horween watch straps can cost well into the hundreds.

There's no shortage of cases for iPhones. Apple makes some of the best but there are notable third party manufacturers who bring something extra, or offer different styles and colours. Nomad sticks to a familiar formula but brings some character to long term wear. 

Check out Nomad's website and see the range of cases and colours they offer.