If you’ve been in an office recently, you’ll notice that dress sneakers are becoming the new norm. This hybrid style takes the comfort, flexibility and versatility of your favorite Nikes and combines it with all the formal details of a dress shoe. After careful research, we named the Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wing Oxford as the best dress sneakers for men overall—their classic silhouette and wide range of hues makes them a versatile pick for any occasion.
The best sneakers for men are cushioned, comfortable and stylish enough to wear with suits and … [+] jeans.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/PHOTO: RETAILERS
Unlike true-blue Oxfords, which can be a bit stiff—especially on first wear—or stuffy in certain situations, dress sneakers are the easy go-between. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for something formal-ish, stick with a leather pair, like the Amberjack Original, but if you want to go more casual, we like the Wolf & Shepherd Swiftknit Derby sneaker. Reviewed by Forbes Vetted’s in-house style expert Kari Molvar, here’s everything else we highly recommend depending on your style, budget and needs.
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 12 total, including British Tan-Ivory and Blue Wing Teal | Upper material: Leather
Cole Haan is quite possibly the original pioneer of the dress sneaker movement. Its Zerøgrand styles are the gold standard, deftly mixing style and easy comfort with polished leather or mesh suppers. Our top pick, the Laser Wing Oxford, has an anatomically contoured foam footbed that cushions and evenly distributes your weight, similar to the way running sneakers cradle your foot. It also has a removal insole and laser perforations to increase breathability, along with a pull-on sock liner. Plus, the brand’s leather products are certified by the Leather Working Group, which ensures responsible manufacturing practices.
What the reviews say: “This loafer is super comfortable and stylish while keeping a professional look,” writes one Nordstrom customer. “I wore them for over 13 hours yesterday and never felt foot fatigue or soreness.”
Sizes: 6.5 to 13 | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Brown | Upper material: Polyurethane (PU)
Dress sneakers can creep up in cost. Not this stylish pair from Bruno Marc. If you’re willing to trade the leather for a synthetic upper, you still get the same level of formality with a comfortable, honeycomb foam insole that absorbs shock and enough arch support to last you throughout the day. It’s light, flexible option for less than $50.
What the reviews say: “These shoes have become a staple in my wardrobe,” says an Amazon customer. “They perfectly blend the comfort of sneakers with the sleekness of dress shoes, making them an excellent choice for both casual and formal occasions. The design of these dress sneakers is top-notch.”
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 9 total, including Navy and Stone | Upper material: Recycled polyester
Wolf & Shepherd’s wildly popular Swiftknit Derby is a lightweight dress sneaker with an easy slip-on, open-lacing design. The breathable mesh upper is made of one piece of stretchy polyester knit material, which molds to your foot for a customized fit, and it’s finished with a leather-lined memory foam sole to absorb shock. This pick is offered in whole sizes only. If you’re in-between sizes, the brand suggests going a size up
What the reviews say: “I have very problematic feet, traumatic and chronic plantar fasciitis, and these shoes feel great,” writes one Wolf & Shepherd customer. “They’re also great for every occasion from a business meeting to the gym.”
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 12 total, including Chestnut and Midnight | Upper material: Leather
Leather can be stiff and require break-in time. Amberjack’s The Original features extremely supple leather, which is sourced from a tannery that partners with the brand to deliver A-grade hides from American steer at a reasonable price. Other thoughtful, athletic details, like a sheepskin lining, flexible TPU outsole and heat-activated arch support, keep you comfortable.
What the reviews say: One Amberjack customer writes, “I can confidently say these have become my go-to shoe when I want to dress a little nicer. I basically have a pair of running shoes, a pair of sneakers and a pair of Amberjacks, and that’s it. They look great (even better in person), but are also super comfortable.”
Sizes: 8 to 13 | Colors: 3 total, including Dark Chocolate and Tobacco | Upper material: Suede
Charles Tyrwhitt’s Suede Brogue style is perfect for those who want a dress sneaker that’s a hint more laid-back than the traditional leather shoe. This pair is designed with a lightweight rubber sole and a padded insock for extra comfort. The hard-wearing suede upper features ornamental perforations that add an extra touch of style.
What the reviews say: “Excellent quality shoes, would recommend purchasing again,” writes one Charles Tyrwhitt customer. “[The] shoes are a little narrow around the toes, but not unbearably so.”
Nordstrom
Johnston & Murphy Upton Plain Toe Derby
Sizes: 8 to 15 | Colors: 6 total, including Black Full Grain and Tan Oiled Full Grain | Upper material: Leather
If you need a more polished Derby option to wear with suits, Johnston & Murphy has been designing leather footwear since 1850, and their expertise in the category is deep. The best-selling, super-cushioned Upton Plain Toe Derby sneaker is lined with memory foam and layered with mesh and leather for breathable comfort. The smooth leather upper can easily be dressed up or down and the lightweight sole provides both traction and flexibility.
What the reviews say: “They hug my feet perfectly, the soles are so comfortable and they look great as well (not too fancy, not too casual),” says a Nordstrom customer. “You can wear these all day and still have a spring in your step at the end of the day.”
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Colors: 2 total, including White and Cognac Brown Leather | Upper material: Leather
If you want a dress shoe that’s more on the casual side, Banana Republic’s Nicklas 2.0 Sneakers are a good option. The low-profile design is similar to court or tennis shoes and the inside is outfitted with comfortable features, including OrthoLite performance insoles for breathable cushioning, temperature-regulating uppers and extra shock absorption in the heel.
What the reviews say: “This shoe has magic lining and goes with everything—I’ve worn it every day, all day to the office and out afterwards,” says a Banana Republic shopper. “Need this in more colors!”
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Colors: White | Upper material: Leather
Whether you wear them with a pair of jeans or chinos, court sneakers strike the right balance between business and casual. J.Crew’s are a solid, well-priced option. They’re sleek and understated, and made with a smooth leather upper that’ll break in gently over the years. Plus, Vibram outsoles provide cushioning and durability.
What the reviews say: “This is the perfect minimalist sneaker,” writes a J.Crew customer. “The sole is high quality, the insole is comfortable and well-padded. The build quality rivals some of the premium brand sneakers I have, and at a third of the cost. The fit is true to size and feels soft and comfortable.”
Allan Edmonds
Allen Edmonds Courtside Sneaker
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Grey Suede | Upper material: Leather
When you need an extra roomy pair, Allen Edmonds’ Courtside Sneaker is generously cut in three widths—B to EEE—and is made from soft leather, so it looks just as at stylish paired with jeans as it does with a casual suit. Plus, the durable rubber sole will take any sort of damage that comes its way.
What the reviews say: “They’re quite comfortable and the leather and workmanship are just stunning,” says one Allen Edmonds customer. “The rubber sole is comfortable enough to walk all day. The interior is all leather as well, and as a result the sneakers breathe well. I expect to get many years from this sneaker.”
Nordstrom
Ecco Soft 7 City Sneaker
Sizes: 5 to 15 | Colors: 6 total, including Cognac and Titanium | Upper material: Leather
There are dozens of leather options for dress sneakers. But if you want arch support too, Ecco’s City Sneaker has a removable, cushioned insole specifically designed to relieve pressure and cradle your foot to avoid discomfort. And you also feel good knowing that the leather is certified by the Leather Working Group for its responsible energy use, waste production and water treatment.
What the reviews say: “Bought these shoes for a two-week trip to Italy where I knew I’d be walking long distances every day so they had to be supportive and comfortable,” writes one Amazon customer. “I also wanted a shoe that had a higher quality and fashionable look. These shoes were both! They held up exceptionally well, we’re really comfortable and looked amazing.”
Mr Porter
Common Projects Original Achilles
Sizes: 6 to 14 | Colors: 5 total, including Black Leather and Olive | Upper material: Leather
With its no-frills, sleek design, Common Projects’ dress sneaker has a loyal following among stylish guys. The streamlined design is made from Italian leather and features the brand’s foil-stamped factory identification code and style numbers on the side. It’s got a low profile, with just enough cushioning on the sole, and a minimalist effect that’s cool without trying too hard.
What the reviews say: “If you’re looking to invest in a luxury sneaker, Common Projects holds top rank,” writes a Nordstrom customer. “Simple, clean and minimal style that’s perfect—I’ve seen a million other sneakers copying this look, but none get to the essence quite like these do.”
More Top Options To Consider
Now that dress sneakers are ubiquitous—and even accepted in typically stuffy environments like corporate offices and country clubs—you may want to invest in more than one pair. If the above styles don’t speak to you, we rounded a mix of additional top-rated picks to consider from the Forbes Vetted fashion team.
Amazon
Florsheim Heist Lace To Toe Sneakers
These look like an Oxford shoe but the removable Comfortech footbed, EVA midsole cushioning, durable rubber sole and breathable mesh lining make them as comfortable and responsive as a sneaker. In addition to this rich shade of cognac, they’re also available in black and white.
Paul Smith epitomizes classic British style—and their Lee trainers go perfectly with the brand’s exquisitely tailored suits, wool trousers…and even their sweatpants. Made from nubuck leather, they have tone-on-tone laces and stitching that dress up the sneaker shape, and they are available in five neutral shades.
Bloomingdales
Vince Fletcher Perforated Slip On Sneakers
The slip-on style gives the Fletcher loafer-like appeal, while strategically placed perforation and the rubber sport sole keep feet feeling cool and comfortable. They are available in three shades of suede—Black, Flint, Smoke Grey, and Night Blue—and there is a subtle logo embossed on the heel.
Peter Millar
Peter Millar Crown Sport Drift V2 Sneakers
While these stylish Peter Millar sneakers aren’t designed for golf (they have herringbone traction instead of spiked soles), they’re perfect to pull on after a round, whether you’re having dinner at the club or heading back to the office after sneaking in a quick midday round. They have a padded tongue and a performance mesh sockliner—and the elastic laces allow you to quickly slip them on and off.
Handcrafted in Italy and made of Leather Working Group-certified full-grain leather, these sneakers are full of high-end details like waxed cotton laces and hand-painted edges. They are also water-resistant and have a removable OrthoLite liner for added comfort. They come in 21 colors (Castagna and Onyx in wide widths); for a dressier look, choose the shades that have a matching sole instead of a contrasting white sole, which tends to look more casual.
At first glance, the Brooks Brothers Hamptons Slip-On Sneakers could easily be mistaken for loafers—and that’s the point. The conservative style makes them appropriate for even the most formal events, but the thick, sporty Vibram sole provides exceptional cushioning and traction.
Neiman Marcus
Rodd & Gunn Men’s Parua Low-Top Leather Sneakers
Mixing materials (leather and suede), colors and textures, these Portuguese-made sneakers are like a work of modern art. But while they look luxurious, the flexible rubber trainer sole gives them a down-to-earth vibe—so they work equally well dressy and casual clothes.
Best known for their sandals and slip-ons, Olukai also makes an excellent dress sneaker. These are made of full-grain waterproof leather, and have a microfiber lining and a Wet Grip rubber outsole for traction. The brand infuses Hawaiian culture into all of its products (note the intricate debossed Hawaiian kapa artwork on the tongue) and a portion of all proceeds goes to the Ama OluKai Foundation, an organization that strives to preserve land and ocean, serve the community, and maintain Hawaiian culture and traditions.
This handcrafted sneaker is all about the details: The textured pebbled leather is finished with a coat of carnauba wax and shea butter for a hint of luster; there is a Vachetta leather lining to keep your feet cool and smelling fresh (so go ahead and wear them without socks), and the tall instep and wider waist are designed to provide extra support, while the padded collar protects your ankles.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve covered a wide range of fashion topics and know exactly what goes into making an informed purchasing decision.
The co-author of this story, Becky Eaton, is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor with 20 years of media industry experience covering men’s and women’s fashion.
The publishing of this article was overseen by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has covered fashion and lifestyle topics for over two decades. She also reviewed and approved every shoe included in this piece.
This article is frequently updated to ensure it contains the latest information; it was last updated in August 2024 by contributor Lesley Rotchford who added a section on additional dress sneakers for men to consider.
How We Chose Best Dress Sneakers For Men
For this roundup of dress sneakers, we focused on both established and up-and-coming brands known for high-quality, office-ready footwear.
We analyzed many factors like lacing systems, insoles, comfort level, traction and more to land on the best dress sneakers for men.
All picks were approved by Molvar, who reviewed each pick with a focus on overall quality, value and style.
We pored over customer reviews to gain insight into how each pair holds up over time; we then pulled particularly helpful information from selected 5-star reviews.
Customer ratings were also considered—each pick on our list holds an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
What To Consider When Buying Dress Sneakers
When shopping for a pair of dress sneakers, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. Overall comfort, high-quality materials and color selection should all be considered as you compare your options:
Comfort
Dress shoes are not known for their comfort: the stiff leather upper takes time to break in, the flat soles have minimal cushioning, and a lack of padding can rub the heel and cause blisters. Dress sneakers take the sleek look of a dress shoe, but bring the comfort and traction of a rubber-soled sneaker. They typically feature a padded tongue and collar for painless all-day wear. Some sneakers tout comfort design details like flexible leather and extra cushioned, supportive insoles like our pick from Banana Republic.
Materials
Dress sneakers typically feature a leather or suede upper, rubber sole and cushioned insole. You can also find dress sneakers with uppers made of knit mesh—these tend to be more breathable and lightweight than their leather counterparts. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, you can also opt for a faux leather pair like the Bruno Marc Casual Oxford; just keep in mind that faux leather is less durable than genuine leather and is prone to cracking and peeling over time.
Colors
A majority of dress sneakers come in neutral shades such as brown, navy and black. If you want something a bit more business casual, opt for a white pair, like the J.Crew Court Sneakers. However, light-colored sneakers are notorious for showing dirt more easily, so be sure to invest in a sneaker cleaner and plan on regular upkeep.
What Is Considered A Dress Sneaker?
A dress sneaker is just as its name implies—it has a rubber sole like a sneaker but has the sleek, minimal style of a more traditional dress shoe. Dress sneakers are typically made of leather (or faux leather) in a low-top silhouette. They also differ from regular sneakers in that they typically don’t come in bright colors with highly visible branding; expect easy-t0-style neutrals like white, black or brown, minus loud logos.
Are Dressy Sneakers Business Casual?
Dress sneakers are considered business casual—they’re appropriate for most office jobs because of their slim, minimal silhouette. Try pairing dress sneakers with a simple, smart look (think a pair of chinos with a button-down shirt). For stricter-dress-code jobs that require a suit, you can still pull off dress sneakers. A darker suit generally works with a similar, darker-colored sneaker. For a lighter-toned suit, you should go with white sneakers for a fresh, modern look.
Which Sneakers Are Best For Formalwear?
If you plan on pairing your dress sneakers with formalwear, we recommend going with an Oxford style like our top selection from Cole Haan or a Derby style like our pick from Johnson & Murphy. Both of these shoes are sophisticated enough to wear with a suit and tie, with the added bonus of being comfortable enough for all-day wear. Opt for a dark, neutral tone—black is the most formal option, while brown is a bit more casual.
