9 Of The Best Dress Sneakers For Men, Approved By Our Editors (2024)

Becky Eaton

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wing Oxford

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 9 total, including British Tan-Ivory and Blue Marine Nubuck | Main materials: Leather, textile, synthetic sole

Cole Haan is quite possibly the original pioneer of the dress sneaker movement. Their 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.

What the reviews say: “Great choice, well worth the price, fits and comfort enjoyable to description. I’d recommend this shoe to every guy, with an on the go confront type of lifestyle. Also, they compliment a suit well.” —Nordstrom

Sizes: 6.5 to 13 | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Brown | Main materials: Polyurethane

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. 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.” — Amazon

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 9 total, including Navy and Stone | Main materials: Recycled polyester and rubber

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. They're also great for every occasion from a business meeting to the gym.” —Wolf & Shepherd

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 12 in total, including Chestnut and Midnight | Main materials: Leather, sheepskin, TPU

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: “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.” — Amberjack

Johnston & Murphy Upton Plain Toe Derby

Sizes: 8 to 15 | Colors: 6 total,including Black Full Grain and Tan Oiled Full Grain | Main materials: Leather, synthetic sole

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 bestselling, 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: “Love these shoes! They hug my feet perfectly, the soles are soooo comfortable, and they look great as well (not too fancy, not too casual). You can wear these all day and still have a spring in your step at the end of the day.” —Nordstrom

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Colors: 2 total, including Black Leather and Cognac Brown Leather | Main materials: Leather

If you want a dress shoe that’s more on the casual side, Banana Republic’s Nicklas 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: “Versatile for so many different occasions and fits my vibe for whatever I'm going for. Great quality and very comfortable. I am going to pick up more colors. Look great with jeans, chinos or even dressing down a suit.” — Banana Republic

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Colors: White | Main materials: Leather, Vibram sole

Whether you wear with a pair of jeans or chinos, court sneakers strike the right balance between business and casual. J.Crew’ 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. And Vibram outsoles provide cushioning and durability.

What the reviews say: “This is the perfect minimalist sneaker. 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.” — J.Crew

Allen Edmonds Courtside Sneaker

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Grey Suede | Main materials: Leather, rubber

When you need an extra roomy pair, Allen Edmonds’ Courtside Sneaker is generously cut in three width—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: “I've long worn Allen Edmonds dress shoes and boots, but I'd never tried one of their sneakers before. They're quite comfortable and the leather and workmanship are just stunning. 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...” — Allen Edmonds

Sizes: 6.5 to 15 Wide | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Breen | Main materials: Leather, rubber

If you’ve got wide feet, Rockport’s dress sneakers include plenty of wide width options, plus a soft, breathable interior and a fully cushioned, removable footbed. Reviewers note the comfort and the surprising lightness of the styles.

What the reviews say: “Good looking shoes. Almost weightless. Comfortable with or without socks. I bought 2 pairs because I may not find these again. Cushy, supportive, plenty of lace room to customize the fit...and stylish. It’s hard for me to find size 16 but these fit perfectly and look good with jeans or slacks.” — Amazon

Ecco Soft 7 City Sneaker

Sizes: 5 to 15 | Colors: 6 total, including Cognac and Titanium | Main materials: Leather, rubber

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 certified by the Leather Working Group for its responsible energy use, waste production and water treatment.

What the reviews say: “Comfortable, nice clean looking shoe. Takes suit to next level, sophisticated. May be the most comfortable pair of leather sneakers I’ve ever owned. Plenty of arch support. I like that they’re leather so they last longer and are easier to clean than canvas.” — Nordstrom

Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker

Sizes: 6 to 14 | Colors: 5 total, including Black Leather and Olive | Main materials: Leather and rubber

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: “Gorgeous, top quality leather that has the most lustrous gleam to it, so well constructed, and I’ve yet to find a comparable sneaker in terms of CP’s slim and tailored silhouette. If you’re looking to invest in a luxury sneaker, Common Projects holds top rank. 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.” — Nordstrom