The Best Men’s Dress Sneakers, Tested & Reviewed
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Office dress codes can be particularly unforgiving when it comes to shoes. While the pandemic changed how companies view the nature of work-appropriate style, there are still some occasions where dressier footwear is essential, whether it’s a big client meeting or an internal review. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a place for an elevated men’s sneaker — especially one that looks almost like a dress shoe in and of itself.
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Taking the cushioned comfort of a sneaker and fusing it Frankenstein-style with the refined polish of a dress shoe results in something inherently office-friendly. Dress sneakers don’t jump out as something that just sold out on SNRKS in two seconds; rather, they toe the line (pun intended) between formal and casual.
With so many dress sneaker options on the market nowadays, we’ve helped to cut through the clutter and round up the best of the best, performing some rigorous testing along the way to determine which pairs are truly worthwhile.
How Did We Test Men’s Dress Sneakers?
The most important part of testing shoes is to, well, wear them. I wore each pair in a variety of scenarios — including throughout the work day, at a standing desk, and on the subway — and did several activities in them, including long walks outdoors. While testing each pair. I took note of comfort (how my feet felt as I walked), as well as how they looked with the rest of my outfit.
Amberjack The Original Dress Sneaker
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Design: The Amberjack Original was so head-turning that my wife commented on how sleek they looked when she saw me slip them on. It’s hard to recognize them as dress sneakers right away; the sole might give it away, but even then, the gradient detailing on the side is relatively subtle in its execution compared to other sneakers. One thing to note is there’s a bit of Amberjack branding at the top of the tongue, but longer-length pants can cover it.
Fit: Comfortable as hell. Right out of the box, the Original felt like I’d had them on for weeks already. Even better? The arch support is composed of a specialized foam that’s heat-activated and will eventually sculpt to the heel over time with wear (and a bit of sweat, as it turns out), so they’ll get even better suited to an individual wearer. Plus, that leather will patina nicely.
Look: As close to perfect as it gets, honestly. We have some quibbles about the branding at the top of the shoe, as it is a design touch that feels too curbed from a sneaker. Nevertheless, the rest of the shoe looks like a dress shoe, and the gradient on the sole doesn’t immediately scream “sneaker.” Plus, that sweet, sweet, buttery upper leather portion rules.
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Cole Haan Zerøgrand Remastered Wingtip Oxford Dress Sneakers
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Design: Real fans might remember that Cole Haan Zerogrand was one of the very first dress sneakers to hit big. With their bright hues and super comfortable insoles, they set the mold of what the dress sneaker would and could become. Now, they’re back in the form of a reimagined, remastered wingtip Oxford with a striking sole and a handful of office-ready colorways.
Fit: These were a touch stiff right out of the box but very lightweight to wear and hold. The brand’s FlowerFoam midsole is springy and cushioned, allowing for a bit of bounce back with every step, almost like the energy return that comes from bouncy running shoes. Walking around in them felt effortless and that stiffness will go away in no time.
Look: The wingtip detailing at the top goes a long way in making these feel like dress shoes, while the funky tread on the bottom helps to give a ton of excellent grip. The design of the tread itself blends so seamlessly that it might be difficult to recognize them as dress sneakers right away, which is a great thing.
Marc Nolan "Alexander" White/Tan Leather Longwing Sneakers
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Design: Marc Nolan’s take on a dress sneaker is extremely subtle, which might be useful for those in an office environment that’s particularly strict about its dress code. But a closer look reveals a shoe that’s business outside and party on the inside; the Calfskin Pebble leather upper, complete with brogue detailing, makes the Alexander look extremely classy and timeless, while the memory foam interior is there for tons of cushioned support. Plus, there are a variety of hues that run from formal to festive, depending upon the occasion.
Fit: Very comfortable. The leather upper felt good to go out of the box, and the memory foam felt springy with each step. The texture of the brogue detailing makes for a nice addition to pair along something like jeans or even suit pants, while the rubber sole avoids the stiffness that comes with hard-button dress shoes. These should wear in nicely over time.
Look: The inherent dressy nature of the shoe may turn off some folks, but we argue that it’s a feature, not a bug. The key to a dress sneaker is that it’s meant to be office-friendly while masquerading as something else, and the Alexander absolutely fits the bill. It just may not be enough for those who are looking for something more casual.
Allen Edmonds Randolph Slip-On Sneaker
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Design: What if the beloved Vans slip-on sneaker was a loafer? That’s basically our take on the Allen Edmonds Randolph Slip-On dress sneaker, which has a flat-bottom sole reminiscent of the best sneakers. There are stud-like dots on the bottom for grip and to prevent sliding — there are few things worse than putting on pair of loafers only to slipping like you just stepped on a hockey rink — which makes these more viable during the rain or winter months. Along with Marc Nolan’s Alexander shoe, these are a more incognito option for those looking to downplay that they’re wearing sneakers at the office.
Fit: Solid! The slip-on construction, combined with a bouncy rubber sole, makes these super easy to wear. If the insole doesn’t work for personalized needs, it’s possible to swap them out for any sort of customized insert, but right out of the gate, these felt good. I noticed a bit of pinching on the sides during the break-in period, but wearing thicker socks helped with this. Plus, there should be a bit of tension there so these don’t feel like they’re sliding around on the foot with each step.
Look: These are so stealthy. At first — or even second — glance, it’s likely that most people aren’t going to notice these are dress sneakers (especially the all-black version). But some of the other hues, which have contrasting white soles, will pop in a nice way that will make them great around the office and on date night afterward.
Wolf and Shepard Swiftknit Derby Dress Sneaker
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Design: Definitely more a sneaker than dress shoe — the Swiftknit Derby is great for those with a very casual work attire policy. That’s not a bad thing, though. Their elegant, minimalist style makes them stand out, thanks to a striking white sole and a dress shoe-like upper that’s made from a super breathable knit.
Fit: Very comfortable. The sole on the footbed is sturdy enough that it feels as safe and secure as a weightlifting shoe. With plenty of traction on the sole, there’s no concern of sliding, either. The knit upper is super breathable and snug, too, evoking feelings of a sock-like running shoe. The memory foam insole is very springy and responsive but can be removed for other insoles as needed. In short, walking around in these rules.
Look: Sporty and luxe. Vibe-wise, these could have doubled for the shoes that Kendall Roy geeks out about during an episode of Succession. Paired with dress pants, an HR manager wouldn’t even bat an eye about having them in the office.
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