Dress sneakers have been a big trend for the last few years and remain a popular style for both men and women. The reason for their ongoing popularity is that they combine semi formal design with the comfort of a regular sneaker, making them an ideal choice for occasions which require smart-casual attire.
The fact that dress sneakers are so versatile means they can be worn with a wide range of outfits, including jeans, dresses, chinos, and dress pants.
Luxury brands were the first companies to market this dressier style of sneaker, which can still be seen today at companies like Hugo Boss and Thom Browne. This has led to many high-street brands developing their own ranges.
To help you choose the best dress sneakers, we have compiled a full list of options in this guide, including what you need to know before making a purchase. Let’s get started!
How to Choose Great Dress Sneakers
When deciding which pair of the best dress sneakers to buy, you need to consider the following factors to make sure you find a pair that will both feel good and look great.
Material
Dress sneakers come in many materials, but the main options for uppers are nappa or cow suede leather, which offer that luxury finish. Leather is a long-lasting material that’s naturally breathable, keeping your feet fresh. If you’d rather not go for leather, many brands offer ‘vegan leather’ alternatives or textile options.
Occasion
You need to think about which occasion you’ll mainly be wearing dress sneakers for. Is it for work? Or perhaps you have an event coming up which requires smart casual dress? Whatever the situation, you need to ensure that the shoes will work with your outfit and won’t look too casual. Go for minimal sneakers in muted colors, without too many embellishments.
Comfort
Comfort is key, so go for dress sneakers that are cozy to wear. Shoes with padded insoles or footbed inserts will keep your foot fully supported. Lightweight EVA or rubber outsoles will also help to prevent foot fatigue and give you good stability throughout the day.
Best Overall Best Dress Sneakers for a Stylish 2024
- Best Overall Best Dress Sneakers— Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Traveler Sneaker
- Best Business Casual— ECCO Soft 7 City Sneaker Men’s | Women’s
- Most Comfortable— Clarks Women’s Nalle Lace Sneaker
- Best Leather— Sperry Striper II LTT Leather Sneaker
- Best Premium/ High End— Allen Edmonds Strand Sneaker
- Best for Walking— Bruno Marc Men’s Plain Toe Dress Sneakers
- Best for Arch Support— Johnston & Murphy Activate U-Throat Sneaker
- Best for Wide Feet— Clarks CourtLite Move
- Best Budget— Jousen Men’s Sneakers
- Best Sneakers to Wear With a Dress— Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneaker
Best Overall Best Dress Sneakers— Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Traveler Sneaker
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Cole Haan does classic and minimal footwear really well, and their Grand Crosscourt Traveler sneaker is a classic dress sneaker that not only looks great, but also offers lots of features to keep you comfortable—making this a great option to consider for the best overall best dress sneakers.
The design is very clean, featuring a lace-up closure and a barely-there debossed logo stamp. The upper is made from nappa leather, and has a breathable textile lining, ideal for keeping your feet sweat-free. It’s also easy to combine with outfits thanks to the muted tones that the shoe comes in, as the optic white and tan colors work especially well.
To support your feet, the sneaker comes with a molded footbed made from the brand’s special GRANDFØAM cushioning, and the light rubber EVA offers superior traction without any extra weight.
Pros
- Leather upper
- Clean and minimal design
- Cushioned footbed
- Lightweight outsole
- Available in regular and wide-fit
- Padded collar and tongue
Cons
- No black colorway offered
What People Are Saying
One recent buyer said that dress sneakers “look great and are very comfortable.”
Another reviewer simply stated that the shoes “feel good and look great too!”
Best Business Casual Dress Sneakers— ECCO Soft 7 City Sneaker
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The key to a great pair of business casual sneakers is to look for footwear that will pair well with your business clothes, and not stand out too much. As a Danish brand, this is something that ECCO excels in, as they’re recognized for offering understated Scandinavian design with a contemporary twist.
Their Soft 7 City is available for both women and men, although for this review we’ve looked at the men’s range. The upper comes in a smooth nubuck, or a full-grain leather for a textured and luxurious feel. ECCO prides itself on using high-quality leather for wear-resistance and to prevent the leather from looking worn.
The shoe is built to a full anatomical last shape to offer an incredibly comfortable fit, and the rounded toe provides extra room in the toe box area, ideal for wider feet.
Pros
- Removable cushioned insole
- Good-quality leather upper
- Adjustable lace-closure
- Roomy toe area
- Durable rubber outsole
Cons
- Leather upper may take a while to break in
What People Are Saying
A wife who bought the shoes for her husband said, “I think these are the ideal dressy sneakers.”
One customer said, “These sneakers look elegant but quite sporty at the same time.”
Most Comfortable Dress Sneakers— Clarks Women’s Nalle Lace Sneaker
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Comfortable dress sneakers need to have great padding, support, and should come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate most foot types. Luckily, the Nalle Lace sneaker from Clarks does all this, and is also available in regular, half-size, and wide-fit sizes which are great for fitting.
Having a well-fitting shoe is important to prevent rubbing and blisters, and helps to keep your feet cozy. For extra comfort, the insole comes with a supportive contour for your arch and a cushioned footbed. To let you get into the shoes quickly, there’s an easy-access zipper on the inside of the shoe. (Please note that the laces are more for decoration rather than practical purposes.)
The upper comes in a smooth nubuck leather for a luxury finish in classic colors, but there’s also some nice metallic leather options in bronze and champagne gold for dressier occasions.
For more comfortable shoe options, especially for travel or business trips, check out our full list of options here!
Pros
- Cushioned and contoured insole
- Available in wide sizes
- Full leather upper
- Easy-access zipper
- Padded collar
Cons
- Tongue is cut quite high
What People Are Saying
One satisfied customer found the shoes to be “cute and comfortable with good support.”
Another buyer said, “They fit really well, and they’re smart enough to wear to the office.”
Best Leather Dress Sneakers— Sperry Striper II LTT Leather Sneaker
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The Striper Leather sneaker is a sleek, minimalist design suitable for both men and women, and comes in unisex sizing. However, it’s the quality of the leather that’s impressive as the shoe is made from full-grain leather that comes from a gold-rated tannery.
This gold rating comes from the Leather Working Group, which rates the tanneries that produce the leather based on the quality, production standards and safety of workers. Using good, high-quality leather means that your shoes will look great for longer, and be more wear-resistant.
The sneaker comes in a color palette of white, black, and gray and has a non-marking rubber outsole. For great grip on wet/dry surfaces, the shoe uses a wave tread design on the outsole to boost traction.
Flat waxed cotton laces are included, but they can be removed as the sneaker is designed to be worn with or without laces for a varied look.
Pros
- Unisex design
- Vulcanized construction
- High-quality leather upper
- Cushioned removable footbed
Cons
- Lining is textile rather than leather
What People Are Saying
A recent buyer said that they found the leather shoes to be “stylish, and very well-made.”
A professional who bought them for work stated that the sneakers are “very lightweight and fit really well.”
Best Premium Dress Sneakers— Allen Edmonds Strand Sneaker
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The Strand sneaker from Allen Edmonds may retail at a higher price, but as a premium dress sneaker, it’s definitely worth the money as it’s a very elegant design. The upper comes in full nappa or suede leather and combines a classic Oxford cut with neat broguing detail, including a smart brogue pattern on the toe area.
So, although it’s a traditional men’s shoe upper, the sporty, rubber cupsole keeps the overall look of the sneaker modern with a street-style edge. These would look great paired with chinos or a casual suit.
Other premium features include a plush leather lining, for excellent comfort and breathability, and a removable cushioned FlyForm insole. The relaxed fit last shape offers lots of space in the toe box area, while keeping the overall look tapered and sleek. Fit-wise, the sneaker fits true to size and comes in a wide and regular sizes.
Pros
- Flexible rubber outsole
- Leather upper and lining
- Brogue detail
- Removable FlyFoam insole
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Suede version is not water-resistant; the upper must be treated
What People Are Saying
A recent buyer found that “the shoes effortlessly complement any look.”
Another customer stated that the sneakers are “very attractive and made with top-notch craftsmanship.”
Best Dress Sneakers For Walking— Bruno Marc Men’s Plain Toe Dress Sneakers
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Although dress sneakers aren’t designed for the gym like standard running sneakers, they should still offer enough support when walking to keep you comfortable. Footwear with excellent cushioning and shock absorbing properties is key.
The Plain Toe sneakers by Bruno Marco offer just that, as they come with just under 1/4 inches of padding in the cushioned insole, which molds to your foot and helps to absorb the impact of each step you take. This’ll stop your feet from feeling fatigued after hours of walking.
The combined rubber and TPR outsole is designed to boost stability and has a good amount of toe lift, so your feet won’t drag. The tread grooves also offer excellent traction for secure footing. Even though these shoes aren’t made from leather, they look smart, and the understated brogue detailing is done well. The upper can be wiped to keep it clean.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Lightweight shoe
- Lace-closure
- Good impact absorption
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not a leather upper
What People Are Saying
One recent buyer said that these dress sneakers are “super comfortable with no heel rub.”
Another reviewer said, “I do a lot of walking for my job, and these shoes are great!”
Best Dress Sneakers For Arch Support— Johnston & Murphy Activate U-Throat Sneaker
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Arch support is important to prevent foot pains, so it’s vital that a shoe has the right amount of reinforcement in the insole to deal with this. Should you require your own orthopedic footbed inserts for arch support though, you’ll need a sneaker that has a removable insole, so you can add your own insole insert.
This is something that the Activate U-Throat dress sneaker offers, as it has a fully removable insole that comes with dual-density cushioning for the arch area. The upper is made from leather and has small perforations to keep the shoe super breathable.
The EVA outsole is also ventilated to let air circulate well, and has a high-rebound flex for comfort to ease arch stress.
Pros
- Removable insole
- Dual-density cushioning
- Full leather upper
- Rubber heel to boost traction
Cons
- Not available in wide-fit
What People Are Saying
Regarding the arch support, one customer said, “I appreciate that I can insert my own orthotic insole, it works well.”
Another buyer mentioned that the “sneakers are breathable and have perfect arch cushioning.”
Best Dress Sneakers For Wide Feet— Clarks CourtLite Move
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Clarks are a great option to consider if you have wider feet, as their sizing comes in regular and extra wide, so you can be reassured that your feet won’t be cramped when wearing their shoes.
The CourtLite Move comes in EE-wide fit and has a rounded toe to allow for extra room in the toe box. There’s also plenty of padding in the tongue and collar area to prevent rubbing, ideal if you’re wearing below ankle socks for the invisible sock look.
Design-wise, the upper is quite minimal with a lace-closure, and comes in nappa leather in a limited but smart color palette. There’s a removable textile insole that can be washed to stop odors and keep your sneakers smelling fresh.
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Padded collar and tongue
- Removable insole
- Flat platform outsole
Cons
- Leather can feel a bit stiff when first worn
What People Are Saying
One buyer said that the CourtLite has a “sleek look when paired with semi-professional attire.”
Another customer mentioned that they “liked the minimal and simple upper design of the shoe.”
Best Budget Dress Sneakers— Jousen Men’s Sneakers
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One of the lowest priced dress sneakers we’ve seen comes from Jousen, retailing at an impressive $30. Although it’s a budget option, it still looks smart, and would be a great option to consider if you have a semiformal event coming up.
Available in black or tan brown, the upper has brogue detailing and lace closure for an adjustable fit. Of course, for such a budget price, the upper is not in leather, but rather a high-quality PU material that is soft yet strong enough for prolonged wear.
A sturdy rubber outsole provides excellent traction and gives the sneaker a sleek finish.
Pros
- PU upper
- Breathable lining
- Sturdy rubber outsole
- Pull-on tab on counter
- Great value
Cons
- Limited color palette
What People Are Saying
One satisfied customer found the shoes to be “very comfortable to wear for such a good price.”
Another reviewer said, “These sneakers are ideal for work and my upcoming business meetings.”
Best Sneakers to Wear With a Dress— Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneaker
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If you want to pair a dress with a sneaker, look for something with a slight bit of platform in the outsole to flatter and lengthen your legs. Very flat outsoles are less flattering to wear, so the GrandproTopspin Sneaker is a good option to consider thanks to its thicker outsole profile that boosts height without being too chunky.
It’s also important that the sneakers aren’t too busy design-wise, and don’t steal attention from your full outfit. This is another reason why we liked the Grandpro, because although the upper has a minimal cut, it comes in a large range of tonal colors and leather finishes which look great without being too loud, making it easy for you to find something to go with your dress selection.
Pros
- Large color range
- Full leather upper
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned foam footbed
Cons
- Higher price point
What People Are Saying
One recent customer said that these dress sneakers are “very stylish and comfy!”
Another buyer said, “I love these sneakers when wearing a casual dress or shorts.”
FAQ
How do you match dress sneaker colors?
The best choice is to go with a monochromatic color upper that’s paired with a matching color or a plain white/cream outsole. This will keep your look minimal yet understated, which means you can pair your sneakers with a lot more outfit options. Avoid shoes with patterns or multiple colors on the upper.
Can you wear sneakers with a suit?
Of course! This is what dress sneakers are ideal for, and it adds a touch of streetstyle to a traditional suit look. However, it’s only suitable to combine dress sneakers with suits if it’s a smart-casual or relaxed dress code.
Consider the situation you’ll be attending first. If it’s more of a formal setting, skip the sneakers and go for a classic derby or oxford shoe, instead.
What socks should you wear with dress sneakers?
Below ankle height or no-show socks are the best option to go with if you want to appear if you’re not wearing socks. This is a great look for men wearing chinos, or for women who like to pair casual pants or dresses with sneakers.
For a more classic look, go for regular dress socks to elevate your outfit.
Bring Your Style into 2024
When choosing the best dress sneakers to buy, you should always consider what you need from the shoes before making that purchase. For example, do you need special sizing or support? Or perhaps you need a certain color to match your existing outfits.
Once you know exactly what you need, you’ll feel a lot more confident about your choice. All the shoes on our list are designed for comfort and for semi-casual wear, so have no fear about looking too underdressed with our selections. Just make sure that you buy the correct size and break the shoes in before wearing them for long periods of time to keep your feet comfortable and pain free!
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