Unlike traditional dress shoes, which tend to be less flexible and comfort-focused, dress sneakers have stylish uppers, an athletic outsole and good traction. After researching top footwear brands, I landed on the seven best dress sneakers for men. My top pick overall is the Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wingtip Oxford, which looks like a classic Oxford but has a contoured foam footbed that distributes weight better and cushions each step. If you're looking for a more affordable option, I recommend the Bruno Marc Casual Oxford or the Banana Republic Nicklas 2.0.
I rounded up the best dress sneakers for men that are comfortable, stylish and can elevate any outfit.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
When assembling this list, I prioritized styles that look sophisticated but have features like cushioned insoles and molded footbeds that ensure all-day comfort. I’ve included shoes for a variety of settings, from the office to formal events, with some being laid-back enough for casual outings. And finally, all my selections were reviewed and approved by Forbes Vetted deputy editor and menswear expert Kari Molvar. Below, find the best men’s dress sneakers f0r any occasion, and for more footwear picks, check out our roundups of the most comfortable dress shoes and the best casual shoes for men.
Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 7 total, including British Tan and Black | Upper material: Leather | Outsole material: Rubber
The Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wingtip Oxford combines the look of an Oxford with the comfort of a sneaker, making these shoes super versatile. The laser-perforated leather offers breathability, and the anatomically contoured foam footbed cushions your step while evenly distributing your weight. Also great: The pull-on sock liner and closed-lace design ensure a snug (but not too snug) fit. Reviewers praise these shoes for their comfort, durability and fit. However, some customers mention that the shoe runs a bit narrow. For this reason, this style comes in two widths, and the brand advises sizing up if you have a slightly wider foot or high instep.
Sizes: 6.5 to 13 | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Brown | Upper material: Polyurethane (PU) | Outsole material: EVA
Dress sneakers can easily cost several hundred dollars, so I like Bruno Marc’s Casual Oxford as a more affordable option. Although this pair isn’t made from genuine leather, the polyurethane uppers have a convincing look and feel. The honeycomb foam insole provides arch support, and the EVA outsole absorbs shock and cushions your feet. Plus, these shoes are surprisingly lightweight. Reviewers agree these shoes are comfortable, versatile and work well with a suit. However, some customers note that these shoes left a bit to be desired in terms of durability, which is to be expected at this price point.
Best Comfortable Dress Sneakers For Men
Flexible Uppers And A Memory Foam Footbed
Wolf & Shepherd
Wolf & Shepherd Swiftknit Derby
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 7 total, including Navy and White/Honey | Upper material: Recycled polyester | Outsole material: Rubber
This popular dress sneaker stands out because it’s the only shoe on our list with knit uppers—our other picks are constructed from leather or polyurethane (PU)—which helps the Swiftknit Derby feel more flexible. The uppers are also “zoned,” so certain sections have a tighter weave that hugs the foot and provides better stability throughout the day. The cushioned midsole enhances the overall comfort, and the leather pull tabs make this sneaker easy to slip on and off. Reviewers praise these shoes’ excellent craftsmanship and style—but one mentions that the integrated tongue makes the fit feel a bit tight.
Best Leather Dress Sneakers For Men
Supple Leather And Sheepskin Lining
Amberjack
Amberjack The Original
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 13 total, including Chestnut and Onyx | Upper material: Leather | Outsole material: TPU
Stylists agree that leather is the best option for dress sneakers since it holds up well and elevates any outfit you pair it with. These sneakers from Amberjack are crafted from supple leather and have a soft sheepskin lining that’s laser perforated for better airflow, which also adds an interesting style detail. Other standout features include a supportive TPU outsole and heat-activated arch support that molds to your foot with each wear. Customers who own these shoes vouch for how comfortable they are, as well as the high quality of the leather. A few note that these shoes are on the heavier side, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a lighter weight sneaker.
Best Derby Dress Sneakers For Men
Can Be Dressed Up Or Down
Nordstrom
Johnston & Murphy Upton Plain Toe Derby
Sizes: 8 to 15 | Colors: 7 total, including Black Full Grain and Tan Oiled Full Grain | Upper material: Leather | Outsole material: Textile and synthetic material
A Derby shoe is similar to an Oxford, but it has an open-lacing system, which gives the shoe a roomier and more casual appearance. The Upton Plain Tie Derby sneaker is an ultra-cushioned version of this classic style, with a contoured memory foam footbed and anti-microbial mesh lining. The leather is light and flexible, and several customers mention that these shoes are comfortable right out of the box. Due to the pointed toe, these shoes may be a bit too narrow for some feet—consider sizing up a half size or purchasing them in Wide to ensure a proper fit.
Best Business Casual Dress Sneakers For Men
Resembles Tennis Or Court Sneakers
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Nicklas 2.0
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Colors: 2 total, including White and Cognac Brown | Upper material: Leather | Outsole material: Rubber
This modern, streamlined leather sneaker is a solid option for expanding your business casual wardrobe. The Italian leather uppers come in three neutral colors, and the OrthoLite performance insoles cradle your feet. Customers love how these shoes toe the line between professional and casual—and depending on how you style them, they’re appropriate for a myriad of settings. Wear them with jeans on the weekend or a pair of chinos and a cashmere sweater when you’re heading to the office.
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 7 total, including Dark Java and Stone | Upper material: Waterproof leather | Outsole material: Rubber
OluKai is best known for its cushy sandals and slip-on shoes, but it also makes stylish dress sneakers. This pair is constructed from waterproof full-grain leather, so you won’t have to worry about going out in the rain. It’s lined with soft microfiber, and the tongue is decorated with Hawaiian kapa artwork (the brand incorporates elements of Hawaiian culture into all its footwear). While an overwhelming majority of customers find these shoes to be very comfortable, a few note that they run on the narrow side and wish they came in a wide option.
This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar. Molvar holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion and has covered men’s fashion extensively. Her recent work includes guides to the best golf shorts and best loafers for men.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics.
Louie also gathered key insight and guidance from three industry experts: Grant Alexander, founder of House of Style; Bentley Caldwell, a stylist in Nashville, TN; and Kyle Albrecht, lead stylist at Social Garb.
This story is regularly updated to ensure that all product information continues to be accurate and relevant. It was last refreshed in April 2025 by fashion writer Claire Epting.
How I Chose The Best Dress Sneakers For Men
To find the best dress sneakers for men, I considered several factors: material, style, size range, fit, comfort, versatility and price.
I focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for high-quality footwear, such as Cole Haan, Wolf & Shepherd and more.
I read through dozens of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any returns or exchanges.
Price, too, was also taken into account; I included options ranging from $40 to $190, so there’s a shoe to fit every budget.
What To Consider When Buying Dress Sneakers
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best dress sneakers for men. Here’s what to look for.
Comfort
While traditional dress shoes may require a break in period, dress sneakers have more comfort features such as padded insoles and collars, molded footbeds and enhanced traction. They effectively combine the look of a dress shoe with the feel of an everyday sneaker. If you need extra support or have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, look for flexible uppers and extra cushioned insoles to absorb shock with each step. The Wolf & Shepherd Swiftknit Derby is our top pick for a comfortable pair of dress sneakers, as the breathable mesh upper molds to your foot, and the removable footbeds have several layers of dual-density memory foam.
Upper Material
While sneakers come in various materials, ranging from leather to canvas to cotton, leather tends to be the most popular option for dress sneakers. “Leather is a solid choice for dress sneakers because it’s durable and always looks sharp,” says Grant Alexander, founder of House of Style. “Suede is another favorite of mine, especially in colder months. It adds texture and richness, and as long as you spray them with a protectant, they’re easy to keep clean—even if they get salt stains.”
Bentley Caldwell, a stylist in Nashville, TN, and Kyle Albrecht, lead stylist at Social Garb, agree that leather is the best option. If you do opt for shoe with a textile upper, like the Wolf & Shepherd Swiftknit Derby, go with a darker shade to ensure that it doesn’t read too casual.
Sole Material
While traditional men’s dress shoes often feature leather soles, dress sneakers offer a bit more flexibility. For maximum comfort, look for a dress sneaker with a cushioned midsole and an outsole made of either rubber or foam. Rubber is great for stability and traction, while foam is lighter in weight and offers more pressure relief. Keep in mind that rubber soles tend to be more durable than foam soles, so they’re the better choice for outdoor settings and uneven terrain.
Colors
Most styles of dress sneakers are available in neutral tones. “Dress sneakers can come in all colors, but white, navy, black, brown and tan are the more versatile—and the most dressy,” says Albrecht. Keep in mind that lighter shades, like white and tan, are more likely to show stains, so it’s a good idea to keep a good sneaker cleaner on hand. (A mild, colorless dish soap mixed with warm water can also work well in a pinch.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dress sneakers are typically worn in business casual or smart casual settings and are made from different materials. “I think of dress sneakers as sneakers designed specifically for style rather than sports or everyday casual wear,” says Alexander. “They’re polished, a bit more refined and purposefully designed to look nice—not just sneakers you happened to wear. They feel intentional and elevate an outfit while keeping it comfortable and modern.”
Yes, you can wear dress sneakers with a suit, as long as they’re styled properly. Look for a neutral-colored sneaker that resembles a dress shoe more than a sneaker. “When wearing a dress sneaker with a suit, pick a shoe with an upper typically worn as a dress shoe, i.e. a brogue or a wing tip,” says Caldwell. “That way, you’re getting the comfort of the sneaker sole with the elevated look of the dress shoe. It also won’t be distracting from the suit.” Alexander adds that all-white sneakers can look good, too, but they work best in late spring or summer with lighter suits.
If you’re going for a formal look, pair your sneakers with classic dress socks. In more casual environments—particularly during the warmer months—you also have the option of wearing no-show dress socks for a more relaxed appearance.
