The 8 Best Dress Sneakers for Men, Tested and Reviewed

The gold standard for dress sneakers, the Common Projects Achilles’ minimal design, lack of branding, and luxe build set them apart from anything like them when they debuted 20 years ago. The company now makes several different styles of sneakers, but the original is still the best and most imitated. Perfectly dressed down with dark denim and a T-shirt, the shoes are just as at home paired with a slim black suit or oxford shirt. 

Made in Italy of premium leather, the Achilles are comfortable out of the box and require only a short break-in period; after that, these will be your go-to sneakers whether going out for drinks or strolling around a new city. The shoes offer enough support and cushion to use these sneakers as daily walkers without worrying about blisters or pain. The Achilles is also a perfect travel shoe, as their low profile makes them easy to pack while the versatile looks can be paired with multiple different travel outfits. While the price of the Achilles has steadily increased throughout its lifetime, premium leather will only improve with age, so you can consider these sneakers a solid wardrobe investment.

The Details: 7 to 14 | Leather, rubber

One of the many loving recreations of the Common Projects Achilles, J. Crew’s take on the white dress sneaker sets itself apart with a contrasting brown leather interior that gives the shoe a more laid-back, effortless look. 

The Court Sneakers feature a Vibram rubber sole for increased traction when the pavement is a bit damp, making them a good choice for those who live in rainier climates or need additional support. When I first wore the sneaker, the low rise of the heel caused some initial discomfort and blistering, which went away with subsequent wearing. The interior leather is exceptionally comfortable, making the shoes easy to wear with and without socks. The price point makes this an excellent option for those who want a white dress sneaker that they don’t mind getting a bit scuffed up. 

The Details: 7 to 13 | Leather, rubber

One of the more “dressier” dress sneakers we tested, the Oliver Slip-On from Allen Edmonds features a more elegant shape with stretch laces designed to slip on and off easily. The shoe features an all-black design with perforations on the side to help with breathability, though we found that the shoes did not always feel that breathable, though never too hot. Due to the slip-on style of the shoe, we noted that sizing down may be needed for an accurate fit. However, being able to get these on in an instant with the slip-on design makes these a stellar pair of shoes for business travelers going through the TSA line.

The Details: 7 to 14 | Leather, rubber

Cole Haan knows a thing or two about making good dress shoes, so it’s only right that their take on a dressy sneaker is one of our favorites. 

Their ZeroGrand Remastered Stitchlite Wingtip Oxfords feature a monochrome knit upper that is not only lightweight but breathable and offers some compression for added support. Thanks to the lightweight knit construction, the sneakers run true to size and are comfortable right out of the box. While the shoes aren’t water resistant, the sole has enough traction to walk over slick surfaces without slipping. We were able to wear them to multiple weddings, dancing the night away without any pain or discomfort, which is why they’re ultimately our favorite travel shoes for men. The lightweight knit makes this an excellent choice for dressing up an airport outfit to look more put together without sacrificing comfort. 

The Details: 7 to 16 | Stitchlite upper, dandelion rubber, and EVA

These Thursday Boots sneakers offer the best of both worlds: the comfort of a sneaker with the durability of the brand’s boot offerings. The exterior is made from high-quality Chrome leather, while the interior is lined with soft sheepskin for a cozy fit. The low-top design features a dual-density rubber outsole, providing excellent traction without feeling heavy. While we think the arch support could be improved, the sneakers became comfortable after a brief break-in period. The thick lining doesn’t compromise breathability, the compact design makes them easy to pack in luggage, and their versatility makes them suitable for several different looks.

The Details: 6 to 16 | Leather, sheepskin, and rubber

Banana Republic’s vegan leather sneakers look and feel similar to real leather but cost significantly less than other leather dress sneakers we tested. We found that the vegan leather was comfortable right out of the box and didn’t require the typical break-in that real leather models would. We also noted that the shoes tend to run a bit larger than normal due to the lack of stretching and breaking in, so be sure to take that into account before ordering these. 

The shoe was relatively flat and didn’t offer a ton of support for long-term wearing, though we still think the sneakers had enough cushion to be comfortable. Because of the shoe’s budget-friendly pricing and good looks, the vegan leather sneakers made for an excellent travel option for those who don’t want to travel with nicer pairs.

The Details: 8 to 12 | Synthetic leather, rubber

The Beckett Simonon Morgen trainers are our favorite everyday dress sneakers, thanks in large part to their comfortable support and roomy fit. They are perfect for spending the day on your feet, whether at the office or after hours with friends.

Besides the superior comfort, the shoes’ styling makes them a great choice for pairing with different outfits, including casual settings and more strenuous outdoor activities. We found that the shoes didn’t need much of a break-in period, if at all, and were ready to go for a long period of time just out of the box.

The leather lining of the shoes is also perfect for absorbing sweat and odor and regulating temperature, keeping you comfortable during the day.

The Details: 7 to 14 | Leather, suede, and rubber

Our pick for best splurge is these Tuscan Leather Court sneakers from menswear icon Todd Snyder. The Italian-made, two-toned court sneakers are a perfect blend of dressy and sporty and would look just as convincing at the office as they would shooting baskets.

The shoes are comfortable out of the box and fit true to size, though a minor break-in period should be expected. 

Premium details of these shoes include brogue-style stitching and a suede “mudguard” at the front of the vamp, which provides additional support while adding to the luxe dress shoe look. The cork footbed and solid rubber EVA sole provide even more support for all-day wearing and will also withstand long periods of wear. The cork insole may cause problems if you wear them with socks, but it isn’t noticeable enough to be an issue.

The Details: 8 to 13 | Leather, suede, cork, and rubber