Our Favorite Men’s Dress Sneakers to Elevate Your Wardrobe

When we head out to buy a pair of great-looking sneakers, we’re looking for something that can work in a variety of different situations. The ability to wear our favorite pieces of footwear to the gym, the supermarket, the bar, and the workplace is something of a necessity. But if there’s one area where sneakers have historically struggled to fit in, it’s within the professional environment. Below, we’ll run through a number of our personal favorites in our guide to the best dress sneakers for the office to help you find a versatile pair of kicks.

can you wear sneakers as dress shoes?

In general, offices aren’t expecting us to pull up in three-piece suits anymore, and casual wear is more accepted. However, you still want to look somewhat professional, and there are some criteria your sneakers should meet before you rock them to work. Much of this depends on the culture of your office, but with the info we’ve lined up below, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to pull off a pair of subtle, sophisticated, and comfortable sneakers for the office.

what are considered dress sneakers?

As guys, we know better than anyone that finding the perfect pair of sneakers is a rough gig, and even more so when we’re looking for examples that we can wear to the office. Luckily, a handful of the industry’s leading companies know that we spend the majority of our lives in the workplace; and, as such, they’ve catered their flagship offerings to a more professional medium. In order to get that dress sneaker style, going for more premium materials like leather and suede will quickly elevate a pair of casual sneakers into a more professional pick. You also want something subtle (regarding both the color and silhouette), without too many flashy adornments, so no running shoes with bright details or sneakers with bulky silhouettes.

what to look for

Material: The best materials for dress sneakers are undoubtedly leather and suede, but there are a variety of synthetic materials that can achieve a similar look.

Design: You want a sleek, subtle design with minimal branding and a style that can go with a variety of outfits. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and always go for the cleaner-looking shoe.

Color: Much like the silhouette of the shoe, the colors should also be subtle. Classic dress options like black and navy are great, as well as earth tones like brown or dark green.

Comfort: Since you’ll be wearing these all day in the office, comfort is an important factor. A breathable upper and cushioned insoles can make a big difference if you’re moving around a lot.

Thursday Boots Premier Low Top

Best Starter Shoes: Thursday Boot’s Low Top sneaker is a sleek example that doesn’t shy away from simplicity. Not only is this sneaker an attractive variant that boasts one of the most tasteful designs around, but it also incorporates style cues from a handful of the industry’s mainstays, giving it a plethora of strengths, and hardly any weaknesses. It features a premium full-grain leather upper, natural Vachetta leather insoles, and shock-absorbant footbeds to keep you looking stylish and suave, while providing enough support to get you through the day.

Greats The Royale

Best Full-Grain Leather Shoes: Greats’ Royale sneaker is an Italian masterpiece that’s been handcrafted by some of the country’s most talented shoemakers. Thanks to its premium leather upper, liner, and accents, it exudes an undeniable aura of class, allowing it to straddle the line between casual footwear and professional offerings. Each example is built with durability, style, and taste in mind, offering wearers a quintessential sneaker that’ll fit right in at the workplace.

Vince Fletcher Leather Sneaker

Best Slip-Ons: Vince’s leather sneaker is a refined variant of the brand’s flagship, offering wearers an illustrious take on the modern slip-on. Since it’s traded in its canvas upper for a premium, elastic-trimmed leather upper, the shoe has entered an entirely new avenue of wear. Pair that with the Fenton’s comfortable orientation and grippy rubber sole, and you’ve found the perfect recipe for everyday office use.

Filling Pieces Mondo Organic

Best Organic Shoes: Filling Pieces’ Mondo sneaker thrives off of its ability to achieve more, with less. This stripped-back style piece places a strict focus on simplicity, combining a perforated organic suede upper, Nappa leather heel tab, and waxed cotton laces with a tame silhouette that isn’t overbearing, or flashy. You’ll find a smooth leather lining, comfortable footbed, and embossed text throughout, pairing perfectly with the shoe’s in-house designed ripple sole, which offers wearers exceptional support, grip, and cushioning as they traverse the workspace.

Koio Capri

Best Color Options: Koio’s Capri sneaker is an attractive shoe that relishes its ability to keep things simple. Despite its minimalistic exterior, the shoe remains undeniably attractive, offering a mixture of Italian leather, waxed laces, and lined with premium Italian leather for ultimate comfort. Closing out Koio’s sneaker is a high-profile rubber sole, which weighs perfectly against its sleek leather upper. You’re getting removable OrthoLite Hybrid insoles, and it’s finished with a hand-painted edge.

To Boot New York Pacer

Best Suede Shoes: To Boot New York’s Pacer is an urban shoe that feels right at home in the city, and equally as relaxed in the workplace. It features a classy Italian-made silhouette that blurs the lines between casual and professional wear, offering a soft suede upper, tasteful front lacing, and a cushioned footbed. Whether you’re heading to an important business meeting or wearing it for a night out on the town, the Pacer instills an air of confidence in anyone who’s rocking the stylish shoe.

COMMON PROJECTS Original Achilles Leather Sneakers

Best Minimalist Shoes: Common Projects’ Original Achilles is a classic sneaker that’s been transported into the contemporary realm, offering wearers a modern example that clings to the characteristics set forth by history’s most prolific shoes. Thanks to its minimalistic exterior, simplified lines, and durable construction, the Achilles has amassed vast followership from around the world. Each pair is constructed with a sleek, luxurious leather upper, liner, and gold foil accents, contributing to its attractive orientation. Like all of Common Projects’ footwear, the Achilles boasts unique coding on its exterior, demarcating the color, size, and number associated with each specific model.

FEit Low Latex

Best Hand-Stitched Shoes: FEIT’s Low Latex sneaker was introduced for a life on the basketball court, but over time, it’s transitioned into the realm of competent workwear. It boasts a simplistic exterior that’s defined by raw, unlined accents, natural materials, and exposed stitching, shedding light on the hand-made qualities of each pair. The Low Latex also features a 100% hand-stitched Goodyear construction, tasteful design cues, and premium Cordovan leather that’s been nourished with natural oils and shaved. If you’re searching for a pair of sneakers that exude an aura of pure professionalism, style, and refinement, look no further than these fashionable footwear staples.

ZEGNA Triple Stitch Suede Sneakers

Best Premium Shoes: These Italian-made sneakers from Zegna are about as premium as you can get. Up top, you’re getting soft Italian suede uppers, along with elasticated inserts for an easy-wearing experience. Lastly, they’re finished with triple stitch embossing on the heels, and come in nine subtle colorways. And if the fit isn’t perfect, you have 28 days to let Zegna know, and they’ll pick them up for free.

The Best Wardrobe Essentials Every Man Needs

If you’re looking to expand your style both in and out of the office, our best men’s wardrobe essentials guide is the perfect next stop.