The 10 Best Dress Shoes for Men in 2024, Tested by Our Fashion Director

We’ve tested a fair share of dress shoes, however Cole Haan’s offering reigns supreme when it boils down to both style and comfort. The classic wingtip oxfords specifically. For starters, this pair is constructed with an EVA footbed along with a hyper-cushioned rubber sole that absorbs impact with each step and feels like you’re walking on clouds. In addition, you’ll find there’s extra grip and durability, which offers solid traction and preserves its lifespan.

We found that it can handle all kinds of surfaces in New York City—everything from bumpy asphalt to rough crosswalks—and still keep up the pace. And if you’re standing on your feet all day at work, your dogs don’t go barking at the end of your shift. As for the uppers, they’re made with oiled leather that looks rich and sophisticated, making them perfect for upscale corporate events and weddings. Our editors have paired them with a tailored suit, but business casual also looks on point—swap in an oxford shirt and some chinos, and you’re ready for those laid-back office days.

Read More: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes

Make no mistake—not all sleek dress shoes come with a high price tag. Take this affordable option from Bruno Marc that didn’t skimp on quality. It’s crafted with soft leather and a plain toe, which gives them a sleek, classic look. The outer material is polyurethane, so it’s durable and easy to clean while still looking sharp.

Based on our testing, we found the slip-resistant bottom helps you stay steady on your feet, whether the sidewalks are wet or uneven. It’s a real game-changer for navigating those tricky spots around the city. Designed with a lace-up style, the oxford model keeps things snug and secure. Inside, you’ve got premium leather lining and a cushy latex footbed that’ll make sure your feet feel at ease all hours of the day.

Leather is the secret sauce for dress shoes—it’s durable, sleek, and ages beautifully. Enter Suit Supply’s derby version. Crafted with Italian calf leather, this chunky design boasts a smooth texture and luxurious feel. The craftsmanship is so top-notch, we reserve the style for cocktail parties and fancy dinners. Our fashion editors have found they also work well for a swanky night out or even a classy work event where you want to dress up but stay comfortable.

Speaking of which, the Vibram outsole is built for durability and traction. In other words, you’ll have excellent grip and longevity, whether you’re on city streets or strolling along more challenging surfaces. Plus, they hold up better to wear and tear than other leather shoes that we’ve tested. To keep these in top shape, we suggest hitting them with some shoe polish once a month. It’ll protect the material from water, bring back the color, and offer that fresh-out-of-the-box glow.

Wingtips are a smart choice when you’re searching for dress shoes with a mix of classic style and a bit of flair. That’s why we’re big fans of this Polo Ralph Lauren silhouette. Between its almond-shaped toe and brogue detailing, the design doesn’t go overboard. Those elements rather add a cool, refined touch that works for any formal or semi-formal event. In terms of styling, this shoe has a lot of versatility. Our editors have rocked it with a sharp suit as well as tailored trousers and a sweater. You can even wear it with dark jeans and a blazer for a more chill yet polished ensemble.

Sure, your eyes may grow big when you take a first glance at the price tag, but this is a true investment. With luxurious leather that’s extra supple and Goodyear welt construction that makes the shoe durable, this pair is bound to last a lifetime (no exaggeration). Plus, it has a timeless look that will never fade unlike trendy models.

When it comes to versatility, Todd Snyder’s Nomad Derby nails the sweet spot between looking suave and feeling casual. It starts with the suede upper, which has a unique ability to make a shoe feel dressed up without crossing into overly formal territory. The material is not as shiny or stiff as regular leather—nor does it require that dreadful break-in period. Based on our testing, we found you can wear these dress shoes with a suit, but they won’t look out of place if you decide to throw on some dark jeans. Whether you’re at a client meeting or grabbing drinks after work, this option will keep you looking sharp without trying too hard.

Then you’ve got the crepe sole, which is like the unsung hero of comfort. Most dress shoes have bottoms that make you feel like you’re walking on slabs of concrete. This one, on the other hand, is soft, flexible and offers a little bounce, so you can wear them all day. Plus, the contrast stitching detail helps the design really pop. It’s subtle but provides the character, breaking up the monochrome look of suede and allowing the dress shoes to stand out.

GH Bass’s 1936 Logan Flat Strap loafer might be an old-school gem, but it’s still making waves today. In fact, we found this penny loafer silhouette is having a resurgence, popping up on everyone’s feet from menswear influencers to NBA players who turn the tunnel walk into a mini runway. Our testers like to blend the vintage vibes with modern fits, wearing these dress shoes with business casual to the office and dressier attire for weekend outings.

This pair is unlined, which makes it feel lighter and breathable. However, it might take a little longer to break in compared to lined loafers, but once it does, its comfort level is perfect. When it comes to fits, you can easily pair it with wide-leg jeans and a t-shirt for an easygoing look. Or, if you want to dress it up a bit, throw on a cardigan over a tank along with some slim-fit trousers.

Read More: Best Loafers for Men

Derby shoes are less formal compared to oxfords, but can hold up well in pretty much any setting. That’s why we love Beckett Simonon’s design, which is exquisite in terms of construction. The textured pebbled leather is super tough and develops a gorgeous patina over time, so basically the dress shoes will only look better the more you lace them up. Then there’s the round toe that has this laid-back, rugged vibe going on. Plus, the extra depth means you’re getting comfort for days—your toes won’t feel cramped, and there’s room to breathe.

Speaking of comfort, we found the leather-lined insole is where the magic happens. It’s designed to adapt to the shape of your feet, so after some wear, it feels like these shoes were custom-made. Not to mention, the material regulates temperature, manages sweat to keep your feet, while also helping with odor control.

The Florsheim Norwalk is hands-down one of the best oxfords out there, and it lies within the details. The inside is cushioned with a removable Comfortech footbed with molded EVA, which contours to the natural shape of your foot and absorbs the impact of walking on hard surfaces, helping reduce fatigue and discomfort. It’s also designed to offer arch support, a feature where other dress shoes that we’ve tested missed the mark. What’s even better: this kind of quality comes at an affordable price.

One of the major downsides of traditional dress shoes is how rigid they can feel, but Flexsole Technology changes that. Whether you’re bending, walking, or even running to catch a cab, the sole on this pair gives you the flexibility you need without compromising on stability. Our testers especially appreciate the suede lining that’s engineered to feel incredibly soft and luxurious.

We found that the moment you put them on, your feet are wrapped in a cozy, glove-like interior that makes moving around a much more pleasant experience. No irritation, no break-in period—just instant comfort. Feel free to wear the wingtip silhouette with a sports coat and chinos or jeans and a tee.