A few items that every man should have in his closet are as follows. A suit that is well-fitting. A pair of jeans that you can rely on. This is a great winter coat. Comfortable dress shoes are one of the most crucial necessities. Dress shoes are one of those products that you may or may not wear on a daily basis. However, there is no other option when it comes to wearing them. Sneakers and a suit are enjoyable, but they’re not necessarily appropriate for a job interview or a wedding.
It’s also a good idea to look at dress shoes before you need to wear them—or even buy them. When you’re looking for an emergency pair of dress shoes before a big occasion, you may end up with a pair that needs a few wears to break in. You can prevent the stress (and blistered heels) of frantic shopping by buying comfy dress shoes now.
Here are 10 of the most comfortable dress shoes for men that be reviewed by shoestorenyc.com
Top 10 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men
1. Clarks Un Tailor Tie
Clarks, a British business, may conjure up images of schoolyard days and handball courts, but trust us when we say that Clarks creates comfortable and stylish shoes for adults as well, even if you are most likely familiar with the name for their school shoes’
The Clarks Un Tailor Tie is a basic Derby-style silhouette that is ideal for most workplaces and is a simple yet comfortable office shoe alternative. The leather-lined tongue and collar offer a comfortable inside environment, while large panels of corrected-grain leather keep the looks clean.
There’s a reason the Clarks Un Tailor Tie is at the top of the list. This shoe encapsulates the spirit of this guide: it’s a wonderfully comfortable dress shoe that’s jam-packed with design best practices.
An EVA sole and a replaceable Ortholite insole with a leather footbed and curved form provide ride comfort. Several comfort-oriented features, including a folded tongue, leather inside, and a true-to-size fit, are in the upper. It’s comfortable, lightweight, well-fitting, cushioned and made of high-quality materials.
- Cushioned and supportive ride
- Lightweight, accommodating fit, silky lining
- Pleasant performance insole
- Not good on dusty floors and slushy pavements
2. Camper
For nearly four decades, Camper has relied on technology to create footwear that is both pleasant and supportive of the wearer’s feet.
Camper’s Lightweight collection is a great choice for a pair of comfy dress shoes. In terms of mobility, all of the men’s dress shoes in the Lightweight collection deliver excellent everyday performance. You’ll be comfy all day thanks to cushioned insoles for arch support and EVA rubber outsoles that feel like you’re walking barefoot. Oh, and did we mention Camper’s dress shoes are very sophisticated and attractive
- Comfy dress shoes
- Arch support
- Not close to sized correctly
- Laces way too tight
3. Cole Haan OriginalGrand ShortWing
Cole Haan is an American company that has aesthetically beautiful and functional footwear. It was founded in Chicago in 1928. Cole Haan’s footwear, particularly the Zerogrand and Original Grand ranges uses a variety of techniques to provide maximum comfort.
Cole Haan provides a terrific selection of dress shoes that are all really comfortable and stylish. The Original Grand dress shoes are ultralight and have exceptional cushioning inspired by moonwalking. The Zerogrand dress shoes also replicate the natural movement of the foot, allowing you to walk more fluidly and with less tiredness. Both are solid choices, but the Original Grand is better if you plan on standing for lengthy lengths of time, while the Zerogrand is better if you plan on walking a lot.
- Comfortable and stylish
- Fit well
- Nice appearance
- Comfortable
- Unconfortable rubber soles
4. Johnston and Murphy Holden Wingtip
Founded in 1850, Johnston & Murphy specialized in making high-quality, long-lasting work shoes, but in 1880, they expanded their craftsmanship and durability into a line of higher-fashion footwear that quickly became popular across the world. In 2010, Johnston & Murphy held an online “Ultimate Comfort Contest,” in which customers were asked to email in their reasons for finding shoes unpleasant so that Johnston & Murphy may address those difficulties in their next line of shoes.
The J&M Holden Wingtip is a smooth sheepskin-lined dress shoe with a comfy footbed. For a smooth over-the-foot sensation, the upper interiors line with foam-quilted leather. Although the Holden lacks a ‘Dual width’ insole like some J&M shoes, the upper is true to size.
A foam monopole connects the midsole and outsole, providing exceptional cushioning for all-day comfort. There are a variety of color combinations to choose from, including contrast and tonal-colored combinations. To be sure, Holden models with tonal midsoles are dressier than those with contrast-colored midsoles.
On a related topic, the welt on the midsole isn’t actually a welt. The leather upper adheres to the midsole, which is embellished with pre-attached welts.
- Comfortable soles
- Great construction
- Good appearance
- No ankle padding
- Scraped off the skin
5. Amberjack The Original
Amberjack is a relatively new brand, having debuted in November 2020. The Amberjack crew, on the other hand, has years of expertise working with some of the industry’s top names, including Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas.
They only have one shoe, the ‘The Original,’ an elegant dress shoe that comes in four timeless colors. However, when it comes to men’s dress shoes, this shoe is a game-changer. The Original’s soles are very unique, Amberjack-developed proprietary materials that provide all-day comfort! The shoes also have heat-activated arch support made of foam (which is more durable than memory foam) that molds to your foot for personalized arch support when heated by your body heat.
Not to mention a dual-density outsole with high-performance sports technology for flexibility in the front and sturdy hiking boot material for support in the back. Oh, and the water-resistant Italian suede used for the upper is sourced ethically. So you can wear these dress shoes rain or shine and the suede will remain preserved and fresh. These are some of the most comfortable dress shoes you’ll ever own.
- Stylish design
- Comfortable
- Various colors
- Deal-breaker
- Cement-soled
6. Ecco ST1 Hybrid Plain Toe Gore-Tex
You know you’re in the proper place for comfortable shoes when a company’s aim is “to be the premier premium brand for shoes and leather items.” Ecco takes pride in its ability to innovate and develop the footwear and leather industries.
Isn’t it obvious from the name? For rainy-day commuting, the waterproof version of the ST1 Hybrid sports a Gore-Tex lining. It’s difficult to tell from the outside that this is a waterproof dress shoe.
The upper is made of flexible leather for a comfortable fit, while the interiors are smooth thanks to materials like mesh and leather lining. A removable single-density insole with a leather-lined footbed provides underfoot comfort.
Ecco named this shoe the ‘Hybrid’ for a reason. The traditional welted upper is paired with a strong Polyurethane midsole that provides a great balance of cushioning and stability. For more cushioning, a softer foam core is positioned under the heel.
A grippy synthetic rubber outsole provides traction while also contributing to ride comfort. The ST1 Hybrid’s bulky build is one thing we don’t like about it.
- Comfortable
- Water proof
- Squeak heel
7. Florsheim
Florsheim, an American company founded in 1892, has been creating high-quality footwear for a long time. This brand is known for being at the forefront of new trends while remaining faithful to its classic aesthetic and superb workmanship. When you buy a shoe from Florsheim, you know you’re getting a great shoe.
Florsheim offers a wide choice of men’s dress shoes in a variety of colors and styles, but they all have Florsheim’s Comfortech technology. This means that all dress shoes have cushioned footbeds, breathable linings, rebounding insoles, and outsoles that let you step more easily. When it comes to comfort and style, nothing beats this.
- Stylish shoe
- Comfortable
- Color variation between sizes
- Do not slide well
- Heel is sticky
8. Hush Puppies
Since its beginnings in 1958, Hush Puppies has become a worldwide recognized household name, selling over 17 million pairs of shoes annually in 150 countries across the world. Hush Puppies is most known for its casual footwear, but the firm also produces some very elegant dress shoes for men.
Hush Puppies’ dress shoes, in addition to being beautiful, have Bounce technology, which minimizes stress on your feet by absorbing the energy released when you walk. For unsurpassed comfort and support, dual-density outsoles release energy with each stride by absorbing and transferring shock through the air pods at the heel and ball of the foot. Talk about a pair of dress shoes that is both stylish and comfy.
- Affordable price
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Durable construction
- Make blisters on heels
9. Mephisto Cap Vert
Although we admire Mephisto’s craftsmanship, we steer clear of its men’s dress shoes because they aren’t especially appealing. The Cap Vert, on the other hand, is an outlier. They’re a business casual alternative as a penny loafer. As a result, we wouldn’t wear them with a suit, but they’re a great option for being on your feet all day.
They’re quite practical as slip-on loafers. Furthermore, the tongue’s increased cushioning eliminates pressure points. Meanwhile, a distinctive Air-Relax cushioned insole is developed with an extra soft leather inner for added breathability. As a result, they’re a great choice for any season.
- High-tech materials
- Modern concepts
- Breathabilty
- Small in size
10. Rockport Tanner
Rockport is a trustworthy dress shoe company that you can trust if you’re on a budget. Tanner has a nice selection of wingtip Oxford shoes that you may wear for a variety of events.
It has a detachable OrthoLite footbed, for example, which is an excellent brand of pleasant inserts. Meanwhile, the outsole’s lightweight rubber will absorb vibrations and provide increased traction.
Despite not being the greatest men’s dress shoes on the market, these wingtip Oxford dress shoes have earned a spot on this list due to their affordability and dependability.
- Cushiony insole
- Comfortable shoes
- Grips socks
- Not durable
What Makes A Dress Shoe Comfortable For Men
Consider your favorite pair of running shoes; they’re likely to be quite comfy, right? You could easily wear these all day if you wanted to. These are the traits you should search for in a comfortable pair of dress shoes that your running shoes have.
Flexibility
Most dress shoes inhibit this natural movement and try to push a different movement onto your foot, which is what makes them so uncomfortable. Running shoes are more comfortable since they better mirror the natural movements of your foot. Look for dress shoes with a more flexible upper if you want to be more comfortable (the part that covers the top surface of your foot).
Insoles
Most high-end dress shoes feature a leather sole, which is durable but not particularly comfortable, at least at first. Running shoes typically feature a soft foam footbed that cushions the foot as it makes contact with the ground, and you should search for cushioned insoles in your dress shoes as well. Leather insoles, on the other hand, will ultimately mold to your foot and become more comfortable than foam alternatives if you are willing to wait.
Cushioning & Soles
Refer to your running shoes once more. Their sole is most likely comprised of a soft, flexible, and long-lasting foam. In comparison, your dress shoes are likely to feature a leather or hard rubber sole. Your running shoe absorbs the impact when you make contact with the ground, however, your formal shoes do not, making them more unpleasant. While a dress shoe will never have the same level of comfort as a pair of running shoes, the appropriate type of sole can help make them more wearable.
Shoes with Goodyear or Storm welts restrict flexibility and are uncomfortable until they are broken in, which can take a long period. Shoes with a Blake stitch, Bologna stitch, or glued sole are more durable than those with glued soles, so if comfort and flexibility are important to you, choose shoes with a Blake stitch, Bologna stitch, or glued sole.
Consider the sole material’s stiffness and rigidity as well. Rubber is usually softer and more comfortable than leather, which can be tougher and less so. Make sure the shoe has some cushioning between the sole and the footbed for enhanced comfort.
Types of Leather
Dress shoes made of leather don’t merely dress shoes made of leather. Those who care about how their feet feel should think about the types of leather they’re made of, and there are four to consider.
Full Grain Leather
This is the most frequent type of leather used in dress shoes, as well as the best quality. Full-grain leather is distinguished by its rich, smooth, and flaw-free surface. This means it’s frequently used in its natural state, without the need to sand or buff away flaws. It’s also sturdy because the fibers and grain haven’t been altered from their natural condition. Full-grain leather produces a natural patina coating that preserves the leather from wear and tear. However, we still recommend that you replenish your dress shoes with additional nutrients.
Top Grain Leather
The second highest quality leather found on dress shoes is top grain leather. It’s more flexible than full-grain leather because it’s thinner. It has a sanded surface that is less breathable. This has the advantage of being more stain-resistant than full-grain leather.
Genuine Leather
This is the proof you’ve been looking for that marketing is an effective weapon. Although genuine leather dress shoes are constructed of leather, they are of the lowest quality available. These shoes are created from the leftover leather from high-end items, which is rejected by excellent shoemakers. As a result, these dress shoes are less pleasant to wear and endure for a shorter period of time. Their benefit is that they are readily available and inexpensive.
Corrected Grain Leather
The rectified grain is one of the lesser-known leathers. Consider this a hybrid leather, in which a specific type of leather is used and then corrected or polished by leatherworkers. This indicates that it has been embossed with a fake grain before being refined with sanding, dyes, and stains.
It’s also one of the most budget-friendly leather dress shoe selections.