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The 9 Best Sneakers That Look Like Dress Shoes

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by Maria Cassano
Updated: 
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In my opinion, no one should ever have to compromise comfort in the name of fashion. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on the town, the best sneakers that look like dress shoes keep you comfortable and stylish at the same time. In order to find the ideal pair for you, you'll want to marry the right look with the right features.

The best dressy sneakers will likely resemble a flat, a wedge, or a loafer, but it should still have all of the features that make a shoe especially comfortable — this includes a nonslip sole, breathable, flexible materials, and a padded insole. Unlike your average sneaker, some won't have laces (which make for a more casual look), but some may replace the laces with buckles, straps, or zippers; that way, the shoe still fits securely and is easy to put on and take off.

Almost everything else is up to your own personal preferences. Are you looking for a pair that's more fashionable or professional? Do you prefer suede, canvas, or leather? What color will best match your work wardrobe? These nine sneakers span a wide range of styles, but they've all got one thing in common: They're cute and comfortable.

Shop The Best Sneakers That Look Like Dress Shoes

In a hurry? These are the best sneakers that look like dress shoes:

  1. The Platform Wingtip Oxfords: DADAWEN Oxford Shoe
  2. The Flat-Sneaker Hybrid: Skechers Microburst One Up Fashion Sneaker
  3. The Highly Rated Zip-Up Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden Wedgie Sneaker
  4. The Classic Sneakers With A Polished Vibe: Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker
  5. The Dressy Sneakers In Tons Of Colors & Patterns: Blowfish Malibu Marley Sneaker
  6. The Comfy Loafers With A Slight Heel: Clarks Cheyn Madi Slip-On Loafer
  7. The Zippered Slip-Ons With Thick Soles: CUSHIONAIRE Nissa Memory Foam Slip-On
  8. The Breezy Sneaker Flats With Lace: Skechers Sport EZ Flex Flighty Slip-On Flats
  9. The Fan-Favorite Loafers That Are Mega-Lightweight: Hey Dude Wendy Loafers

1These Platform Wingtip Oxfords

For a modern update on an all-time classic, it doesn’t get better than these platform Oxfords. Yes, they have laces, but due to the water-resistant leather, Oxford design, and wingtip perforations, they're not at all your standard sneakers. The anti-skid sole and lightweight lining help you to stay comfortable all day long, while reviewers noted the comfy insole. This versatile look can be worn with jeans, slacks, and skirts alike. Choose from nearly a dozen different colors.

A reviewer wrote: “I wanted a fun shoe to wear with dress clothes and this is perfect. I wore to a work conference and they were really comfortable but dressy enough to wear for work.”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 10
  • Available colors and styles: 11

2This Flat-Sneaker Hybrid

The Microburst One Up fashion sneaker from Skechers might look like your standard flat, but it's designed to provide comfort and support like a sneaker. It has a textured rubber sole and an air-cooled memory foam insole — plus the fabric upper stretches with you as you move.

A reviewer wrote: “These are my second pair. They are my favorite shoes of all time. I’m a comfort first person. Sketchers are my favorite brand and these are my favorite sketchers. I will wear them until they are worn out. They are a dressy enough shoe to wear with nice outfits, but feel like slippers.”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 12 (wide options available)
  • Available colors and styles: Black

3A Highly Rated Zip-Up Wedge Sneaker

These Steve Madden sneakers feature a high-top design, suede exterior, and wedge sole, making them both stylish and comfortable. The dual-zipper closure makes it easy to get them on and take them off, while the sturdy rubber sole is both nonslip and shock-absorbing. Buyers say the fit is a little bit narrow, but they're offered in half sizes, so those with wider feet might want to size up. They’re offered in more than a dozen styles, including faux suede, snakeskin, and even an option lined in fuzzy material to keep feet warm in cold weather.

A reviewer wrote: “I love these shoes because they are so universal. You can wear them with leggings, jeans or a dress. They look amazing and are really comfortable.”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11
  • Available colors and styles: 18

4The Classic Sneakers With A Polished Vibe

The Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt sneaker boasts a classic tennis shoe profile, but the sleek leather construction gives it a polished vibe — and you can also choose from suede, raffia, and even floral print options. Lightweight and flexible, the lace-up sneakers feature targeted traction on the outsoles for a good grip wherever you walk.

A reviewer wrote: “Dresses up the tennis shoe look! Can wear them with jeans or nicer pants. Love that they are so lightweight!”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11 (select wide options available)
  • Available colors and styles: 9

5A Dressy Sneaker In Tons Of Colors & Patterns

If you're looking for an elegant shoe that you can easily wear with a skirt, dress, or jeans, look no further than Blowfish's Marley shoe. Instead of laces, this one features stretchy elastic straps that adjust to your foot as you move. Plus, with a range of colors from solids to gorgeous floral patterns available, it's easy to choose an iteration that is much dressier than your average sneaker. It slips on and off with ease and the footbed is cushioned for added comfort. However, if you're looking for tons of nonslip action in your sole, you might be better off with one of the other pairs on this list. That being said, with a 4.6-star rating after more than 23,000 people have weighed in, it's clearly a much-loved pick.

A reviewer wrote: “They can be dressed up or down. Perfect with jeans or a dress, very comfortable for long walks and travel! This is my 4th pair, so many colors to chose from!

  • Available sizes: 5 — 10 (select wide options available)
  • Available colors and styles: 70+

6This Comfy Loafer With A Slight Heel

The Clarks Cheyn Madi slip-on falls somewhere between a sneaker and a loafer, and because of that, it's a top pick for comfortable but dressy shoes. The upper is made from 100% leather and features strap-button detailing. It has a slight platform heel — but it's still super comfortable due to the nonslip sole and OrthoLite footbed. Get them in a good range of neutral colors and sizes, including narrow and wide options.

A reviewer wrote: “I love these shoes! I always find dress shoes to be uncomfortable, however these were comfortable the very first time I wore them. They also look great with dress pants.”

  • Available sizes: 5 — 12 (select wide options available)
  • Available colors and styles: 9

7The Zippered Slip-Ons With Thick Soles

For easy on and off, these slip-on sneakers feature heel tabs and side zippers — and once you’re walking, the memory foam insoles and thick, shock-absorbing outsoles cushion every step. Made from vegan nubuck, these sneakers come in both perforated and non-perforated styles.

A reviewer wrote: “These are fantastic!! A more “dressed” shoe than the standard gym shoe, but just as comfy!! I wear them with black no show socks and it’s a perfect combo!!”

  • Available sizes: 6 — 11
  • Available colors and styles: 4

8These Breezy Sneaker Flats With Lace

The fabric outer on these Skechers EZ Flex slip-ons features a pinwheel lace design, so they're much dressier than your average sneakers. Still, the rubber soles and memory foam insole aim to reduce slipping and discomfort all day long. Choose from neutrals like black, gray, white, and navy.

A reviewer wrote: “Second pair—SOOOOOOOOO cute with dress/skirt, capri, ankle pant or short. Wore constantly on overseas trip with lots of walking—divine.”

  • Available sizes: 6 — 11
  • Available colors and styles: 6

9The Fan-Favorite Loafers That Are Mega-Lightweight

Boasting an impressive 4.7-star overall rating after 76,000 reviews, the Hey Dude Wendy loafers are a go-to if you’re in the market for comfort. The unique shoes are designed to offer complete freedom of movement to feet, and the lightweight construction — just 5 ounces — means they won’t weigh you down. Made from breathable cotton canvas, they feature memory foam insoles and elastic laces for easy on and off. Not to mention, they come in more than 90 colors and styles.

A reviewer wrote: “They're flexible, cushiony, and unlike any other shoe I've worn. My feet didn't feel cramped at all, in fact they got more comfortable as the day wore on. I'm going to need a whole wardrobe of these shoes!”

  • Available sizes: 4 — 12
  • Available colors and styles: 90+

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