Swanky formal affairs and important business meetings require that you make great first impressions. You can accomplish that goal in comfort when you don one of the men’s dress shoes featured in this article. This list of shoes features some of the most comfortable men’s dress shoes that are suitable for work and go very well with formal wear. Envision top-notch footwear that comes from manufacturers like Clarks, Florsheim and Bostonian, who have been making quality footwear since the 19th century. Or, picture finely crafted footwear from relative newcomers like Rockport, ECCO and Hush Puppies. Your preferences dictate whether or not you will choose brands that are more than a century old or brands that are just decades old. But rest assured, all of these finely crafted men’s dress shoes have two things in common: They are all made from leather and they are all designed to provide you with the utmost comfort.
Best Dress Shoes for Work
1. Clarks Men's Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
Clarks has made footwear since 1825 and their men’s Tilden Oxford is just one example of their line of high-quality, stylish, and supportive men’s dress shoes. The full grain leather uppers are designed to last a long time and the antique look just screams high class. The heels measure one-inch in height and the shaft is about two and one-half inches from the arch of the shoe. The lace-up closures make getting into and out of these shoes a snap, as well as providing you with a secure fit. The thermoplastic rubber outsoles of these dress shoes are both flexible and durable.
They are specifically designed to give you good traction on all types of surfaces. The inside of these dress shoes are just as amazing as the outer parts. Featuring a fabric inner lining this Clarks dress shoe will wrap your feet in luxury. The inner lining also allows your feet to stay cooler and drier. These dress shoes also feature a ortholite insole which wicks away moisture, odor and fungus. This footbed will add to your comfort level so that you can walk around all day without pain. The footbed also provides you with additional arch support while acting as shock absorbers. If you are looking for a pair of classy looking, comfortable dress shoes that will work well with business suits, formal wear, and jeans, then the Clarks men’s Tilden Oxford shoes are right for you. You can purchase these shoes in black, tan or brown.
2. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-on
ECCO Helsinki slip-on for men is unquestionably one of the best dress shoes for work you should buy today. What I find so intriguing about this shoe is the fact that it gives you a perfect fit. It is made from extra-durable ECCO leather and is available in a wide variety of colors to complement your work attire.
The shoe has an excellently padded footbed which makes your feet feel very comfortable. We also noted that it wicks away moisture and sweat effectively, keeping your feet cool and dry all day long. The softly squared toe design at the front of the shoe is made such that your feet will find enough space to move around freely with zero restrictions.
The breathability of this shoe is one to beat. It is extremely breathable with top-notch temperature and heat control, to prevent your feet from sweating. There is also a synthetic sole, further contributing to the comfort level of the shoe. The opening of the shoe is elastic, and there is a stylistic bicycle stitching at the front of the shoe for aesthetic purposes.
The well-cushioned interior is a welcome feature because it allows you to remain cozy all day long. It also ensures you get a custom fit. We love the fact that the shoe is also non-skid, for safety purposes. Inclusively, we can confidently say that the ECCO Helsinki slip-on is the perfect dress shoe for every man.
3. Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Bike Slip-On Loafer
The Rockport Men’s Style Leader 2 Bike Slip-On Loafer is another classic looking loafer with a strong sense of style for a professional atmosphere. There is the bicycle toe for a strong shape, a minimal heel and a high-quality black leather upper for a continually smart look. They come in a choice of either black or tan. This style conceals the goring panels on either side that allow for a better fit. The promise on the sales page is for a “glove-like fit” and while some would disagree, most are pretty happy with what they receive.
This is just one of the ways that the designers at Rockport have tried to ensure that this dress shoe is desirable for work. The other is in the long term comfort, especially if you have to stand in one place at a standing desk as part of your job requirement. The first element here is the sponge EVA footbes that provides a soft padding with each step. There there is the addition of the DEWIX anti-microbial lining that keeps feet dry and fresh, even on the most stressful of hot days. There is also the fact that the shoes were designed to be the best option in light, flexible shoes to reduce pressure and weight on long days.
4. Stacy Adams Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford
Another dress shoe that flawlessly compliments professional men is the Stacy Adams Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford. This shoe is made from antiqued leather, so you can rest assured that it will serve you for years. The sole is made from synthetic to offer you superior stability and support while preventing you from skidding on slippery floors.
This dress shoe has an excellently cushioned footbed which provides you unsurpassed levels of comfort all day long. It also has a breathable interior which effectively absorbs moisture, sweat and perspiration inside the shoe keeping your feet fresh and cool. The rounded toe design at the front of the shoe allows your toes to move around freely inside the shoe.
Another of this shoe’s strength is the excellently padded instep which is perfect for providing traction and absorbing shock. The heel is approximately 1 inch, giving you just the right height for maximum stability.
You’ll definitely appreciate the fact that the shoe is available in a variety of colors including cognac, black, indigo and brown. It is also non-slip to protect you from accidents when walking on oily and wet floors. Everything said, this shoe is definitely one of the best men’s dress shoes for work. Order yourself a pair today.
5. Clarks Men's Escalade Step Slip-On Loafer
The last dress shoe featured in this list of most comfortable men’s shoes is Clarks men’s Escalade step slip-on loafer. Loafers are always a pleasure to wear, but these slip-ons are even better due to the full grain leather uppers that ensure you will own these shoes for a long time. The manmade sole is made to be extremely flexible and durable. It is also designed to provide you with better traction and to help with absorbing shock. The lining is made with a combination of leather, fabric, and synthetic materials.
This combination of materials is just one part of Clarks efforts to insure your comfort. An insole that is made of Ortholite foam and can be removed or put in at will is the next part. Finally, these loafers are made to accommodate special orthotics. If you have foot problems and need that bit of extra room for orthotics that will help give you that extra support, you can do so easily with the Clarks men’s Escalade loafers. These shoes are perfect for business meetings, to wear all day at work, or just for a casual night out on the town. Fashion, comfort, and the ability to choose between walnut brown and black are what you get with the Clarks men’s slip-on loafers.
6. ECCO Men's Helsinki Santiag Toe
The ECCO Men’s Helsinki Cap-Toe Oxford Dress Shoe is another great example of a comfortable lace-up dress shoe that offers a similar level of class and sophistication to the more minimalist loafers in this guide. There are some nice little touches in the design of this shoe that shows that ECCO really care for men that want to make a good first impression at work.
The shoe retains the square toe that is popular and adds that small lace-up element over the foot. This lacing doesn’t jump out as the laces are very thin and there are blind eyelets. Other details include the tonal stitching and the subtle branded on the leather. This is all well and good, but the best work shoes also need comfort to help those who are up on their feet all day at work. This is achieved here through the shock points on the PU outsole, the leather covered padded insole and the breathable lining. This all combines for a great experience across the day. The there is the added bonus that the insole is removable, should men need to add their own orthotic device for a medical condition.
7. ECCO Men's New Jersey Lace Oxfords
ECCO is a relative newcomer to the footwear industry, but that does not mean they don’t offer comfortable and high-quality men’s dress shoes. One splendid example is their New Jersey lace Oxfords. The New Jersey lace Oxfords are made of full-grain leather, have a stacked heel, detailed stitching throughout the shoe, and boast a bicycle toe. The bicycle toe style allows the shoe to have a look that makes it great for business suits, formal attire, or casual clothes. Leather makes the shoes durable, the stitching and bicycle toe make the shoes fashionable, and the lining and insole make the shoes a dream to wear.
From the padded collar of the shoe to the insole that absorbs moisture, you will be very comfortable when donning these shoes. You will not need to worry about your feet being too hot because the insole will help to keep your feet dry. The last feature that makes these shoes desirable is the polyurethane outsole. The outsole will give you two benefits. It will give you great traction so you can feel confident that you will not lose your footing on wet surfaces, and it also acts to absorb shock. Both of these benefits are necessary if you will wear these comfortable shoes for work and have to be on the go all day. The New Jersey lace Oxfords are available in black and mink.
8. CLARKS Men’s Tilden Walk Oxford
Clarks Tilden Walk Oxford is another favorite in the men’s dress shoe world. It is the ultimate dress shoe for a classic lifestyle. Its design is simple yet classy. The low-cut shape plus the elegant finish make it really stand out.
With this shoe, you can rest assured that you’ll get top quality leather, an excellently padded interior and a well-cushioned tongue and collar for enhanced comfort. The shoe also features a simple lacing system for a secure and custom fit on your feet.
Thanks to the fully cushioned interior, the shoe is comfortable to be worn all day long. It is particularly perfect for occasions where you’ll be standing on your feet for extended hours. The shoe also has a 1-inch stacked heel for added stability.
The best part is that it comes in a variety of colors, to cater for all. It is also true to its size, and you can easily get the perfect fit thus reducing problems with the discomfort associated with wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Honestly speaking, this shoe is one of the most comfortable dress shoes for work in the market today.
9. Rockport Men's Waterproof Lead The Pack Slip-On Loafer
The Rockport Men's Waterproof Lead The Pack Slip-On Loafer merges simplicity and class with durability and comfort. These comfortable men’s dress shoes are made with leather uppers that feature hydroshield technology. This technology offers a myriad of benefits that include waterproof leather and insoles, a gusseted tongue, and sealed seams. These benefits work together to keep your feet dry in wet weather. The thermoplastic rubber outsoles and the heel cushioning of this Rockport dress shoe help with shock absorption.
Shoes made with shock absorbers reduce foot and leg fatigue. In addition to the absorbency factor, these shoes are slip-resistant and will provide you with extra traction when walking outdoors or on potentially slippery surfaces. Rockport has gone the extra mile to craft shoes that are durable and slip-resistant, but they also have thought about your level of comfort. The lining of these shoes is made with knitted fabric and the sponge footbed is made of ethyl-vinyl acetate which is designed to conform to the contours of your feet. Durable, classy, and comfortable are words that will come to mind when you put on a pair of the Rockport men’s slip on loafer. These dress shoes will pair well with a suit or your favorite pair of jeans and you will be able to wear them all day without any problems. These comfortable dress shoes are available in black.
10. Bostonian Men’s Ipswich Apron Oxford
Like most dress shoes manufactured by Bostonian, the Ipswich Apron Oxford shoe does not disappoint. In fact, this shoe is one of the best dress shoes you can get your feet on.
It is extremely comfortable, thanks to its fully cushioned footbed. It also has a spacious toe box at the front, which allows you to move your toes freely with no restrictions.
Made from high-quality full-grain leather, you can rest assured that this shoe will serve you for years to come. I loved the fact that it has a considerably raised heel to make it appear more professional.
Apart from that, it has a non-slip synthetic sole to provide maximum traction and shock absorption while preventing skid accidents when walking on slippery surfaces. You’ll appreciate the fact that there’s a comfort insole which envelopes your feet in comfort allowing you to walk around freely all day long.
The best thing about this shoe is that it has an easy lace-up design, which means wearing and taking it off is a breeze. Additionally, you can adjust the shoe for a snug and custom fit whenever you feel like. It is available in color black to compliment most of your work attire.
And on top of all these features, it has a modest price tag for those consumers on a budget. You definitely get good value for your money, and some more.
11. Nunn Bush Nelson Wingtip Oxford
The Nunn Bush Nelson wingtip Oxfords are traditionally stylish while offering a level of comfort usually not present in men’s dress shoes. These leather shoes are meticulously detailed in the brogue style, making them a perfect addition to pair with business suits or formal wear. The five eyelet lace up fronts makes them easy to adjust to perfectly fit your foot while the medallion styled toe of the shoe gives the classic wingtip look. Their style is just one feature of these Oxfords.
You will find that your feet are also well cushioned when you put on these comfortable dress shoes. The Nelson wingtip Oxfords are crafted with a comfort gel footbed. This footbed not only makes each step you take feel like you are walking on pillows, but it also absorbs shock. The outsole of the Nelson wingtip Oxford is designed to help keep you on your feet without weighing you down. The outsole is fashioned from manmade materials that make these dress shoes very lightweight. In addition to this, the outsoles are engineered to provide you with better traction than can be found in most dress shoes. The heels are a perfect height at one-inch. These comfortable dress shoes for men can be purchased in black, cognac, or brown.
12. Dockers Men’s Endow Lace-Up Oxford
There are countless positive customer reviews online about this specific dress shoe. It’s no wonder. First off, many previous wearers have confirmed that this shoe is the most comfortable shoe they have ever worn.
The Dockers Endow Lace-up Oxford features top quality waterproof leather, cushioned collar and tongue as well as a padded lining for temperature control. It also has a durable rubber sole whose main purpose is to cushion your every step allowing for a softer landing. The result is that your feet are enveloped in unsurpassed levels of comfort allowing you to walk more comfortably throughout the day.
The shoe also boasts a spacious toe-box at the front as well as an extra deep interior design allowing your feet and toes to move around freely inside the shoe. Additionally, the shoe is fully breathable, keeping your feet dry and free from sweat and perspiration. The lace-up closure allows you to adjust the fit of the shoe to your specific foot.
Without question, every feature of this shoe is designed to serve a specific function and this improves the overall comfort level of the shoe. If you’re on the search for an all-round dress shoe that will complement your work attire without breaking your bank, then look no further than the Dockers Endow Lace-up Oxford.
13. Bostonian Men’s Bolton Free Oxford
Another shoe that always tops the list of the best dress shoes for men is the Bostonian Free Oxford. This shoe has an incredibly comfortable design and sports a simple yet sophisticated style. In fact, it looks so classic; it would perfectly compliment most of your official attire.
One of the biggest advantages of this shoe is that it has a smooth and breathable leather interior, which you can comfortably fit your feet to enjoy all-day comfort at work. It also features a spacious interior so that you can move your toes and feet freely without restrictions.
The footbed of the shoe is well-cushioned for superior comfort and there’s a comfortable insole for enhanced comfort. Its shock absorbing outsole offers maximum support and stability even when traversing slippery surfaces. You’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a rocker bottom to give you just the amount of kick-back energy you need when walking.
What’s more? The shoe is extremely lightweight. If you spend long hours on your feet at work, this is the shoe to buy. Aside from that, it effectively absorbs sweat and moisture from your feet keeping them cool and dry and leaving the shoe smelling great.
Most men adore this shoe because of its versatility: it definitely performs better than most shoes in its price range, yet comes with a modest price tag.
14. Florsheim Men's Montinaro Cap Toe Dress Shoe Lace Up Oxford
Florsheim Men's Montinaro Dress Shoe is yet another excellent dress shoe for professional men. This shoe is specially made from soft, durable leather. It has an elegant and stylish design as well as a pleasant shape.
The shoe features a well-contoured footbed to support your feet and cushion every step you male. It also features a memory foam insole that works to protect all the pressure points on your feet thus allowing you to walk more comfortably.
Aside from that, it boasts an extremely lightweight sole that offers maximum stability as well as superior shock absorption. As far as convenience goes, it contains a simple lacing system that allows you to adjust the shoe for a custom fit.
This shoe will undoubtedly protect your feet from sores and blisters while allowing you to rock your day in style and comfort. It is definitely one investment which you won’t regret. Get yourself a pair today.
15. Cole Haan Men’s Shortwing Oxford
If you are doing long shifts at the workplace, the Cole Haan Shortwing Oxford is just the dress shoe you need. This shoe will give you all-day comfort while reducing the fatigue that comes after working for extended periods.
The heel measures about 1 inch and the shaft is approximately low-top from te arch. The interior features a soft breathable lining, while the non-skid outsole has a rocker bottom that gives you just the right amount of traction as well as shock absorption.
This shoe is constructed such that you can wear and take it off without much fuss, thanks to its simple lace-up closure. It is the best shoe for anyone looking for a lightweight companion at work.
The shoe is available in a variety of colors including black, tan and mahogany. If you’re looking for a dress shoe that can guarantee you all-day support and comfort, then look no further than the Cole Haan Shortwing Oxford shoe.
16. ECCO Men's Holton Apron Toe Oxford
In my opinion, the ECCO Holton Oxford men's dress shoe is another great option if you’re looking for footwear that can perfectly suit long standing hours at work. This shoe has an easy lace-up closure which allows you to wear it and take it off easily.
What I love about this dress shoe is the fact that it features a comfortable well-cushioned footbed which makes it extremely cozy. It also boasts 100 percent leather interior, which is not only durable but also breathable. Another awesome feature is its spacious, well-rounded toe-front which offers maximum protection for your toes while allowing them to move freely inside the shoe.
The rubber sole has a stable rocker bottom, which is a big advantage in pushing you forward while giving you maximum traction as well as shock absorption. Superior stability is also guaranteed thanks to the broad heel strike.
We definitely loved this shoe’s lightweight construction which allows you to walk for long hours without experiencing any fatigue. The shoe is available in black and cocoa brown to compliment most of your professional attire. Secure yourself a pair while stocks last.
17. Dockers Men's Park Slip-On Loafer
The Dockers Men’s Park Slip-On Loafer is another slip-on loafer where comfort seems to be more important than style. There are lots of details in the make-up of this dress shoe that should be ideal for those looking for the best dress shoe for walking around the office building all day.
This includes the memory foam in the insole, for adaptive comfort and support in all the right places, the fusion footbed and the padding on the tongue and collar. On top of this, there is the fact that they have focused on creating a flexible, lightweight design to suit long term wear.This isn’t to say that these men’s work shoes are not attractive, they just don’t have the instant wow factor in the materials or stitching as some other options.
They are still a strong shoe with a good shape, just the right amount of heel and clean lines. There is a squared toe, a small amount of elasticated goring on the side for a better fit and the choice of a black or brown leather. The feedback for this shoe is pretty to the point – comfortable, good fit and just what they needed. It is nothing special, but it doesn’t need to be.
18. Hush Puppies Men's Rainmaker Slip-On Loafer
Love the ease of slipping on a pair of loafers? If so, then you should consider purchasing the Hush Puppies men’s rainmaker slip-on loafers. These comfortable dress shoes are suitable for all types of weather. They boast waterproof leather uppers and sealed seams to guarantee that your feet will stay dry on even the wettest of days. The heel measures one-inch in height. These dress shoes feature ZeroG technology, which makes the shoe more lightweight while still giving you quality outsole materials. The outer parts of this shoe will keep your feet warm and dry, and the inner parts are pure comfort.
The leather quarter and tongue are lined with fabric vamp. Both the instep and collar are padded to help protect the area around your ankle. The ethyl-vinyl acetate removable footbed is covered with leather and contoured to help further pamper your feet. In addition, these slip-on loafers come with a gel heel pad to minimize the effects of heel strike when walking. If you are concerned about proper arch support, you will have no worries when wearing the Hush Puppies men’s rainmaker slip-on loafers. These comfortable shoes feature ABS shank support for your arch area. With the Hush Puppies rainmaker loafers, you will get around town without worrying about wet feet, and you will do so stylishly and comfortably. The rainmaker dress shoes are available in black and black leather.
19. Bostonian Men’s Bardwell Step Slip-On Loafer
The Bostonian Men’s Bardwell Step Slip-On Loafer comes from another company that is very proud of the materials used. The specification talks about a full grain cow leather upper, and the quality is clear in the sales photos alone. Then there is the use of goat suede – an unusual sounding option – for the lining on the interior.
This provides a soft feel, but also ensures that the shoes are more breathable for long term comfort. Another important material is the supportive PU foam in the footbed. A nice touch here is the fact that this footbed can be removed. This is ideal for those looking for the best orthotic inserts to help with foot problems caused by standing at work all day.
Overall, this is a pretty good looking shoe. It has a pretty boxy look, with that prominent square toe, small 1 inch block heel and sharp lines, but it is a professional option for men that want a slip-on shoe rather than a lace-up. The shape also hides the elastic goring for the adaptive fit. This high-end leather comes in either black, brown or tan to give buyers a little more choice over their look.
20. CLARKS Mens Unkenneth Way Oxford
Simplistic elegance coupled with advanced engineering in footwear makes the Clarks unstructured men’s UnKenneth Oxford a must have. Designed for comfort and durability, the men’s UnKenneth Oxford boasts full-grain leather uppers, lace up fronts for easy adjustability, lining made from lambskin which helps prevent foot blisters, and a special air circulation system that will keep your feet drier. These Oxfords are designed with air vents that allow cool air to enter through the intake vents while the exhaust vents let warm air escape.
The high-quality, removable insole is made from leather that is vegetable-tanned. This insole helps in the reduction of foot friction so you will enjoy a higher level of comfort with these shoes. The outsoles are made to be extra flexible and lightweight. Crafted with ethyl-vinyl acetate, these shoes will ease foot fatigue and reduce lift load. The outsoles also act as shock absorbers to ease the impact of walking all day long while being slip-resistant as well. The Clarks Oxfords are so finely crafted that the break-in time is limited for some and non-existent for others. From the minute you put on these shoes your feet will feel relieved, comforted, and you will look great wearing them too. These shoes are available in black.
Dress Shoes From Top Brands
Some of the most comfortable footwear suitable for business, formal wear, and just to wear as work shoes can be found in this list. Dress shoes from well established brand names like Clarks, Rockport, Ecco, Stacy Adams, Florseim, Dockers, Cole Haan, Bostonian and Hush Puppies will give you peace of mind that these shoes are built to last. You will also know that you will be walking around in style.
Have feet problems and looking for comfortable shoes
me too. let me know if you find any formal shoes or dress shoe that will be as comfortable as sneaker shoe such as nike or asics.
I have used Tod’s and I have been amazed by the comfort
only if sketchers made formal leather shoes for executives
I will never wear a dress or business shoe that does not have leather soles and at least a half leather heel. All the above shoes should not be called. “dress shoes” they should be called “sort of looks like dress shoe”….am I a snob…..maybe in shoes and beer…LOL.
XC4 by Johnston and Murphy
Johnston and Murphy USED to be good shoes. The leather is basically crap. They can’t even be ‘rebuilt’ amymore….junk.