11 Men’s Dress Sneakers That Don’t Scream ‘Tourist’

By Katie Fish
April 30, 2018
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Banana Republic & Amazon
Nothing pegs a tourist more quickly than a chunky pair of athletic sneakers. You can spot them from a mile away, and they can take an otherwise neutral look from cool traveler to dorky out-of-towner almost immediately. Sure, they may be comfortable shoes for walking, but who wants to look like you got separated from a tour group when you could be blending in with the locals?

For your next vacation, leave your clunkers at home and instead pack a pair of sneakers that look like dress shoes. Thanks to a recent resurgence of sneaker culture, styles are getting sleeker every day.

Related:The Best Men’s Travel Pants for Every Type of Trip

Men’s dress sneakers offer a blend of comfort, style, and sophistication that your average tennis shoes lack. Wear them while in transit for their comfort, but keep them on when you get to your destination for their fashionable appeal.

Worn with shorts or jeans during the day, dress sneakers give a polished casual daywear look. With a suit in the evening for an event like a wedding, graduation, or even a nice dinner out, they'll give an easy-yet-cool vibe that will leave your feet feeling happy at the end of the night.

Read on to see our picks for the most comfortable dress sneaker styles — they’ll easily become your new go-to pair of travel shoes.
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Banana Republic ‘Nicklas’ Leather Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Banana Republic

Made with temperature-regulating technology originally developed for NASA, these sneakers get an A+ for thermal comfort and breathability. Banana Republic’s Advanced Comfort Technology insoles also feature shock absorption in the heel, arch support, and breathable flex on the toe pads.

To buy: bananarepublic.com, $128

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Cole Haan ‘2.Zerogrand’ Stitchlite Oxford

Credit: Courtesy of Cole Haan

Cole Haan’s knit 2.Zerogrand sneakers make dressing up easy and comfortable (for once). There are 13 different colorways to choose from.

To buy: colehaan.com, $200

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Johnston & Murphy XC4 ‘Prentiss’ Plain Toe Shoe

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

While these shoes are sure to provide a sense of style to any ensemble, their real draw is the fact that they can withstand any type of weather. The upper is constructed with soft, waterproof leather and the sole is made of abrasion-resistant polyurethane, while memory foam cushioning in the footbed offers arch support.

To buy: amazon.com, from $130

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Toms ‘Preston’ Dress Shoe

Credit: Courtesy of Toms

These Toms dress shoes, which the brand calls “classic, but not stuffy” are a great option for a summertime event.

To buy: toms.com, $52

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Hush Puppies ‘Gus’ Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Sleek and functional, this Hush Puppies model is a true sneaker-oxford hybrid. Its super-lightweight design is further improved by a shock-absorbing midsole and a long-wearing Rubberlon outsole. One reviewer calls it “probably the most comfortable shoe [he has] ever worn.”

To buy: amazon.com, from $42

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Ted Baker ‘Thawne’ Burnished Leather Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of Ted Baker

If you’re looking for a sturdy shoe built to last, you may want to get your hands on a pair of these. The Ted Baker sneakers feature feature a 100% bovine leather upper, sock, and lining, and a 100% rubber sole. The fact that they effortlessly complement both formal and casual outfits is just an added bonus.

To buy: tedbaker.com, $210

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Brooks Brothers 1818 Footwear Textured Leather Chukka Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of Brooks Brothers

A quality chukka shoe elevates any wardrobe, and this pair doubles as a sneaker and a boot. Crafted with textured Italian leather, these stylish kicks will provide comfort through even the longest days of standing or walking.

To buy: brooksbrothers.com, $298

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Common Projects ‘Original Achilles’ Suede Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of Mr. Porter

Common Projects makes a timeless, comfortable dress sneaker in a variety of colors and fabrics that can be dressed up or down.

To buy: mrporter.com, $425

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Greats ‘Court’ Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Greats

These sneakers pull inspiration from classic basketball shoes, so they’ll lend any look a sporty edge. Handmade by Italian craftsmen, the premium leather- and suede-accented shoes provide natural, custom-fit comfort on the first wear as well as on the hundredth.

To buy: greats.com, $179

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Rockport Total Motion Wingtip

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

Business on top, party on the sole. This Rockport style really hits the mark at the cross of dress and sports shoe.

To buy: zappos.com, $115

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Clarks ‘Un Costa’ Lace Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of Clarks

Clarks is known for their comfort and durability, but thanks to Gait Mapping engineering that provides maximum impact absorption, the Un Costa sneakers really take things up a notch. Plus, the unretouched leather sockliner feels majorly soft against the wearer’s feet.

To buy: clarksusa.com, $130

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