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.
Florsheim ‘Press’ Double Monk Sneakers
From a bird’s eye view, you wouldn’t even know that these dapper shoes have an oh-so-comfortable cushioned sole.
To buy: zappos.com, $64 (originally $100)
Cole Haan ‘2.Zerogrand’ Stitchlite Oxford
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
Johnston & Murphy ‘Fenton’ Lace to Toe
Versatile comfort is what these black leather dress sneakers offer, along with a padded collar so the backs won't irritate your heels.
To buy: zappos.com, $139
Toms ‘Preston’ Dress Shoe
These Toms dress shoes, which the brand calls “classic, but not stuffy” are a great option for a summertime event.
To buy: toms.com, $100
Hush Puppies ‘Fielding Arrowood’ Sneaker
A brogue sneaker like this pair from Hush Puppies will tastefully elevate your travel wardrobe.
To buy: zappos.com, $110
Ted Baker ‘Duuke’ Leather Sneakers
These leather sneakers are clean and have a sophisticated brogue detail on the heel, making them polished and ready for business.
To buy: tedbaker.com, $195
Bruno Magli ‘Davio’ Sneaker
One part sporty, two parts elegant, these Bruno Magli sneaker-dress shoes can be worn for every occasion.
To buy: zappos.com, $350
Common Projects ‘Original Achilles’ Suede Sneakers
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
Allen Edmonds ‘Porter’ Derby
This style by Allen Edmonds is the ultimate dress tennis shoe, inspired by the classic white sneaker.
To buy: zappos.com, $123
Rockport Total Motion Wingtip
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, $130
Polo Ralph Lauren ‘Tavis’ Sneaker
When a dress shoe meets a comfortable high top sneaker, you get this cool, leather hybrid. What more could you want in a shoe?
To buy: zappos.com, $79 (originally $99)
Clarks ‘Edgewood Mix’ Suede Sneakers
Modernize your dress sneakers with this updated take on the traditional boat shoe.
To buy: clarks.com, $125
