Best Products Style Shoes The 10 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed The Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby is our top pick. By Todd Plummer Todd Plummer Instagram Website Todd Plummer is a travel and style writer from Boston with over ten years of experience. He has visited seven continents and over seventy countries on assignment. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 20, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process Other Men’s Shoes We Liked Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Ace Marks / Thursday Boots / Clarks Nobody likes uncomfortable shoes. We’ve all experienced them — stiff dress shoes we pull out of the closet once or twice a year to attend a wedding, or when the big company boss is in town, then we come home with sore feet and blisters on our heels. The wrong pair of shoes can wreak havoc not only on your feet, but on your posture, throwing your back out of whack and causing soreness up and down your body. Luckily, buying a stylish pair of dress shoes does not mean you need to compromise on comfort. Our Travel + Leisure product testers were tasked to find the most comfortable men’s dress shoes on the market. We arrived at these results by analyzing 23 pairs of shoes in the following areas: out-the-box comfort; comfort after two hours of wear; comfort after a full day’s wear; and overall comfort, fit, quality and value. Ultimately, our top pick went to the Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby, a fantastically comfortable shoe that looks smart, as well. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Clarks Men's Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Boots: Thursday Boot Co. Cavalier Chelsea Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oxfords: Magnanni Corey Oxford Shoe at Magnanni.com Jump to Review Best Loafers: Magnanni Ramiro II Apron Toe Penny Loafer at Magnanni.com Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Mephisto Edlef Slip On at Amazon Jump to Review Best Plain Toe: Ecco City Tray Plain Toe Derby at Amazon Jump to Review Best Fit Out of the Box: Ace Marks Cap Toe Griffin Oxford at Acemarks.com Jump to Review Best Casual: Dr. Scholl's Sync Oxford at Amazon Jump to Review Best for All-day Wear: Stacy Adams Men's Dickinson Cap-Toe Lace-up Oxford at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby 4.9 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.6/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: It looks like a derby, but wears like a sneaker.What to Consider: The sneaker sole may read a little casual for some workplaces. Cole Haan has been synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and excellent shoemaking for nearly 100 years. These Cole Haan classics are a best seller for a reason: they have a buttery smooth, yet supportive fit right out of the box, and are equally as pleasant for short strolls as they are for long walks. Our reviewer appreciated the quality of the leather uppers and herringbone stitching, and admired the comfortable but supportive fit. The only area where this shoe lost a fraction of a point was for the comfort rating — because the rubber sneaker sole has a slight degree of support instead of just pure marshmallowy bounce back. But a little bit of support goes a long way and still secured the top spot for this pair of shoes. Our reviewer was able to wear them all day long and feel their back was supported, too. A removable cushioned insole adds even more comfort. They’re also, simply put, a beautiful pair of shoes. The brogue detailing lends a heritage feel, and the grooved rubber sole offers a distinctively modern approach to a classic silhouette. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes: 7-15 | Material: Leather upper, rubber sole Best Budget Clarks Men's Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: This is a great shoe at a great price.What to Consider: You’ll likely need to order a half-size up. A pair of dress shoes for under $60? An absolute steal. The Tilden Cap Oxford from Clarks delivers everything you want from a dress shoe — great color, quality stitching, a sturdy yet comfortable sole — and they're extremely soft right out of the box. These are a great choice for city commuters and anyone getting dressed for a formal event. Our reviewer especially loved their versatility, pairing these shoes with a variety of dress pants for the office as well as his favorite chinos and blue jeans for off-duty use. Our tester did find the fit a bit snug, so it might be best to order half a size up. Overall, however, this is a great shoe offered at fantastic value for the price. Price at time of publish: $90 Sizes: 8-13 | Material: Leather Best Boots Thursday Boot Co. Cavalier Chelsea Boot 4.9 Thursday Boot Co View On Amazon View On Thursdayboots.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: It has a versatile silhouette for formal and casual occasions alike.What to Consider: A cork midsole means it takes a bit of time to break these shoes in. Be stylish without being stuffy. The Cavalier has a classic Chelsea boot silhouette from Thursday Boot Co., with sleek lines, balanced proportions, and an elasticized heel band so they slip on and off with ease. They’re crafted with a cork midsole that forms to your foot over time, and the soft, hand-finished leather upper will also burnish and mold to your foot shape as well. They’re comfortable out of the box, but will grow even more comfortable after a few weeks of wear. Our tester loved the comfort of the elastic side bands, noting that his large feet are typically tricky to squeeze into a Chelsea boot. That wasn’t the case here but he still suggested ordering a half size up from what you typically wear. Conveniently, these shoes offer a wide range of sizes, running from 6 to 16. Price at time of publish: $190 Sizes: 6-16 | Material: Leather The Best Men’s Dress Sneakers for 2023 Best Oxfords Magnanni Corey Oxford Shoe 4.3 Magnanni View On Magnanni.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: This is a quintessential, classic men’s shoe, executed to perfection.What to Consider: The price is a bit steep. Is there any men’s shoe more classic or versatile than an Oxford? This luxe pair from Magnanni is just about as good as heritage shoemaking gets, too. Made in Spain, hand-painted for a burnished finish, and crafted with a historic “Bologna construction” technique, this is a very light and flexible shoe. This pair is about as comfortable as Oxfords get — not quite as plush as a loafer or sneaker, but fantastic nonetheless for the style. Our reviewer praised them as “expensive-looking” and appearing “refined”, so while the price might be higher than some Oxfords, you can rest assured that it’s money well spent. The brand also offers complimentary shipping and returns, so it’s a low-risk purchase if they don’t end up being the perfect pair for you. Price at time of publish: $495 Sizes: 7-15 | Material: Leather Best Loafers Magnanni Ramiro II Apron Toe Penny Loafer 4.5 Magnanni View On Magnanni.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: We love the expensive-looking, hand-painted finish.What to Consider: These shoes are on the expensive side. Comfort is of the utmost importance when it comes to loafers, which are often worn without socks. This pair from Magnanni scored highly when it came to out-of-the-box comfort. They’re crafted from high-quality calfskin leather and handmade in Spain, resulting in a luxe, buttery-soft feel. We love that the Ramiro II is a classic, versatile penny loafer with a modern shape. Rubber soles provide an additional level of cushion, flexibility, and comfort, and are constructed in such a way that pebbles and rocks don’t easily get stuck. This pair got high marks from our tester for the softness and comfort of the leather uppers, noting that there was “no break-in needed with these,” as he went through a full day of events, and his feet felt great. For a penny loafer that has a broken-in feel from day one, this is a solid option. Price at time of publish: $375 Sizes: 7-14 | Material: Leather Most Comfortable Mephisto Edlef Slip On 4.8 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: We appreciate the rubber outsole with a shock-absorbent heel.What to Consider: They have a very casual, relaxed look that may not work well for the office. If ever there was a shoe designed for comfort, it would be the Edlef from Mephisto. The brand, founded in Sarrebourg, France in 1965 – and still headquartered there – has made its mission to produce comfortable, elegant shoes for men. Straight out of the box, they have that soft, supple, worn-these-forever feeling. Our reviewer gave especially high marks for the quality of the leather, and noted that the toe area is not restrictive, making this a great option for guys who want a little more space in the front of the shoe. When worn with socks, our tester didn’t feel any hot spots or blisters forming, and felt more than comfortable spending hours on his feet wearing them. It’s worth noting that customers often hail Mephisto for producing particularly well-crafted shoes, often lasting for years and years. Price at time of publish: $319 Sizes: 7-13 | Material: Leather The 16 Best Sandals for Men of 2023 Best Plain Toe Ecco City Tray Plain Toe Derby 4.3 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Quality 4/5 Why We Love It: It’s a highly functional, wear-anywhere shoe.What to Consider: The heel might feel a little formal for some men. A plain-toe derby is one of the most versatile shoes a man can buy. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it to work, wear it to a wedding — this shoe can go everywhere. We especially loved that this City Tray derby is built with Fluidform Direct Comfort Technology, a type of comfortable-yet-supportive sole that’s lightweight and plush while still feeling anatomically supportive. It has the look of a dress shoe but the feel of something much more easygoing. While our tester didn’t find this shoe exactly form-fitting out of the box, it didn’t feel overly stiff. There were no hot spots or blisters after several hours of wear, but he did feel that these are more geared toward an occasional special event, noting that guys who wear dress shoes every day might gravitate toward something a little more casual like a penny loafer. But all in all, these are a solid and reliable option in a highly flexible style. Price at time of publish: $200 Sizes: 5-13 | Material: Leather Best Fit Out of the Box Ace Marks Cap Toe Griffin Oxford 4.5 Ace Marks View On Acemarks.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It: These shoes offer a perfect fit right away, with no need to spend weeks breaking them in.What to Consider: They're a little pricey. Have the Cinderella moment you deserve with the Griffin Oxford from Ace Marks. Our reviewer noted that while the leather seemed a little stiff at first, it felt perfectly broken in after just a few hours of wear. These shoes have a fit and feel that quickly become like something you’ve worn for years. These stunning Italian dress shoes are handmade from 100% premium calfskin leather, with a classic cap toe that makes them appropriate for any office setting – yet casual enough for everyday wear. And while some shoppers might balk at the price tag of over $300 a pair, the Ace Marks’ direct-to-consumer model cuts out the middleman, so these shoes have the quality and comfort of a much more expensive pair. In short: they deliver excellent quality and comfort for the price. Price at time of publish: $324 Sizes: 5.5-15 | Material: Leather Best Casual Dr. Scholl's Men's Sync Oxford 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Belk.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Quality 3/5 Why We Love It: These shoes are so smooth they almost feel as comfortable as your favorite sneakers or slippers.What to Consider: Their appearance is a bit too casual when compared to the other shoes on our list. The name “Dr. Scholl’s” is synonymous with foot comfort. While this pair isn’t made from leather, it certainly has the look and feel of it. These shoes are very supportive and our testers didn't have any issues with the shoes being too tight or giving blisters, even after wearing them for a whole day. They also said the soles were breathable and seemed to mold to their feet for the perfect fit. Considering the more casual look of these shoes as well, travelers could easily pack this shoe to be worn for daytime sight-seeing or heading out for an evening dinner. Plus, these shoes are completely machine washable, so you can keep them looking clean and new with little fuss. Price at time of publish: $85 Sizes: 8-15 wide | Material: Synthetic materials Best for All-day Wear Stacy Adams Men's Dickinson Cap-Toe Lace-up Oxford 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Quality 4/5 Why We Love It: They're incredibly stylish and supportive.What to Consider: Our testers reported a bit of chafing on the heel and less breathability than the other shoes on our list. Stacy Adams has been producing comfortable men’s dress shoes for over 100 years, and this Cap Toe Oxford is a perfect summation of the brand: timeless, stylish, and above all, comfortable. Our reviewers stated that they were very comfortable right out of the box, not too stiff, and very flexible once they put them on. The sole is more plush than other dress shoes and could easily all day long or out to an event. Testers did point out that these shoes were most comfortable with thicker socks that protected their heels from chafing, but after breaking them in they had no issues. Made from fine leather and carefully hand burnished, these are a high-end statement shoe at a surprisingly affordable price. Price at time of publish: $110 Sizes: 7-16 wide | Material: Leather Our Testing Process The T+L team tested nearly two dozen pairs of men’s dress shoes, wearing them at least three times, and testing for out-of-the-box wear, two-hour wear, and all-day wear. We took note of attributes like whether the shoes were rigid or soft out of the box, if they rubbed or chafed anywhere, and whether the fit was true to size. We judged shoes on breathability, and whether our testers found them comfortable enough for all-day wear. We wore them around the house, in cars, on city streets, to work meetings, and weddings to see how they would perform. In the end, shoes were ranked using a points system based on comfort, fit, quality, and value. Extra points were assigned for additional features such as waterproofing, memory foaming, arch supports, and overall design. In the end, the highest-ranking pairs were selected for this roundup. Other Men’s Shoes We Liked Two other pairs of comfortable men’s shoes we tested didn’t quite make our list, but had noteworthy features that are still worth mentioning. Clarks Atticus LT Lace Shoe: These shoes are light with a comfortable and supportive sole. However, at first wear, our testers found them to be a little stiff. The inside of the shoe needed about 12 hours of wear before they were broken in enough to be considered comfortable. Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip: This is a traditional wingtip shoe handcrafted from high-quality and durable leather. They're comfortable enough for all-day wear, but do have a firmer sole and a high price-point that may not be suitable for all shoppers. Tips for Buying Men’s Shoes Prioritize comfort and support Nothing will ruin a wedding or a day at the office faster than a pair of shoes that don’t fit properly, or aren’t comfortable. There are so many options out there these days that you don’t need to compromise when it comes to blending comfort and style. Choose a versatile style and color Dress shoes, especially when you’re looking to invest, are not the place to try something funky. Choose a color and style you know you’ll wear for multiple occasions so you can get your money’s worth — doing so will also help make sure they break in nicely over time. Consider the intended activity Are you going to be dancing up a storm? Go for something with a softer sole. Will there be lots of pictures, or perhaps you want to impress the boss? Opt for something a little more conservative. There’s a shoe out there for every occasion. When in doubt, ask a salesperson at your local retailer for their input. Frequently Asked Questions How should dress shoes fit? They should be snug enough so your heel doesn’t come up when you walk in them, but they should also be roomy enough so your toes have space to wiggle freely. Anything that feels constricting is too small; anything that slides around is too large. Just keep in mind that certain materials such as leather will also stretch out just a little over time, so a snug (but not tight) fit at the beginning is ideal. How do you break in dress shoes? There’s no shortcut or magic potion for breaking in a pair of dress shoes. The best method is simply to wear them. If you want to make sure they’re broken in before an event like a formal wedding, we suggest wearing them around the house for a day or so until they start to feel more comfortable. How should I clean dress shoes? Make sure to let them completely air dry before returning them to your closet, especially if you’ve been wearing them for many hours or have been sweating in them. For exterior scuffs on leather shoes, buff them out with a bit of leather polish and a soft, clean cloth. If there’s dirt in the sole, use a damp cloth, well wrung-out, to flick off any dirty bits before returning the shoes to your closet. What dress shoes are best for standing all day? There's no perfect dress shoe for everyone, but overall, a shoe with a wide sole and good arch support should keep you comfortable even when standing all day. To enhance the comfort of even the nicest dress shoes, you can also add a cushiony insole for additional support. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, commerce writer Todd Plummer combed through market research, in-house testing insights, and referenced product descriptions to create a comprehensive roundup of the best comfortable men’s dress shoes available today. He has tried many of the above brands himself, including Mephisto, Cole Haan, Ace Marks and more. The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit