Cole Haan GrandPrø Topspin Sneakers
Cole Haan is the master of dress sneakers for men and women, and these sophisticated shoes are a classic example of a pair that’s formal enough to wear to the office. They’re loaded with technical features—an anatomical sockliner, cushioned footbed, plush heel padding, durable EVA midsole—while still feeling lightweight and flexible. Also great: These sneakers come in 14 colors, ranging from neutrals to metallics.
Refined Leather For Commutes And Travel
Wolf And Shepherd Cruise Lace-Up
Between the removable memory foam footbed, springy thermal rubber outsole, and soft calfskin lining, these full-grain Italian leather sneakers feel as luxurious as they look. The architectural sole gives them a modern vibe, and the colors range from neutrals to statement shades like Victory Blue.
Elevated Trainer With Dressy Metallic Accents
J.Crew Trainers In Metallic Colorblock
These sneakers may have a retro running shoe sole, but the stylish metallic-suede details and low-profile shape make them dressy enough for work. Pair them with cream-colored trousers and a blazer for a laid-back, yet polished, look.
Popular Among CEOs And Power Players
Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners
Walk into any office, and you’ll likely see someone wearing Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners. These shoes are quickly becoming popular due to their stylish eucalyptus knit upper and cushy midsole made from Brazilian sugarcane. They come in a wide range of colors—some have soles that match the knit for a monochromatic look—and if they get dirty, you can just throw them in the washing machine.
Classic Wingtips In Cool Designs
Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxfords
Wingtips are a classic men’s shoe, but Cole Haan has successfully reimagined them for women with modern colors like Rose Gold and Pewter Metallic, and a sculpted, sneaker-like platform sole. The wingtip perforation provides breathability, and the foam-infused sole—made from a minimum of 25% natural rubber—delivers serious comfort.
Like Jewelry For Your Feet
Dolce Vita Zina Sneakers
Platinum knit. Bone raffia. Chrome distressed leather. These are just a few of the stylish materials and colors that these sneakers come in (there are 29 options available). Geometric shapes strategically placed along the sole add to the modern look. One quality note: Some reviewers question the shoes’ durability so you may want to save them for special occasions.
Loafers With Sneaker-Like Comfort
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Slip-On Loafer
The Grand Ambition is a sneaker masquerading as a loafer. The streamlined, slip-on shoe is made from soft, supple leather that makes it look like a dress shoe, but under the hood lies all kinds of sneaker-like technology, including a molded footbed and EVA foam cushioning in the midsole.
Elevated Tennis Shoes For Parties And Everyday
Tory Burch Double T Howell Court Sneakers
Inspired by classic 1970s tennis shoes, Tory Burch’s Double T Howell features a discrete double T logo in a contrasting color (although on some colorways, the splash of color is on the heel instead of the logo). And while they are made of Napa leather (crafted with a Leather Working Group-certified tannery) and have EVA cushioning, they remain lightweight and flexible.
Veronica Beard’s Take On Fashion Sneakers
Veronica Beard Valentina Sneakers
Veronica Beard is known for elevated workwear basics that easily transition from day to night and their Valentina Sneakers embody that same spirit. Everything about the sneaker is chic, from the soft cream and beige color scheme to the suede accents to the discrete logo. Wear these to work, events, parties and weekend brunch, too.
Minimalist Design That Matches Anything
Vessi Soho Sneakers
The downside to all-white sneakers is that they tend to collect dirt and can look dingy after a few wears. But the Vessi Soho is 100% waterproof, thanks to Dyma-tex technology and synthetic leather, so it can stand up to rainy conditions and city puddles, plus it can be easily cleaned. It also has EVA cushioning injected into the midsole and a grippy outsole that makes it perfect for trekking around town.
Iconic Sneakers That Never Go Out Of Style
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
The white-on-white color scheme and slight platform heel give this classic low-cut basketball shoe a dressy feel. But even with its fashion-y look, the shoe stays true to its athletic origins (it was the first shoe to harness Nike Air technology when it launched in 1982) and offers ample support and cushioning.
A Vintage Tennis Sneaker With Modern Appeal
Adidas Stan Smith Shoes
Adidas had sold more than one hundred million pairs of Stan Smiths since they first hit the market in 1971. Their enduring popularity can be attributed to the pared-down simplicity: Adidas’s trademark trio of lines are reduced to perforated dots, and the clean white aesthetic gets just one pop of color (the signature Kelly green heel). No matter where you wear them—or what you wear them with—these sneakers always look right.
Side Zipper Closure For Easy Wearing
Clarks Nalle Lace Sneakers
This looks like a classic leather sneaker…until you see the zipper side closure, which gives these otherwise conservative shoes a slightly edgy look, while saving you the trouble of tying and untying your laces. This pair offers impressive cushioning and support, and comes in a wide-width size option along with fun colors like black patent and rose gold leather.
Minimalist Look For A Modest Price
Lacoste Hydez Sneaker
Crafted from buttery leather in pretty shades of gray and light pink—as well as classic colors like white and black—this dressy spin on the classic tennis shoe boasts thoughtful details like gold-foil logos on the tongue and heel. From a comfort standpoint, it has a nicely padded collar and OrthoLite insoles, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Roomy Fit Accommodates Wide Feet
Veja Campo Sneakers
Vejas are arguably the most popular shoes on this list, due to their comfort (they even work for those with wide feet) and versitility (you can get the ‘V’ in a range of colors to match whatever you are wearing). They are sporty, yet sophisticated, and you’re bound to see them on stylish women everywhere.
Attractive And Easy To Get On And Off
Vince Blair Slip-On Sneakers
Women who travel often for work or fun love the Blair’s slip-on ease, comfort and sleek style. But this pair is equally excellent for everyday life, whether you’re headed to lunch or an evening event. It’s an especially smart choice for warm weather months because the perforated leather allows feet to breathe.
We research, test and thoroughly analyze a variety of shoes, including sneakers, boots, sandals and more. In addition to firsthand evaluation, we also regularly interview podiatrists, designers and other shoe specialists for our footwear stories.
- The publication of this article was overseen by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has written and edited lifestyle content for more than 20 years.
- This story was written by Lesley Rotchford, who has been covering men’s and women’s fashion for more than 20 years.
- We always tap both internal and external expert sources to determine the best shoes for every foot type.
How We Chose The Best Dress Shoes For Women
To determine the best dress shoes for women, Forbes Vetted’s contributing fashion writer Lesley Rotchford read hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from both established and up-and-coming brands. She scrutinized each shoe and rated it based on comfort, durability and design to determine if it was dressy enough to wear to work and a variety of events and situations. She also made sure that the final selections are available in a wide range of sizes, colors and prices. Finally, deputy editor Kari Molvar oversaw the editing of this article.
