The dress sneaker is rapidly transforming the landscape of business casual wardrobes across workplaces. Blending the sophistication of dress shoes with the comfort and versatility of sneakers, these hybrid shoes have carved out a new niche in men’s fashion. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of dress sneakers, how the pandemic accelerated their popularity, the ongoing debate about their appropriateness in professional settings, and some of the best brands to consider if you’re looking to invest in a pair. Whether you’re a seasoned style enthusiast or just curious about this trend, read on to discover why dress sneakers are dominating modern business casual dress codes.
What Exactly Are Dress Sneakers?
Dress sneakers, sometimes called hybrid dress shoes, are footwear that marry the stylistic elements of traditional dress shoes with the comfort features of athletic sneakers. Typically, they feature leather uppers—often crafted from premium materials such as full-grain Italian calfskin—giving them a polished, formal look. However, unlike classic dress shoes, dress sneakers have thick, cushioned soles that provide excellent traction and comfort, attributes borrowed from the sneaker world.
The result is a shoe that looks more formal than your typical athletic sneaker but remains noticeably more casual than a traditional oxford or brogue. This balance of style and comfort makes dress sneakers incredibly versatile, allowing them to fit seamlessly into business casual outfits, preppy styles, and even smart casual looks.
A Brief History of Dress Sneakers
While dress sneakers feel like a recent phenomenon, their roots stretch back over a decade. One of the earliest major entries into this category came from Cole Haan. On February 9, 2012, Cole Haan unveiled the LunarGrand, a hybrid dress shoe that combined the classic wingtip brogue design with Nike’s Lunarlon cushioning system. This innovative mashup captured the imagination of fashion insiders and sneakerheads alike.
"Designer hybrids are a matter of personal taste and subjective opinion, but as an expression of melodious harmony, there is something sublime about this old-fashioned mashup." — Sneaker Freak, 2012
Cole Haan didn’t stop there. In 2014, they launched the ZeroGrand, which remains a bestseller today, continuing to blend dress shoe aesthetics with sneaker comfort. Around the same time, luxury brands like Tom Ford began producing leather low-top dress sneakers priced around $100, signaling a growing acceptance of the style in upscale circles.
Initially, these hybrid dress sneakers were mostly reserved for smart casual occasions—think dinners with friends or weekend bar outings—rather than formal office settings. As menswear writer Anthony Green observed in 2014, it was only a matter of time before traditional dress shoes became relegated to special occasions, with more casual hybrids taking center stage in everyday wear.
How the Pandemic Accelerated the Dress Sneaker Trend
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped many aspects of life, including how we dress for work. After months of working from home in sweatpants and casual attire, employees began demanding more relaxed dress codes once offices started reopening. Comfort became king, and dress sneakers fit perfectly into this new sartorial paradigm.
This shift led direct-to-consumer brands, luxury designers, and mass retailers to develop new footwear options that prioritized comfort without sacrificing style. For example, Wolf & Shepherd released their Long Wing hybrid collection in 2020, a visually striking dress sneaker that sold out rapidly. Their founder, Justin Schneider, described the release as transformative, noting that the Long Wing crossovers were flying off the shelves at four times the rate of their traditional comfort dress shoes.
Other brands quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Acemark launched a Kickstarter for luxury dress sneakers, and Oliver Cabell emphasized dress sneakers as essential business casual footwear. New brands like Amberjack emerged, focusing exclusively on this hybrid category.
When professionals returned to the office, many brought their dress sneakers with them. The trend even reached the White House, where dress sneakers have been spotted on prominent lawmakers and staffers, signaling a degree of acceptance in more formal settings.
Are Dress Sneakers Appropriate for the Office?
The appropriateness of dress sneakers in professional environments largely depends on the specific workplace and its dress code. Business casual dress codes can vary widely and are often vaguely defined, making it tricky to know what’s acceptable.
For example, the Society for Human Resource Management’s model business casual dress code policy permits clean athletic shoes, yet the MBA dress code requires players to wear dress or presentable shoes. Goldman Sachs advises employees to dress in a manner consistent with client expectations—though what that means is open to interpretation.
Some workplaces have strict policies. A Washington, D.C.-based firm reportedly allows dress sneakers only on Fridays. Meanwhile, casual footwear remains prohibited in certain areas of the U.S. Capitol, despite lawmakers sporting dress sneakers elsewhere.
The best advice? When in doubt, ask your manager or HR department whether hybrid dress sneakers are acceptable in your office. Understanding your company culture and dress code expectations is crucial before making dress sneakers a regular part of your work wardrobe.
The Debate: Stylish or Tragic?
The rise of dress sneakers has sparked a lively debate within menswear circles about whether they enhance or undermine style. Critics argue that dress sneakers dilute the formality and elegance traditionally associated with dress shoes. GQ’s creative director Jim Moore told The New York Times that dress shoes are a sign of courtesy and good manners in formal settings. According to Moore, when a well-dressed man’s eye is drawn to his sneakers, the entire look risks collapsing.
Menswear writer Derek Guy further fueled the discussion by posting photos of White House meetings with past presidents, highlighting how traditional hard-soled dress shoes seemed far more fitting for the Oval Office. Online forums and style communities have been divided, with some labeling dress sneakers as a “fashion crime” or a confusing hybrid between floor shims and old-school sneakers.
On the other hand, supporters of dress sneakers point to the Sneakerhead Congressional Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Jared Moskowitz and Lori Chavez DeRemer, which actively promotes athletic shoes as appropriate office footwear. After a White House meeting, the caucus released a statement underscoring that sneakers and statesmanship can indeed coexist, signaling a new era of footwear acceptance in professional settings.
Where to Buy the Best Dress Sneakers for Men
If you’re intrigued by the dress sneaker trend and want to try a pair, here are some standout brands that expertly blend style, comfort, and quality:
Wolf & Shepherd
Founded by entrepreneur Justin Schneider, Wolf & Shepherd was created to produce dress shoes that combine luxury quality with the comfort and performance of athletic footwear. Their Long Wing crossover is a prime example of a dress sneaker done right. Made in Portugal with full-grain Italian calfskin, it offers a stunning silhouette and impressive durability. While slightly heavier than typical sneakers, it delivers exceptional comfort and polish. Prices typically hover around $290.
Cole Haan
With a legacy dating back to 1928, Cole Haan remains a dominant player in the dress sneaker space. Their Grand series features minimalist knit sneakers and leather dress sneakers that are both stylish and affordable, usually priced between $100 and $200. The brand’s ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology keeps them competitive and popular.
Beckett Simonon
Founded by Nicholas Hurtado and Andres Nino, Beckett Simonon is committed to ethical labor practices and offers affordable yet stylish dress sneakers. Priced between $150 and $200, their hybrids often incorporate water-repellent suede and leather linings that regulate moisture and odor. They’ve been a favorite for years among those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Amberjack
Launched during the pandemic by John Peters, Amberjack focuses exclusively on hybrid dress shoes that look more like traditional dress shoes than many competitors. Their sneaker outsole and heat-activated insole blend seamlessly into a professional yet casual design. For a more laid-back look, their original suede dress shoe offers a great alternative. Prices range around the mid-$200s.
Oliver Cabell
Scott Gabrielson founded Oliver Cabell in 2018 with no prior fashion experience but a vision to merge old-school craftsmanship with modern materials like Margham soles. Their extensive sneaker collection includes several models suitable for business casual offices. Prices generally fall between $200 and $350, reflecting the brand’s focus on quality and style.
Ace Marks
Founded by Paul Ferrago in 2012, Ace Marks aims to deliver handcrafted luxury shoes at accessible prices. Their sleek, gleaming leather dress sneakers, such as the cognac-colored slip-on and cap-toe Oxford made from antique Italian leather, are perfect for those seeking elegance with comfort. Their price range typically falls between $150 and $250.
Conclusion: Embracing the Dress Sneaker Revolution
The dress sneaker is more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a reflection of evolving work cultures and changing attitudes toward comfort and style. From their early days as niche hybrids to pandemic-fueled mainstream staples, dress sneakers have challenged conventional norms about professional footwear.
Whether you consider dress sneakers stylish or tragic largely depends on your personal taste, workplace culture, and the specific outfit you pair them with. For those seeking versatility, comfort, and a modern twist on classic menswear, dress sneakers offer an exciting option that bridges the gap between formal and casual.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: dress sneakers are here to stay. If you’re ready to explore this footwear revolution, consider the brands and styles mentioned above to find a pair that suits your taste and professional needs.
What do you think about the rise of dress sneakers? Are they appropriate for your office or even the White House? Do you have a favorite brand or style? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
