Dress shoes today are not what they once were. Most of us no longer need to show up at work wearing a full suit and shiny black oxfords because the office dress code is universally more relaxed than it once was.
The modern man’s dress shoe is a business-casual, high-end sneaker. Here, we delve into the qualities of the best modern dress shoes for men.
Versatility
A great dress shoe should be easy to style with any outfit, whether that’s a button down and dress pants or a sweater and jeans. We recommend investing in a minimalist brown sneaker, black sneaker or optic-white sneaker—or all three! These colors will pair well with everything in your closet.
Comfort
A truly exceptional pair of dress shoes shouldn’t just look nice—it should also feel nice. That said, it’s important to select a pair of comfortable, casual dress shoes made from high-quality materials. We use soft Italian leathers and OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insoles that offer a substantial 20mm of foam cushioning, so you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds.
Timelessness
The best men’s dress shoes transcend trends and seasons, so you can wear them for years knowing that they always look fresh and relevant. Look for a classic rounded toe and slim silhouette that’s still wide enough to comfortably slip on over socks.
Durability
There’s nothing worse than investing in a pair of dress shoes only for the seams to begin ripping and the soles to begin falling off after a few months of wear. Look into the construction of your dress sneakers. Here at Koio, our shoes are tightly hand-stitched (often double stitched, too) and welted by master artisans in Italy, so you can trust our shoes will last you years.
Maintenance
You shouldn’t have to spend every night meticulously cleaning your dress shoes. Synthetic textiles tend to trap debris and dirt that can be tricky to remove, so we recommend selecting a smooth leather pair that’s easy to wipe clean and maintain over time. At Koio, we offer tried-and-true care kits and cleaning instructions for every type of leather, so you won’t have to worry about searching for the right sprays and brushes to keep your shoes in great condition.
Next Steps
Get shopping! Our casual dress shoes are top-rated by thousands of customers for their comfort, versatility, durability, and quality. If you’re unsure which size to buy, consider our Try Before You Buy program—you can try on several sizes at home, and you’ll only have to pay for the pair(s) you keep.
