The Best Dress Sneakers For Women, According To Our Fashion Editors

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.