Sneakers are a very popular footwear option, but when it comes to working, it can often be a choice between compromising comfort for fashion. This should not be the case. And it isn’t, thankfully.
There are sneakers that look like dress shoes because they merge the right look with the best features of a dress shoe. Read on to discover which sneakers you can wear as dress shoes.
Review of Best Women’s Sneakers that Look like Dress Shoes
1. Steve Madden Women’s Wedgie Sneaker
Steve Madden Women's Wedgie Sneaker, Grey Suede, 5
Features
- Steve Madden
- Wedge Sneaker
- Zipper Closure
- 2.75 Inch Hidden Wedge
- Comfortable and Easy to Wear
The Steve Madden wedgie sneaker is a statement sneaker. Made of suede, the wedgie has a mid-top shaft height that protects your ankle. The sneaker also has a zipper closure on both sides which helps you wear the sneakers easily.
The sneakers come in 5 colorways, so you will most likely find the color of your choice. The sneaker has a rubber sole that gives you a lot of balance and durability. The shoe is also rated by customers to have a fairly good arch support level.
Fit as Expected: 72%
2. ECCO Women’s Soft Woven Slip-on Sneaker
ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Woven Fashion Sneaker, Warm Grey Woven, 37 EU/6-6.5 M US
Features
- An on-trend full grain leather slip-on with a woven upper providing a premium look and comfortable feel
- Leather-covered inlay sole with Ecco comfort fiber system. inaly sole is removable for the option of an extra width
- Soft, comfortable combination leather and textile lining, ensuring a perfect inner climate
- Direct-injected, two-component pu/tpu outsole. highly comfortable, hard-wearing, light and flexible sole
- A full anatomical last shape provides supremely comfortable fit and wear
These sneakers are made of 100% high-quality leather, and they are very durable. The soft textile lining in them gives a lot of comforts. The shoes have a removable insole, but the pre-installed ones provide a lot of cushioning, so removing them might not be necessary.
The sneakers also have an anatomical shape that gives a comfy fit. The rubber sole of the shoe is rugged and durable. The sneakers are also available in 4 colorways, including the bright Rose Dust color that is sure to turn heads.
The shoe fits properly, so you can order our size. No need to go higher or lower in size. The shoe also has a good level of arch support.
Fit as Expected: 87%
3. Vionic Women’s Splendid Keke Lace-up Sneakers
Vionic Women's Splendid Keke Lace-up Sneakers - Ladies Walking Shoes Concealed Orthotic Arch Support French Rose 8.5 M US
Features
- Leather or Suede Upper. Removable Twill Covered EVA Footbed. Durable Rubber Outsole. APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Leather or suede uppers with ladylike ribbon laces contrast the clean lines and sporty silhouette of this sneaker. Oversize perforations on the sides make them simply sublime.
- YOUR NEW FAVORITE SNEAKERS: Combine fashion and comfort with these women’s walking shoes which are ideal when you’re on your feet all day long.
- EVERYDAY SUPPORT: A podiatrist-designed footbed built into every pair of Vionic sandals, slippers, active shoes and flats promotes stability from the ground up.
- VIONIC SHOES: Vionic brings together style and science, combining innovative biomechanics with the most coveted trends.
The Vionic splendid Sneakers ooze girlish charm in spades. The sneakers feature a breathable suede upper and cute ribbons that work to give you a secure fit. The shoe also has a soft textile lining on the inside for maximum comfort.
The shoe features the well known EVA footbed, and it provides you with a lot of stability and cushioning. The shoe has great arch support, as it was bio-mechanically designed to hug your arches.
The sneakers are lightweight, and the Orthaheel technology of the shoe helps to support natural foot motion and alignment.
Fit as Expected: 56%
4. Women’s Madison Sneaker by Dr. Scholl’s
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Madison Sneaker, Tan/Black Leopard Microfiber, 8
Features
- SUSTAINABLY CRAFTED: Linings and topcloth made from recycled materials, recycled toe box and heel counter
- MATERIALS: Faux leather, soft canvas, flannel made from recycled plastic bottles, faux wool made from recycled plastic bottles, or ReFiber – Microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles
- FIT: Slip-on fit with padded collar and twin stretch gore panels for easy slip on
- SUSTAINABLE COMFORT: Susterra foam comfort insole crafted from 11% bio-based materials with soft and lightweight cushioning, built-in arch support, and a heel cup
- MOVEMENT: Lightweight, flexible construction moves with you
17 colorways! That’s how many color options you have available when you want to purchase Dr. Scholl’s Madison sneaker. The collar lining of the sneakers is soft and comfortable, and the sneakers are easy to wear also.
The insole of the sneakers has three layers, and this gives you a great level of cushioning and support. There is no need for breaking in the sneakers because they are that comfortable from the get-go. The shoes are also very fashionable and supportive, as they help prevent foot pain.
The insoles are also removable, so you can put in your own custom orthotic.
Fit as Expected: 68%
5. Sperry Women’s Crest Linen Sneaker
Sperry Womens Crest Vibe Linen Sneaker, Black, 10
Features
- Materials lightweight linen upper—versatile and breathable rust-proof eyelets and genuine rawhide laces with barrel ties, for easy on/off and a secure fit moisture-wicking Dri-Lex material keeps feet cool and dry
- Comfort Memory Foam insoles provide comfort and arch support. Feels as good as it sounds
- Traction non-marking rubber outsoles won't scuff floors but gives you sure footing, from beach to boardwalk
The Sperry Crest Vibe sneaker is a low-top sneaker with a non-marking rubber outsole that provides a good level of grip. The arch support provided by the shoe is good, and the shoe has a memory foam footbed.
The shoe also has an elastic heel counter that gives a more secure fit and prevents excess movement in your heels.
The Crest Vibe sneaker needs a little break-in time, but from then on, the sneakers are comfy. The shoes are super cute, as a lot of customers testify. It’s also easy to clean, as all you need is a damp cloth and about 5 minutes.
The shoes are easy to slip on and off, and the eyelets are rustproof.
Fit as Expected: 81%
6. Clark’s Wave Go Sneakers for Women
Clarks Women's Wave Go Sneakers (Black Combination Nubuck,8M)
Features
- Nubuck upper
- Lace up sneakers from the Unstructured Collection features Clarks WAVEWALK technology
- Waterproof upper
- Lightweight and flexible rubber and EVA sole
The Wave Go has soft textile linings that provide comfort for you. With a cushioned tongue and collar, the sneakers offer exceptional fit and ease of wearing. The sneakers have a quality leather upper and a cool look.
The shoe’s design offers a rounded toe box that helps keep your toes in a slightly upright position and gives you just the right amount of wiggle room.
The sneaker also has a tough rubber outsole that rocks from the toes to the heel when walking. This helps to conserve energy.
The sneakers are also waterproof and the width is also true to fit. The sneakers’ upper is easy to clean and the sneakers also offer a good level of arch support.
Fit as Expected: 82%
7. Dansko Patti Clog
Dansko Women's Patti Black Clog 7.5-8 M US
1 used from $66.68
Features
- Waterproof leather uppers
- Removable triple-density footbed with arch support and shock absorption
- Accommodates most standard and custom orthotics
- DuPont Sorona fiber for moisture management
- Linings treated for odor control
The Patti Clog has a triple density footbed, and also good arch support. The leather upper is waterproof, and the sneaker has odor control technology that ensures neither your feet nor the shoe smells, even after a day of use.
The sneaker also features a DuPont fiber that helps manage moisture buildup and prevent your feet from getting uncomfortable as a result. The Patti Clog is also very versatile and can be used in any weather.
It is quite lightweight, and it has a durable Vibram outsole. The outsole is also slip-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about falling when wearing the Patti Clog.
Fit as Expected: 75%
What To Look For When Buying Women’s Sneakers that Look like Dress Shoes
There are a number of things you should look out for when buying these sneakers that resemble dress shoes. They are explained below.
- Versatility: Sneakers that will disguise well as dress shoes need to be versatile. Actual dress shoes are usually versatile, as they can be worn to a variety of places and functions.
The same applies to sneakers that look like dress shoes. You shouldn’t just pick out athletic shoes or walking shoes, as those are not disguised as sneakers at all.
To judge versatility in sneakers disguised as dress shoes, look at the color and the construction. Sneakers that look like dress shoes usually have a build that is closer to that of dress shoes than actual sneakers. Also, they usually use more leather and suede uppers than athletic shoes.
- Breathability: Simply put, a breathable shoe is far better than one that isn’t. With a breathable shoe, you don’t have to worry about your feet getting hot and uncomfortable.
Since you’ll be wearing these sneakers as dress shoes to formal occasions, you’d want a sneaker that you will remain comfortable in all day. Breathability is essential to this.
- Arch Support: Go for sneakers with arch support. This is not a drill; they will help make your feet better. Going for sneakers with low arch support, or even worse, sneakers with no arch support will be suicide.
This is because arch support helps with your balance and movement when walking. This will also help you lessen foot pain.
- Shock absorption: When picking sneakers that are disguised as dress shoes, ensure you pick sneakers that will help absorb the impact of walking. Each time your feet strike the ground, a massive wave of kinetic energy sings up your feet.
This kind of energy can be harmful to your feet and joints in the legs if not absorbed and redistributed properly.
- Comfort and durability: How comfortable you feel in a sneaker should never be overlooked. If you are not comfortable in a particular sneaker, please discard it and go for something more comfortable.
An uncomfortable footwear will only give you problems and a lot of blisters and bunions, amongst other issues.
Also, look out for durable shoes. When buying your sneakers that look like dress shoes, ensure you inspect the soles of the shoes and the type of stitches. Never pick a sneaker with only one stitch. It is a tearing disaster waiting to happen.
- Ample Toe Space: Picking sneakers with ample toe space is important for you, as a sneaker that crunches up your toes will make life miserable for you.
Check online reviews about how roomy the toe box of each sneaker is before you purchase them. A nice, roomy toe box with a bit of wiggle room is always better than a tight fit.
- Proper heel grip: Sneakers that will grip your heels very well are preferable. This is because they will reduce the chances of your heels slipping and flipping badly. A sneaker with a bad heel grip will leave you battling painful abrasions on your heels.
The best sneakers for this are those with elastic heel counters that will stretch and cup your heels firmly for a more secure and comfortable fit.
- Style: Ah, style. What is a sneaker without style? Useless, that’s what. This is more personal, as everyone has styles that they like to use when picking up their sneakers. Still, it is important you look out for stylish sneakers, as they will serve to compliment your looks.
Can I Wear Sneakers to Work?
Absolutely. Just make sure it is a sneaker that looks like a dress shoe, and you’re good to go. The style is the most important thing here.
In Conclusion and Final Words
Sneakers are trendy and cool footwear, but they do not cross the line into formal footwear. Or do they? With careful selection and our review and guide, you will be able to pick the very best sneaker that looks like a dress shoe.
