How much does a dress sneaker cost?

In a booming sneaker market, “dress sneakers” are in a subcategory of their own. These sneakers are truly must-haves—they’re perfect with any smart-casual outfit, or for when you’re dressing for a night on the town because they’re polished but still comfortable.

So, how much can you expect to pay for a pair of dress sneakers? The cost of dress sneakers varies from brand to brand and is based on what you’re looking for in terms of style and quality. For a breakdown of reputable shoe brands and their respective prices for dress sneakers, read on.

Ranging from $75 to $375

Adidas

Once reserved only for sportswear, Adidas^Ⓡ is now considered a luxe streetwear brand as well. For years, it’s been branching further and further into the market, using partnerships with some of fashion’s finest creators, from Kanye West to Raf Simons to Stella McCartney, to achieve such ends. In terms of versatile sneakers, the Stan Smith model is a classic—so popular that some collaborators, like Simons, sought to re-imagine it—and fairly inexpensive; basic Stan Smiths start at $75 while collaboration styles run up to about $400.

KOIO

KOIO^Ⓡ offers great options for men and women channeling luxe minimalism for lesser prices than Common Projects^Ⓡ sneakers, which are pretty comparable in terms of style. KOIO sneaker prices fall between $248 and $368, and the quality rivals that of its main competitor.
According to its website, KOIO manufactures in similar high-end factories and uses premium Italian leather for its styles, and from a comfort perspective, the brand offers plenty of support. They’re also just as versatile as those from Common Projects, with models like the Capri being a classic sneaker style that’s very easy to dress up or down.

Ranging from $375 to $600

Common Projects

Common Projects sneakers are so clean and simple that they can be worn with casual, business-casual and even semi-formal attire. The Achilles sneaker in white is a cult favorite, assumedly because of its versatile nature (what can’t be paired with a crisp white sneaker?) and relaxed-yet-luxe look and feel. But really, the same goes for all of the brand’s styles—that’s its value proposition.

Common Projects offers an assortment of neutral colorways, as well as platform and laceless models to accommodate many preferences, that fall roughly between $400 and $600, a range that fans can justify based on their versatility.

Ranging from $600 to $1,000

FEIT

If you’re looking for something minimalist yet unexpected, FEIT^Ⓡ is a brand to consider. For its prices, which range between $550 and $650, FEIT offers handmade unisex sneakers with some pretty unique details (e.g., an upper made from a single piece of rare, Cordovan leather and suedes that have been vegetable-tanned) that aren’t as in-your-face as others on the market.

For its Hand Sewn Rubber models, instead of thick rubber outsoles, FEIT makes its kicks with high-quality leather that is hand-stitched to the midsole, which is then cemented to a leather outsole. For all of its shoes, it uses a Goodyear construction to allow for resoling a detail that lengthens the life of your shoes and stretches your dollar further.

Gucci

Gucci^Ⓡ sneakers are sure to elevate any look, and, well, your statement balance. Gucci is a heritage luxury brand, which means you’ll pay heritage luxury prices—anywhere between $580 and $1,500—for a pair of sneakers.
From an aesthetic perspective, the sneaker styles that are great for dress attire usually have a slim profile with some signature motifs, like the stripes or the printed logo or both. Others have distressed effects, embellishments and chunky rubber soles—which could be great for those looking to spice up a casual suit or other semi-formal looks.

Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela™ uses quality materials, as well as creativity and craftsmanship, to create its iconic sneaker styles for men and women. Those details, combined with its heritage luxury brand status, play into its pricing.

Its low- and high-top Replica sneakers are a reinterpretation of 20th-century German army trainers; they come in a wide variety of colorways and effects to appeal to minimalists, maximalists and everyone in between.

Ranging from $1,000 from $4,000

Berluti

Those in search of bespoke quality, who are also content paying comparable prices, should look to Berluti^Ⓡ. The century-old Parisian shoe company is well-known for its high-quality leathers and sophisticated style. Berluti crafts its (men’s or unisex) low-cut sneakers using many of the same materials (e.g., calf and alligator leather) as its men’s dress shoes, to elevate them just the same.

Ready to order a pair of dress sneakers?

It’s important to note that these are just guidelines for purchasing the best pair of dress sneakers for you. With over 20 years in the fashion industry, Esquivel Shoes takes pride in being a valuable resource for shoppers. To learn more about our sneaker collection or any other products we offer, send us a message through this link. We’re here to give you peace of mind and help you find the best sneakers for you.