Comfort is a hell of a thing, and it’s fleeting. What might seem comfortable to you one day, doesn’t another. With apparel, it’s usually tied to the materials used, and it’s the same with shoes. But also, it’s about how protective that footwear is for your entire foot, sole to heel. If you’re out running, for example, that shoe needs to provide ample support and protect the bottoms of your feet, absorbing the shock of your steps and softening the blow of the cement or pavement. For walking, it’s the same requirements, though with a lower threshold of protection.

In so many cases, you have to pay more for comfort. While that’s not always true, and changes from brand to brand, that’s the accepted standard. People that know better tend to avoid cheap or affordable options because they don’t come with that comfort. It is my opinion that brands like Bruno Marc change those practices. I won’t claim that they’re the best shoes I’ve ever worn, because they’re not. I also won’t claim they’re the most comfortable I’ve ever worn, or the most comfortable on the market. But they are comfortable, and for the price, you can’t beat them. This Modest Man review goes out of its way to point out something wrong with them, for example. The conclusion? They’re good, so they had mostly positive things to say, except they just had to mention they’re made of faux leather, so they won’t last forever. Yeah, no shit, Sherlock.

The Casual Dress Oxfords are a bit more stylish than your average loafers, which they also carry. I’m totally okay with that. I love the look even though I don’t normally wear shoes in this aesthetic. I have found they match well with most of my outfits, and even with a pair of slacks or shorts they don’t look overbearing and too dressy — quite the opposite they help me punch up. Should you grab a pair for yourself? Grab a drink or a snack if you haven’t already and let’s tie up the laces, take them for a spin, and hash it out.

Style for days, insoles that hug

The design is a sport-inspired Derby with a faux leather exterior that shines just enough to be eye-catching. The best part is they’re super easy to clean. That’s a big deal in Florida, where it rains off and on, because those white and lighter colors pick up nasties in no time. No, you’re not running around in these or shooting hoops, but they’re still meant for daily wear, walking into the office, visiting family, a night out on the town, you get it. They can get plenty dirty even if you’re not active. They wipe down easily with soap and water and look just as fresh on day 75 as they did on day one.

To my eyes, they’re stunning, and they definitely elevate your style no matter what outfit you pair them with. Also, they use laces and not a slip-on style like loafers; keep that in mind.

Casual dress, Oxfords in appearance

A foam-padded collar protects your ankle from chafing when you walk, which is good because they’re a slim, tight fit. Not uncomfortable, mind you, but certainly not wide-brimmed. They do have a wide toe box, though. A Lycra and jersey fabric lining keeps things really soft and smooth inside.

I’ve worn many dress shoes in my day, with suits, with slacks, you name it, and one thing they all share is that after a long day your feet feel like they’ve taken a beating. That’s not the case with these Bruno Marc Oxfords. They’re comfortable as hell. A supple mesh-covered EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) insole provides good airflow, and the lightweight KineticFoam EVA midsole is relaxing with more EVA midsole cushions underneath to lighten your step. I know it’s an odd choice to describe shoes as “relaxing,” but it’s true. I don’t stand all day for work, so when I do spend the day up and out I usually come home sore. Wearing these, I have not found that to be the case.

Inner shoe composition

The responsive midsole composition provides extra support and works well with the cushioned heel. A slip-resistant rubber outsole keeps your feet grippy and solid even on wet, slick surfaces. That’s another issue I’ve found to be common with dress shoes. The tread isn’t always there. Not so with these. I’ve had a slip or two in my day, and in a suit or nice outfit, that’s never fun. My boys at Bruno Marc have me covered there, though.

I don’t want to talk them up too much because these aren’t hundreds of dollars, and frankly, I don’t wear shoes that costly either. I wouldn’t know enough about that to compare these to more expensive varieties. The Bruno Marc promise that these are “shoes that work smarter, not harder,” and they provide “all-day comfort” has proven to be as true as any comparable pair I’ve worn. I’ve certainly put them through their paces, wearing them places I normally wouldn’t, like the local zoo and parks just to test out their durability and comfort. They hold up well.

What’s the verdict, and the price?

The full price is $68 for the pair I have (on Bruno Marc’s official site), but I have seen them on sale frequently for much less. That’s a reasonable price at either point, but the discounted price is bonkers. As I’ve said above, they’re not the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever worn, but I don’t really know if I have a reliable way to track that either. For what they offer, they are super comfy, excellent for all-day wear, and they look great. They come in men’s sizes ranging from 8 up to 13 and in several colors, not just the brown pair I have. There’s an all-black variant, for example, or a black, brown and white pair that look phenomenal.

I’m a sneaker guy normally, and I think these are a solid compromise between dressy-stylish and active. You won’t be using them to play sports, but if you’re walking around for work, standing, or spending the day out, you could do much worse.

Closing thoughts

They also stand out on my shoe rack. By far, they’re some of the handsomest shoes I have in my collection. Take that as you will because I’m an average, bearded dude who’s never been into collecting expensive fashion items. Balenciaga’s trash bags and lived-in styling but ridiculous prices are not for me — they shouldn’t be for anyone, really. I’d definitely be interested to see what others say when they get their hands on some Bruno Marcs and wear them around, though.

As it stands, when I need some decent dress shoes for a cruise, an event or just to throw on with a snazzy outfit, I know where to look from now on. They also have some really nice loafers that give HEYDUDEs a run for their money.

• Recommended Buy: Yes.
• For Who: Anyone that wants a reasonably-priced and classier-looking pair of shoes or loafers.
• Alternative: Bruno Marc Slip On Loafers
• MSRP: $68