Our verdict
The Amberjack Shoe and Marc Nolan are close. We gave the Amberjack Shoe a slight edge at 9/10 over the Marc Nolan at 8.5/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. Dress shoes that feel like sneakers, beat Zerogrand on durability, and are the only pair you need this year.
Our pick
Amberjack Shoe
Marc Nolan
Side by side
| Attribute | Amberjack Shoe | Marc Nolan |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Best for | Dress shoes that feel like sneakers, beat Zerogrand on durability, and are the only pair you need this year. | Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps. |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Amberjack Shoe if…
Dress shoes that feel like sneakers, beat Zerogrand on durability, and are the only pair you need this year.
- They started out comfortable and have become even more comfortable after they wore in after a few weeks. Great shoe and great value.
- I'd give them 8/10 overall. Comfort-wise, they're solid out of the box — that sneaker-like feel is definitely noticeable.
Choose the Marc Nolan if…
Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps.
- Higher-quality leather and materials than Cole Haan Zerogrand
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with memory foam insoles
Why we rate them this way
Amberjack Shoe — 9/10
Dress shoes that feel like sneakers, beat Zerogrand on durability, and are the only pair you need this year.
What we liked: They started out comfortable and have become even more comfortable after they wore in after a few weeks. Great shoe and great value., I'd give them 8/10 overall. Comfort-wise, they're solid out of the box — that sneaker-like feel is definitely noticeable., The heat-activated arch support and memory foam insole make a noticeable difference compared to other dress shoes., I own 2 pairs - love them. A little spendy but solid quality. Great on the feet..
Worth knowing: The comfort is where these shoes really deliver, but durability is questionable after extended daily wear..
Marc Nolan — 8.5/10
Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps.
What we liked: Higher-quality leather and materials than Cole Haan Zerogrand, Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with memory foam insoles, Lightweight yet structured; true to size and easy to break in, Classy, refined look without overly high-tech appearance, Can be dressed up or down; materials age well over time.
Worth knowing: Requires socks—makes embarrassing 'farting' sound when worn barefoot due to leather and air moisture, Less breathable than some alternative dress shoes, Not suitable for sockless styling.
Common questions
Is the Amberjack Shoe or the Marc Nolan better?
We rated the Amberjack Shoe 9/10 and the Marc Nolan 8.5/10, so we lean Amberjack Shoe — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
What's the difference between the Amberjack Shoe and the Marc Nolan?
Short version — Amberjack Shoe: Dress shoes that feel like sneakers, beat Zerogrand on durability, and are the only pair you need this year. Marc Nolan: Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps.