Our verdict
The Marc Nolan and the Amberjack Sneakers are too close to call — we rated both 8.5/10. There's no clear winner here, so it comes down to what you want it for. We break that down below.
Marc Nolan
Amberjack Sneakers
$179
Check priceRead our full reviewSide by side
| Attribute | Marc Nolan | Amberjack Sneakers |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Best for | Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps. | Dressy sneaker that finally looks grown-up without the stiff feel or maintenance nightmare of actual dress shoes. |
| Standouts |
|
|
| Watch-outs |
|
|
Which one is right for you?
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
Choose the Amberjack Sneakers if…
Dressy sneaker that finally looks grown-up without the stiff feel or maintenance nightmare of actual dress shoes.
- The leather quality on these is genuinely impressive for the price. Feels like a $300+ sneaker at half the cost.
- Most comfortable leather sneaker I've worn. The cushioning rivals my running shoes but looks 10x better.
Why we rate them this way
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.
Amberjack Sneakers — 8.5/10
Dressy sneaker that finally looks grown-up without the stiff feel or maintenance nightmare of actual dress shoes.
What we liked: The leather quality on these is genuinely impressive for the price. Feels like a $300+ sneaker at half the cost., Most comfortable leather sneaker I've worn. The cushioning rivals my running shoes but looks 10x better., Clean enough for the office, comfortable enough for all-day walking. Finally one shoe that does both..
Worth knowing: The white leather shows scuffs easily. You'll need a leather cleaner within the first month., Runs slightly large — had to exchange for a half size down. Their sizing guide wasn't accurate for me..
Common questions
Is the Marc Nolan or the Amberjack Sneakers better?
We rated both 8.5/10 — it's a genuine toss-up. Marc Nolan: Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps. Amberjack Sneakers: Dressy sneaker that finally looks grown-up without the stiff feel or maintenance nightmare of actual dress shoes.
How much do the Marc Nolan and Amberjack Sneakers cost?
The Amberjack Sneakers is listed at $179. We don't have a current price on file for the Marc Nolan — check the latest on its review page.
What's the difference between the Marc Nolan and the Amberjack Sneakers?
Short version — Marc Nolan: Highly recommend Marc Nolan shoes as a superior alternative to Cole Haan—better materials and all-day comfort through 10,000+ steps. Amberjack Sneakers: Dressy sneaker that finally looks grown-up without the stiff feel or maintenance nightmare of actual dress shoes.