My name is Fabien, and I’m the founder of Maratown, the running dress shoes. When I first set out to create comfortable dress shoes for men back in 2015, I knew I wanted to combine the plush comfort of running shoes with the stylish look of modern dress shoes—footwear that could transition seamlessly from the sidewalk to the boardroom. What I didn’t expect was just how intricate and technical the process would be. Each design feature of Maratown grew out of a very specific need for all-day walking comfort, stability, and durability—and it took years of trial and error to perfect.
The biggest challenge was the sole. Because our cushioning material is soft and responsive, a thin sole would have you practically touching the ground, losing much of the protective benefit. That’s why Maratown has a thicker sole—to ensure long-lasting support. We also widened it after realizing a narrower base made the shoe unstable, along with a reinforced heel counter in the upper. Next came the rocker front—like on running shoes—which lets your foot roll forward effortlessly, reducing fatigue during long days on your feet.
Optimizing the Midsole for shock-absorbing dress shoes
For that chunk of midsole, we tested many materials such as TPU and standard EVA. However, they were often too heavy, lacked the bounce we needed, or lost their cushioning after a few months. Eventually, we discovered an EVA derivative that’s lightweight, soft, cushy, and bouncy—while also retaining its properties over time.
Protecting this cushioning was just as critical, so we placed a 3mm rubber outsole beneath the midsole foam to shield it. As Dr. Smith's research shows, “Wearing cushioning shoes can reduce landing-related rear foot impact forces…” (1). The result? A shoe that keeps you comfortable, supported, and light on your feet all day.
Learn more about Maratown's advanced shoe technology here.
Developing the upper was somewhat simpler, but still required fresh thinking. Instead of a traditional Oxford construction that locks the foot into a fixed volume, we opted for a derby style with an open quarter on each side, allowing for an adjustable fit. We shortened the quarters to free the metatarsal area from any hard points or stitches.
To ensure superior fit and comfort, we introduced:
From a production standpoint, we ultimately chose Portugal, where skilled craftsmanship and access to premium materials enable the creation of high-quality shoes. Portugal is already renowned among health professionals for its footwear, making it the perfect place to bring Maratown’s vision to life.
It’s taken years of dedication, and the result is the Maratown running dress shoes—a shoe that truly reflects the belief that you should never have to choose between comfort and style. Each pair is a testament to the lessons learned and the countless steps we took to get here, both literally and figuratively. Maratown, the most comfortable dress shoes, are designed for professionals who need to stay stylish while walking comfortably all day long.
(1) Smith J. et al. "The Effect of Cushioned Footwear on Rear Foot Impact Forces," Journal of Sports Medicine. www.sportsmedresearch.com/cushioned-footwear-impact-study
Please note: We are not authorized to provide medical advice, and Maratown shoes are not classified as medical devices.
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For professionals—be they entrepreneurs, doctors, businessmen, professors, or anyone else on their feet all day—finding the right dress shoes goes far beyond style alone. The weight of each shoe plays a critical role in how your feet and legs will feel after long hours of standing or walking. Below, we’ll break down the common dress shoe sole materials—leather, EVA, PU, and rubber—and provide updated weight comparisons from a range of well-known brands.
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