Chunky Dad Shoes – Are We Holdin’ on to This Trend?
Y’all know those chunky-soled, plain-colored, and solid-heeled kicks? Yes, these are dad shoes for you, fam! Now, whatever you may think of them, know they took over sneaker trends for a long time. And of course, their hype didn’t go unnoticed by sneaker giants like Nike and Adidas. Ye brought in the trend with his Yeezy 700s back in the day, and the rest quickly followed. But we know how fashion cycles change, and styles come and go, just like the latest Mary Jane sneaker trend. So, are these chunky kicks still relevant? Or are we shelving those New Balances for now? Read on to find out!
What Are Dad Shoes?
As we mentioned before, dad shoes are chunky sneakers with some real arch support that doesn’t hurt your back if you stand for a long time over that barbecue grill… So, comfort is the main reason people wear them. What’s more, these kicks usually have a white leather or a grey mesh base. Pretty simple, innit? They also were usually what most middle-aged men and dads wore back then, and thus how the title got stuck with them! They were often described as “ugly sneakers.”
But a few years ago, things changed. Teenagers, middle-aged people, and individuals of different genders were flexing the so-called dad shoes! But what exactly triggered this change of heart, you may ask? More like, what brand? That would be none other than New Balance and Yeezy for you peeps! And one of the first shoes that contributed to that change in perspective is the New Balance 624. It’s actually a classic; many dads been flexing for a very long time.
However, since we live in a world where a social media influencer can change people’s perspective of what to classify as trendy and whatnot, NB 624’s demand went sky-high. Brands began designing “chunky sneakers,” and voila! Dad shoes became fashion lovers’ favorite!
Okay But, Are They Still Relevant?
Just like every fashion trend, chunky sneakers are gonna go through the fashion cycle of life. And now, it seems like people shelved the bulky kicks in favor of simpler shoes like the Adidas Samba, ballet-style kicks, tabi sneakers, and so on. But don’t worry, they are bound to come back eventually, and maybe some of the kicks will become valuable vintage pairs! And of course, fashion is always subjective, so you do you fam.
What Are The Best Dad Shoes Out There?
The thing is, chunky shoes are endless. So technically, there ain’t one best dad shoe out there. It all depends on preferences and people’s views. That’s why we picked one pair from several well-known sneaker brands. But keep in mind that the order in this list is perfectly random. This being said, shall we dive into them deets?
Nike Air Monarch IV
Let’s start with Nike’s best dad shoes, the Nike Air Monarch IV. The sneaker giant did well with this one. Whether you wanna boost your barbecue game, go on a road trip, or even have everyday kicks you wanna depend on, these training shoes were specifically designed for you. They got a comfortable, pillowy feel to them due to the Air cushioning technology. And the best part is that their design is a mix of streetwear and training kicks! They’re also pretty affordable, selling at $85 on nike.com.
Adidas Strutter
Adidas Strutter is another pair that falls under the best dad shoes category. If you’re a fan of NMDs, then you’re at the right place. This Adidas pair is a mix of both NMD and dad shoes. You got the dope style of NMDs and the comfort of chunky sneakers. That’s one perfect combo if you ask us. You can find it online for only $51.
New Balance 624
Third on the list but first in chunky sneakers’ history book and dads’ hearts, we got the NB 624. Being the brand that sent the concept of dad shoes to every corner of the globe. So, some consider the New Balance 624 sneaker the ultimate dad-wear! Although it got a vintage look to it, the technology used is as modern as shit gets. Unfortunately, it’s currently unavailable on the NB site, so you’re gonna have to do resale!
Adidas Yeezy Boost 700
We all know how much effort Kanye West used to put into his designs. And the Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 tells no different truth. Chunky soles and shock-absorbent rubber on the outsoles give a whole new definition of what comfort is. Wave Runner Adidas Yeezy Boost 700, in particular, is every sneaker collector’s dream, since the brand dropped it as a surprise release back in 2017. It’s sad that we ain’t getting any Yeezys anymore. Anyway, if you wanna catch these kicks, you can buy them off StockX for an average of $320! Now, since we mentioned StockX, if you ever mess up an order, here’s a guide on how to cancel it!