Hardly any other shoe trend has divided opinions as much as the dad sneaker: With its chunky silhouette and wide sole, the retro from the 90s immediately catches the eye - and offers a striking contrast to the outfit. Asphaltgold tells you why the ugly shoe is no longer just popular with family fathers and why everyone should wear these kicks. Discover the variety in the online shop!
Chunky, rough and a little "ugly" - that describes the dad sneaker quite well. Some celebrate the trend for shoes with wide soles, others see it as a real fashion sin. But one thing is certain: real sneakerheads have not been able to avoid these kicks in recent years. But where does the dad shoe actually come from?
The sneaker trend for ugly dad sneakers with thick soles originated in the 90s. Back then, the sneakers were mainly worn by American dads because of their comfort - hence the name. But nobody thought the sneakers were really cool back then.
It wasn't until 2017 that the luxury brand Balenciaga managed to turn the comfortable shoe into a fashion statement. The Triple S is considered the ultimate dad sneaker and convinces models, influencers, and even the average sneakerhead - with a futuristic silhouette, patterned laces and, of course, the chunky sole.
In recent years, more and more sneaker manufacturers such as Nike , Puma and adidas have jumped on the hype train. Today, the ugly "dad shoe" is a real go-to, especially for women, when it comes to casual street style. With new, crazy color combinations, materials and shapes, the manufacturers are constantly breathing new life into the retro. All we can say is: our fathers had taste back then. Thank you, Dad!
The provocative styles of "ugly fashion" are more popular than ever. Fashion can be loud, colorful and different - and should be. So it's no wonder that the fashion pieces of the 90s are celebrating their big revival: baggy jeans, neon colors and chunky sneakers are part of the perfect street look for many people.
The dad sneakers with their bulky soles and iconic silhouettes can be combined both casually and elegantly. This is not least due to the variety of styles: On the one hand, sneakers that come with a wild material mix of suede, mesh and leather. Bright colors in the upper or patterned laces underline the 90s vibe and make the kick a real eye-catcher. On the other hand, the manufacturers offer comfortable retro models that, with their colorways in simple beige and gray tones, fit perfectly with the understated classic look.
What the trainers all have in common is their chunky shape. Whether curved, straight or with an extra platform - nothing distinguishes the Dad Sneaker more than the chunky sole. Not only does it ensure maximum comfort (after all, it was once Daddy's running shoe) and a nice shape, it also makes the shoe a real eye-catcher.
Dad sneakers, the shoes with the oversized, thick and chunky sole, are available from almost every major sneaker manufacturer – and for one simple reason: everyone wants the trainers with the platform, which ensures maximum comfort and also has a trendy shape.
The brand that every sneakerhead probably associates first with the dad shoe trend is New Balance . The American brand offers various retro models that our fathers probably loved to wear - and maybe still do. New Balance sneakers are available in numerous colorways, whether eye-catching in bright colors or in subtle natural tones. The trainers with the N on the side convey the 90s vibe like no other sneaker.
Real classics among dad sneakers are of course the Nike M2K TEKNO, the adidas FALCON or the OZWEEGO. The partly futuristic interpretation of the retro shoes is characterized by a particularly striking silhouette that is less reminiscent of the typical dad sneaker, but rather puts the focus on the chunky sole.
Whether OZWEEGO, FALCON or the classic New Balance trainer - the dad sneaker is a shoe trend that almost no one is missing this season. You can find the dad sneaker on almost every foot - especially on women. No wonder: Dad shoes are super versatile and can be worn with a dress, with joggers or, in the classic sense, with jeans.
What makes the fashionable kicks with the wide sole so special? The literally huge comfort! Unusual styles and nice colorways included. Gone are the days when running shoes were just a "fashionable eye-catcher" for family fathers. At Asphaltgold you will find a wide variety of models to suit your taste. Register online for the latest raffles - to spot your daily driver. No (dad) joke!
