Fashion
A Chunky Reputation: How Dad Shoes Conquered Comfort and Style
Fathers are pioneers of many things—signature sneakers included.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Jun 16, 2025
There are plenty of things in pop culture named after dads. There’s the “dad bod,” a physique that embraces a softer shape and relaxed confidence. Then there’s the “dad joke,” known for being corny, predictable, and often delivered by fathers themselves.
Naturally, fashion follows suit. Dad shoes have been around for decades, and they continue to hold their ground in the sneaker world—comfortably bridging practicality and style (pun intended).
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What Is a Dad Shoe?
So, what exactly makes a sneaker a dad shoe? While the term might seem broad—or even subjective—there are a few defining features that consistently earn a pair that label. Interpretations may vary across brands and trends, but at its core, the dad shoe is built on three key traits. It’s the kind of shoe that prioritizes function but, ironically, has found its way to the forefront of fashion.
1. A dad shoe is comfortable.
Can you imagine your father wearing a cramped, uncomfortable shoe? Probably not—he’d likely ditch it in a second.
That’s why dad shoes are typically built with a wide fit, offering ample room and all-day comfort. They’re a practical, no-nonsense choice. When picturing a dad shoe, think of something your father—or any middle-aged man—would happily wear. This preference for function over form is exactly what propelled the style into popularity during the ’80s and ’90s.
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PHOTO: Zoe Ghertner via Instagram/newbalance.
2. A dad shoe has chunky soles.
Behind every supportive dad is a pair of shoes that support him, too. Dad shoes are known for their cushioned midsoles—a key element of their design. The chunky soles not only enhance comfort but also help absorb impact from hard surfaces.
These shoes allow for natural movement and flexibility. If you’ve ever wondered why people wearing dad shoes move so effortlessly, it’s because they truly don’t require much effort to wear. Their thick construction also offers better traction and durability. Chunky soles, after all, are part of their soul!
3. A dad shoe is neutral in color.
Beyond their anatomy and design, dad shoes often come in neutral tones, adding to their overall versatility. This makes them easy to style with just about anything.
Dress them up or down, wear them day or night—dad shoes are always ready to go, much like dads themselves. Their everyday wearability is one of the key reasons they remain a go-to choice in any wardrobe.
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PHOTO: Instagram/newbalance.
The Birth of the Dad Shoe
The casualization of athletic trainers' beginnings dates back to the 1980s. It was in 1979 when Paul Brown designed the Nike Air Tailwind '79, which is the first sneaker to fully feature air cushioning. It offered comfort like no other.
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PHOTO: Facebook/Kevin A. Kirby, DPM.
The bar was raised when New Balance released the now-iconic 990s in 1982. Featuring cutting-edge technology, it was the first sneaker to include a motion control footbed. Although marketed as a running shoe, it quickly transcended the sports world and gained popularity among the dad demographic due to its practical features. This period marks the beginning of athleisure’s rise—a development that comes as no surprise.
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Photo courtesy of New Balance.
When the 1990s rolled in, the dad shoe mantra shifted to “the bigger, the better”—though some also jokingly equated it with “the uglier.” While chunkier models weren’t universally embraced by the fashion world at the time, they endured and eventually gained mainstream popularity decades later. The Fila Disruptors, for example, debuted in 1996 and saw a resurgence of admiration—along with a revamped version—in the 2010s.
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Photo by Lufré via André Porto Alegre.
The Dad Shoe Gets a Modern Iteration
High fashion houses don’t skip trends, they just give it their own designer spin. As mentioned, dad shoes are not limited to specific silhouettes, but they are driven by primary characteristics. The resurgence of the dad shoe in the 21st century could be due to its luxurious modern iterations.
In 2017, Balenciaga released the groundbreaking Triple S. From its name, it was equipped with triple soles, giving a fresh take and a new layer to the dad shoe’s chunky aesthetic. It also gave a bold approach to the style, being available in several colorways that can stray away from the usual neutral.
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Photo courtesy of Balenciaga.
Louis Vuitton released the Archlight sneaker the following year. The easily recognizable shoe showcased a futuristic design with its oversized and wavy outsole, accompanied by an exaggerated tongue. The innovative silhouette met its sequel, the Archlight 2.0 in 2023, which had an experimental rubber platform outsole that gave it an even chunkier stature.
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Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Also released in 2018 was the Gucci Rhyton. With a thick sole and bulky construction, the pair exuded retro influence. The leather-lined sneakers were adorned with the vintage Gucci logo, which looked straight out of a 1980s print.
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PHOTO: Facebook/Gucci.
Undoubtedly, these are only some of the iconic designs that retained the dad shoe’s place on the sneaker map. Its wearable yet stylish nature, being open to various designs and takes, make it a type of sneaker that continues to withstand the test of time—transcending trends, age groups, and gender.
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Dad Shoes to Add to Your Collection of Comfort Sneakers
Beloved for their comfort, nostalgia, and effortlessly cool appeal, dad shoes have cemented their place as a street style staple. With their chunky silhouette and all-day wearability, they strike the perfect balance between form and function—pairing just as easily with denim as with dressier pieces.
Shop the best of this practical-meets-trendy sneaker style below.
LOOK:
Filipino Celebrities and Content Creators Sporting the Dad Shoe
For jam-packed schedules and a long list of places to be, dad shoes are an easy sartorial decision to make. See how these Filipino celebrities and content creators style their own dad shoes of choice.
Vice Ganda
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PHOTO: Instagram/praybeytbenjamin.
Donny Pangilinan
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PHOTO: Instagram/donny.
Rei Germar
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PHOTO: Instagram/reigermar.
Anne Curtis
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PHOTO: Instagram/annecurtissmith.
Maris Racal
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PHOTO: Instagram/mariesteller.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.