Ugly Sneakers. What are “dad shoes” and why did they drive everyone crazy?

Ugly sneakers — where did this big footwear trend come from?

Dad Shoes or what are dad shoes? Sneakers with chunky soles in a retro style are now simply the benchmark for fashion fans. This shoe style is known by many names — chunky sneakers, ugly sneakers, and turbocharged sneakers.

So what makes shoes dad shoes? “These shoes are characterized by a chunky sole, a thick upper, and strange nineties patterns that your father is sure to like (bless him)”.

They are also the subject of numerous debates. Given their excessive popularity, many consider them overrated. For example,  the New York Post then expressed a rather critical opinion about the new trend. “For some reason, in 2018 the more your feet stick out, the more you fit into the fashion world.”

Currently, popular brands are creating more modern versions of retro sneakers. Even luxury brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Prada, and Alexander McQueen have given in to the general hype and started creating their own “benchmark candies costing from $1 000.

Adidas signed a contract with musician and designer Kanye West, thanks to which the company was able to enter the expensive goods market. West's line includes the Wave Runner sneakers, which are regularly resold for more than 1 500 dollars!

The ugly sneaker trend did not die young, it is gaining momentum and becoming increasingly popular. Modern fashionistas have learned to pair them not only with sportswear, but also with any other clothes that everyone wears every day.

Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are among the main style stars adding credibility to the “dad sneakers” trend. The revival of the design trend happened in 2018 at the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2018 menswear show. These clumsy and chunky sneakers reminded many people of 90s footwear, and the chicest way to style them  is with a pair of long white athletic socks.

What to wear with Ugly Sneakers

• The main thing when choosing clothes to go with ugly sneakers is to pick out some color or detail. Find something in your clothes that matches the accent on the sneakers. And the more contrast there is, the better the outfit looks together. 
• Ugly sneakers of course go best with sweatpants, but many will say that this is an outdated opinion. It’s 2021 now, and these days girls can make anything look chic! A regular neutral-colored hoodie and matching sweatpants — the sneakers will do the rest of the work for you. 
• But be careful! You might accidentally get used to this outfit, and you’ll simply enjoy your newly acquired comfort and refuse to move even any part of your body.
• To everyone’s surprise, wearing Ugly Sneakers with a suit or blazer, thanks to the geniuses of street style, turned out to be ... incredibly cool. You can even mix styles (not surprisingly). If you want to create a more casual look, choose jeans and a loose blazer. However, if things are more serious and you need to look more respectable, you can wear a bright suit to your important meeting and put on a pair of ugly sneakers. Yes, it works!
• Ugly sneakers with skirts have not been news for a long time. Ugly sneakers are a kind of perfect way to make a skirt less dressy or girly. They add a lot of balance to an outfit, and look coolest with skirts that reach right to the ankle (of course, combined with long legs, but that’s a minor detail). 
• Your first pair of ugly sneakers may seem somewhat… huge to you. But there are a few tricks that will help reduce their “hugeness” a little. First of all, you can try buying a less flashy option or wearing loose trousers or big baggy clothes. This will visually reduce the size of the shoes and make them less noticeable and bulky in the eyes of others.

Best Ugly Sneaker Models

Balenciaga Triple S

I think everyone recognized the name “Balenciaga” when they saw it above. It is a high-end label — a big name in the fashion world, and few can afford its products.

It is known for producing very bold clothing, including a seven-layer jacket for 9 000 dollars and a dress with a Microsoft Word font print.

But its brightest star, so to speak, its calling card, at the moment is the Triple S ugly sneaker model. The limited number of pairs released makes them highly sought after.

The high price (more than $900) makes them a true status symbol.

The distinctive design — they are impossible to confuse. Lesser-known brands try to imitate them, but in the fashion world they are irreplaceable.

They are sold in almost all luxury online stores. For exanple at Farfetch.com ugly sneakers Balenciaga can be bought for almost $1 000. And they are undoubtedly worth it!

Adidas Stan Smith

We already mentioned Adidas, who were not left behind. Their Adidas Stan Smith became the most popular shoes of the 2015/2016 season, even though Stan Smith himself won his last tennis tournament in 1980. Despite the fact that they are not particularly ugly, tennis shoes are still loved to this day.

You can buy them on the official website Adidas for $80.

Or on 6pm for $56, as always, on sale.

New Balance 624

As part of this rebellious movement, certain shoes became popular seemingly out of nowhere. New Balance 624 is considered the most “classic” dad shoe.

Despite fitting the trend, this is still very athletic footwear. You can wear it both for fitness and for pleasure. It has additional internal foot support here (very comfortable!). And most importantly, impressive cushioning: it helps literally absorb impact and provides long-lasting stability and comfort while moving throughout the day.

You can buy it on the official website NB for $75.

And on Amazon for $50-70.

FILA Disruptor II Sneaker

An iconic model from the 90s, with a slightly updated design. It is in the top 5 trendiest ugly sneakers in the world! Tons of reviews (more than 15 000!) and an affordable price — around $80. You can buy it in dozens of different colors, but the best one, of course, is white. 

You can also buy it in original designs at:

Farfetch from $130

6PM for only $47!!

On the official Fila website at a price from $60

Cambridge Select

Cool ugly sneakers that combine 90s-style details, mixed colors, and a chunky wedge heel (5.5 cm). With a soft insole and collar, a wide sole on a thick platform, lace-up.

Eco-vegan style. They fit the foot perfectly, allow the foot to breathe, and are made of synthetic materials. Sold in 12 colors, but neon green looks the coolest.

You can buy them on Amazon, the price varies depending on the size, on average from $30-45. There are good reviews with photos.

New Balance W990v5 Sneakers

An improved version of the men's V4 sneakers, which were at the peak of popularity last year. Made of high-quality waterproof suede, breathable mesh, and a comfortable insert.

A very clean modern silhouette that looks as good as it seems. sold mainly in neutral colors, but there is an additional toxic green one. On Zappos.com A bunch of reviews with photos (more than 1 500) priced at $175 on the official website.

Fila Ray Tracer Low-Top Sneakers

A super trendy 2021 model that is being snapped up very quickly on the brand's official website and in other stores!! This is the updated Ray Tracer shoe that combines retro design with today's most popular chunky ugly sneaker styles.

The model is made of suede and leather. On the tongue is an embroidered FILA logo. On a chunky sole with a padded insole. It costs about $80, but if you catch discount days, you can snag it for $45 too!

Other similar Fila models can be found on Farfetch.com at good prices with discounts of up to 35%.

Reebok Royal Turbo Impulse

Unisex ugly sneakers priced at just $35 on 6PM. In two colors, made of textile in a sporty style. For everyday and long-term use. They have a removable insole that can be replaced with a special one. Designed for long walks. The lining is also textile, allowing feet to breathe. The sole is thickened with a slight cushioning effect. In this kind of footwear, your feet practically do not get tired during the day.

Nike Renew Run

At 6PM, you can find it in 6 different colors. The original cost of the sneakers is $90, but on 6pm and on the official website there are discounts now. therefore, on average the model will cost $45-55.

There are similar sneakers on nike.com, for example Nike Renew Run 2, priced at $90. An improved model designed for running, with plush support (while running, the sole works as a shock absorber, so the foot is not overloaded). Soft and breathable, they do not let the foot get tired or sweaty.

Michael Kors Liv Trainer Sneakers

 Feminine, and not even ugly at all. Just sneakers, more for a specific taste. Very cute with a glitter mesh upper Michael Kors Liv Trainer Sneakers lace-up for $110 on 6pm. Glam, stylish, and very comfortable.

You can see other models of the best Ugly Shoes on 6PM with the biggest discounts here.

Ordering and delivery of sneakers from America

There will be quite a few fashion revolutions in the future, but for now Ugly Shoes is holding the top positions. Stay tuned for updates and catch discounts on popular online marketplaces!

Also keep an eye on Black Friday discounts in US stores.

And Pochtoy.com mail forwarder will help you deliver sneakers from the USA at the best price — starting at just $11,99 (900 rubles) and in 4-10 days. On every package with sneakers from America, you save at least 3-4 thousand rubles!

- Delivery of goods from online stores from the USA to Russia.

 Pay attention to the best sneaker brands from the USA with delivery to Russia:

- New Balance original sneakers from original American stores.

- ASICS original sneakers from original American stores.