Ugly Sneakers. What are "dad shoes" and why is everyone crazy about them?

Ugly sneakers — where does this big shoe trend come from?

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

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

They are also the subject of much debate. Given their excessive popularity, many consider them overrated. For example, New York Post at the time had quite a critical opinion about the new trend. “Somehow in 2018, the more your feet stick out, the more you fit into the fashion world.”

Nowadays, popular brands are creating more modern versions of retro sneakers. Even luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Prada and Alexander McQueen have succumbed to the general hype and started creating their own “iconic candies” priced from $1 000.

Adidas signed a contract with musician and designer Kanye West, which allowed the company to enter the high-end market. West’s line includes Wave Runner sneakers that regularly resell for more than $1 500!

The ugly sneakers trend didn’t die young; it’s gaining momentum and becoming more and more 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 icons adding credibility to the “dad sneakers” trend. The revival of the design trend took place in 2018 at the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2018 menswear show. These clumsy and bulky sneakers reminded many 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 items to go with ugly sneakers is to highlight some color or detail. Find something in your clothes that matches the accent in the sneakers. Well, the more contrast, the better the clothes look 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• Ugly sneakers of course go best with sweatpants, but many will say that this is an outdated opinion.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 all the rest of the work for you. 
• But be careful! You can accidentally get used to such an outfit, and you’ll just enjoy the newfound comfort and refuse to move even a single part of your body.
• To everyone’s surprise, wearing Ugly Sneakers with a suit or blazer, thanks to street style geniuses, 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 solid, you can put on a bright suit for your important meeting and wear a pair of ugly sneakers. Yes, it works!
• Ugly sneakers with skirts stopped being news a long time ago. Ugly sneakers are a kind of perfect way to make a skirt less dressy or girly. They add a lot of balance to the look, and they 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 a bit… 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 pants or large baggy clothes. This will visually reduce the size of the shoes and make them less noticeable and massive in the eyes of others.

Best Models of Ugly Sneakers

Balenciaga Triple S

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

He is known for producing very bold clothing, including a seven-layer jacket for $9,000 and a dress with a print of Microsoft Word fonts.

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

The high price (over $900) makes them a real status symbol.

Distinctive design — they cannot be confused with anything else. 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 example on Farfetch.com ugly sneakers Balenciaga can be bought for almost $1,000. And they are definitely worth it!

Adidas Stan Smith

We have already mentioned Adidas who have not fallen 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 back in 1980. Despite the fact that they are not particularly ugly either, people still love tennis shoes.

They can be purchased on the official website of Adidas for $80.

Or on 6pm for $56, as always with a discount.

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 matching the trend, it's still very athletic footwear. You can wear it for both fitness and pleasure. It features internal additional foot support (very comfortable!). And most importantly — impressive cushioning: it helps literally absorb shocks and provides long-lasting stability and comfort during movement throughout the day.

Can be purchased on official site NB for $75.

And on Amazon for $50-70.

FILA Disruptor II Sneaker

Iconic model from the 90s, with a slightly updated design. Ranks in the top-5 most trendy ugly sneakers in the world! Tons of reviews (more than 15,000!) and an affordable price — about $80. Available in dozens of different colors, but the best one, of course, is white. 

Also available in original designs at:

Farfetch from $130

6pm and only for $47!!

On the official site Fila at prices from $60

Cambridge Select

Cool ugly sneakers, which combine 90s-style details, mixed colors, and a massive 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 great on the foot, let the foot breathe, and are made from artificial materials. Available in 12 colors, but neon green looks the coolest.

Available on Amazon, price varies by size, averaging $30-45. Good reviews with photos.

New Balance W990v5 Sneakers

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

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

Fila Ray Tracer Low-Top Sneakers

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

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

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

Reebok Royal Turbo Impulse

Unisex ugly sneakers costing only $35 on 6pm. Available 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 the feet to breathe. The thickened sole has a slight cushioning effect. In such shoes, your feet practically don't get tired throughout the day.

Nike Renew Run

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

Similar sneakers are available on nike.com, for example Nike Renew Run 2, costing $90. An improved model designed for running with plush support (during a run the sole acts as a shock absorber so the foot isn't overloaded). Soft and breathable, they prevent the foot from getting tired or sweaty.

Michael Kors Liv Trainer Sneakers

 Feminine and not ugly at all. Pure sneakers, more for a fan. Very cute with a mesh upper with sparkles Michael Kors Liv Trainer Sneakers on laces for $110 on 6pm. Glam, stylish and very comfortable.

Other models of the best Ugly Shoes on 6pm with the biggest discounts can be viewed here.

Ordering and shipping sneakers from America

In the future there will be many fashion revolutions, but for now Ugly Shoes holds the top positions. Follow the news and catch discounts on popular online platforms!

Also follow the discounts on Black Friday in US stores.

And the mail forwarder Pochtoy.com will help you deliver sneakers and USA at the most favorable price — only from $11.99 (900 rubles) and in 4-10 days. On each package with sneakers from America you save at least 3-4 thousand rubles!

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

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

- New Balance original sneakers from original American stores.

- ASICS original sneakers from original American stores.