Highsnobiety

It's official, summer’s here which means our shoe rotation needs to be ready for action. Sure, this season is all about lightweight sneakers and sandals, but - let’s not forget other humble silhouettes, like the dad shoe. Even though there are endless options out there to pick from, New Balance is ahead of the curve with the best dad sneaker iterations for this summer.

Dadcore has been around for a while, but it wasn't until last year that its popularity skyrocketed. Dad-approved outfits, along with the dad shoe silhouette, ventured into every fashion enthusiast’s wardrobe. The dad sneaker is beloved not only because of the comfort it provides, but because of its style. If you’ve got a busy and activity-planned summer coming up, the dad sneaker is the way forward for you.

With the help of New Balance, we’ve rounded up the best dad kicks. Take a peek below, and make your pick!

Shop the best dad shoes below.

The New Balance 327

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance327 Sneaker
$100
Buy at New Balance

Kicking it off with a simple silhouette, New Balance takes reference from the classic ‘70s running sneaker. Featuring sporty cues, such as a trail-inspired lug outsole and a rubber heel, the suede and nylon upper is what elevates the 327.

The New Balance 2002RX GTX

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance2002RX GTX Sneaker
$180
Buy at New Balance

Navy blue is every dad’s favorite colorway. It’s just a known fact. In addition to its Y2K-inspired style, the 2002RX GTX stands out because of its premium composition. It features in-house GORE-TEX® technology which keeps this gem breathable for even the hottest of summer days. Cool, calm, and collected — get your blue on.

New Balance 574 Sneaker

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance574 Sneaker
$85
Buy at New Balance

For those looking for style and comfort in a sneaker, the 574 is for you. It features lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel to give your feet a super soft feeling. As for its design, the shoe features a suede and mesh upper and a side panel displays the brand’s logo in bright blue.

The New Balance 580

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance580 Sneaker
$130
Buy at New Balance

The New Balance 580 is another practical silhouette to grab and go. It features neutral tones, like beige, white, and grey, to ease any outfit malfunctions. Plus, it offers a higher heel for all our short kings out there.

The New Balance U574LG

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceU574LG
$100
Buy at New Balance

In comparison to other models on this list, The New Balance U574LG has a less chunky design. These kicks are composed of a mesh and suede upper in burgundy and beige. The shoe also features lightweight EVA cushioning for all-day wear. Its rubber grip sole is ideal for when you want to go on adventures.

The New Balance 574 Rugged

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance574 Rugged
$90
Buy at New Balance

Nothing can beat a classic pair of white kicks. The New Balance 574 Rugged comes in neutral tones, so you can easily incorporate it into your summer sneaker rotation.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceFresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
$160
Buy at New Balance

Dads are into trekking, and their shoe collection proves it. The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX features a Fresh Foam X midsole for comfort and an in-house Vibram® Megagrip sole for extra support when hiking. Take these on your next trip to the mountains with your dad!

The New Balance 2002R

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance2002R
$140
Buy at New Balance

Can't decide which version of the 2002R to get? The grey New Balance 2002R is a classic dad silhouette you can’t go wrong with. It features elements such as the ABZORB technology for resistance and a Stability Web outsole for support during long-distance walks. Go ahead and bring this ‘00s baby back.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceFresh Foam X More Trail v3
$170
Buy at New Balance

Calling all marathoners out there, meet the New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3. This pair of kicks have a lengthy list of performance attributes like a Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning and a Vibram® Ecostep Recycle outsole. Its grey tones and chunky sole make these kicks head-turners. Get yourself these gems for a stylish summer's 10k race.

Want to keep browsing? Download the Highsnobiety app for all the hottest products and brands from the the Highsnobiety Shop. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • For FW24, AURALEE Made Beautiful New Balance Dad Shoes
    • Sneakers
  • The Most Comfortable Sneakers & Where to Buy Them
    • Style
  • The Best Basketball Shoes of the 2023-24 Season
    • Sneakers
  • Wet Weather Is No Match for These Waterproof Shoes
    • Sneakers
  • Your Feet Will Thank You for These Winter-Ready Sneakers
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Palace & adidas' Earthy Runner Has Been Here Before
    • Sneakers
  • Slawn's Rolex Watch Is Just as Cool as You'd Imagine
    • Watches
  • New Balance's Sneakers Are Looking Grey-t for Grey Day
    • Sneakers
  • Film Is Fashion Again
    • Style
  • Snob & Answer: Jesse Jo Stark
    • Culture
  • The Latest Jordan 1 Sneaker Is the Perfect Midnight (Navy) Treat
    • Sneakers
*If you submitted your e-mail address and placed an order, we may use your e-mail address to inform you regularly about similar products without prior explicit consent. You can object to the use of your e-mail address for this purpose at any time without incurring any costs other than the transmission costs according to the basic tariffs. Each newsletter contains an unsubscribe link. Alternatively, you can object to receiving the newsletter at any time by sending an e-mail to info@highsnobiety.com

Web Accessibility Statement

Titel Media GmbH (Highsnobiety), is committed to facilitating and improving the accessibility and usability of its Website, www.highsnobiety.com. Titel Media GmbH strives to ensure that its Website services and content are accessible to persons with disabilities including users of screen reader technology. To accomplish this, Titel Media GmbH tests, remediates and maintains the Website in-line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which also bring the Website into conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that our efforts to maintain accessibility and usability are ongoing. While we strive to make the Website as accessible as possible some issues can be encountered by different assistive technology as the range of assistive technology is wide and varied.

Contact Us

If, at any time, you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any particular webpage on this Website, please contact us at accessibility@highsnobiety.com, +49 (0)30 235 908 500. If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the web page and nature of the issue in your email and/or phone call, and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page or the information contained therein accessible for you.