A Definitive Guide to the Best Chunky Sneakers You Can Buy Right Now
Raf Simons' Ozweegos are to thank for igniting the colossal dad shoe trend all those years ago. Also known as chunky sneakers, this type of footwear is a relatively recent addition to the style world that doesn’t seem to be losing momentum.
Balenciaga’s SS18 menswear show was a memorable point in the history of these footwear clunkers, as it showcased Parisian fathers and kids on the runway sporting turbo trainers. Given their success, it doesn’t come as a surprise that prominent fashion houses including Fendi, Maison Margiela, and Gucci have released their own renditions over the years. Among the most impressive luxury brand releases are the Stella McCartney Eclypse, Gucci Chunky SEGA sneaker, Calvin Klein Marvin, and Versace Squalo.
Though some may call them ugly, often affectionately, the shoes also scream comfort, resulting in major sports brands delivering some spectacular models, such as the Nike Zoom X Vista Grind, PUMA Thunder Electric, Opening Ceremony x Skechers Energy, and, of course, the adidas YEEZY Boost 700 Wave Runner.
Without a doubt, no other shoe trend has had a unisex appeal as widespread as chunky sneakers in the last decade. So without further ado, find our roundup of the most memorable dad shoes available to buy right now below.
Maison Margiela Work Ankle Boots
Brand: Maison Margiela
Model: Work Ankle Boots
Key Features: Suede upper, leathering lining, lace-up front, oversized tongue, round toe, and chunky rubber sole.
Release Date: June 2019
Price: $652
Buy: Farfetch
Editor’s Notes: Never one to shy away from outlandish designs, Maison Margiela made its own version of a hip-hop style staple—the ubiquitous 6-inch wheat boot that was seen all over New York sidewalks. Dubbed the Work Ankle Boots, this particular pair keeps the padded collar and adds new panels to the upper and dials the sole up to 11.
Maison Margiela’s Work Ankle Boots feature a suede upper with leather lining. Boasting an oversized tongue and a lace-up front, the out-of-this-world sole certainly draws attention to the bottom of the silhouette.
Nike Zoom X Vista Grind
Brand: Nike
Model: Zoom X Vista Grind
Key Features: The sneaker pairs a sleek, sporty upper made of translucent synthetic material with an extremely bulky sole. The sole unit features windows that reveal neon green Zoom X foam. The upper comes in volt with contrasting hits of black and orange.
Release Date: July 2019
Price: $200
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: Part of Nike Women’s Summer 2019 lineup, the Nike Zoom X Vista Grind made its debut in the eye-catching launch colorway above. The silhouette was one of the standout styles previewed in early March 2019, juxtaposing a sleek upper with a chunky midsole. The Zoom X Vista Grind takes Nike’s marathon aesthetic and flips it for the street, turning a racing sneaker into a bold and sporty lifestyle kick.
Opening Ceremony x Skechers "Energy"
Brand: Opening Ceremony x Skechers
Model: Energy
Key Features: The Opening Ceremony x Skechers Energy is offered in white, black, and brown colorways, featuring a semi-transparent upper revealing monochromatic branding. The sneaker also has a chunky outsole.
Release Date: August 2019
Price: $38
Buy: Opening Ceremony
Editor’s Notes: Opening Ceremony and Skechers came together for the first time ever to collaborate on one of Skechers’ most recognized silhouettes, the Energy, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the sneaker. The Energy debuted with Britney Spears in 1999 and went on to become one of the more sought-after sneakers of the 2000s.
Here, we find the Energy taking on a chic style with a chunky outsole. The sneaker boasts a semi-transparent upper revealing monochromatic branding. Optioned in white, black, and brown colorways, you can find the Opening Ceremony x Skechers Energy available exclusively through Opening Ceremony.
Versace Squalo
Brand: Versace
Model: Squalo
Key Features: Versace’s new Squalo sneaker is unisex, featuring leather details with signature Versace top-stitching, an embroidered Versace logo on the tongue, and the Medusa in the outsole.
Release Date: October 2019
Price: $875 to $1,650
Buy: Versace
Editor’s Notes: Following a debut during the men’s FW19 runway show, Versace officially introduced its all-new sneaker, the Squalo. The Squalo is a unisex silhouette that draws inspiration from the anatomy of the great white shark. Subsequently, the sneaker’s sharp lines of the outsole are designed to resemble the animal’s teeth. As a celebration of the brand’s heritage, the Squalo incorporates leather details featuring signature Versace top-stitching, while the Versace logo is embroidered on the tongue, and the Medusa is hidden in the outsole.
Optioned in multiple colorways and material executions, Versace’s new unisex Squalo sneaker is priced from $875 to $1,650.
Umbro Bumpy
Brand: Umbro
Model: Bumpy
Key Features: A leather, suede, and mesh upper, reflective logo details, and a rugged outsole.
Release Date: August 2018
Price: $65 to $125
Buy: Umbro
Editor’s Notes: Originally launched in South Korea in March 2017, Umbro's Bumpy sneakers dropped the following year in the EU, selling out in just three days.
The sneakers feature a leather, suede, and mesh upper, along with subtle Umbro branding, back pull loop, reflective panels, and chunky sole made out of phylon and synthetic rubber.
Ash Addict Sneaker
Brand: Ash
Model: Addict Sneaker
Key Features: The upper is constructed using a mixture of mesh, suede, Nappa calf leather, and nubuck. The multi-layered, chunky rubber outsole takes clear design cues from Balenciaga’s Triple S, with thick laces rounding off the look.
Release Date: March 2018
Price: $260
Buy: Farfetch
Editor’s Notes: Womenswear brand Ash, which previously collaborated with CDG PLAY Heart designer Filip Pagowski, joined the bulky sneaker trend with its very own “Addict” sneaker. The silhouette is reminiscent of a fusion between the Dior Homme B22 and Balenciaga Triple S, taking design cues from both of the chunky sneakers.
The Addict sneaker is a cost-effective alternative to some of the other high-end silhouettes on the market and perfect for those that want a fashion sneaker but don’t want to shell out nearly $1,000.
Although a womenswear brand, the Addict can be worn by anyone, thanks to its unisex design. Ash’s offering comes in three colorways: an all-white affair, a white/blush version, and a black/red/yellow iteration.
Just Cavalli P1thon
Brand: Just Cavalli
Model: P1thon
Key Features: Leather and mesh uppers, a python pattern, Just Cavalli branding at the tongue, a chunky sole, and hiker-style laces.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: $213
Buy: Farfetch
Editor’s Notes: Just Cavalli introduced the P1thon sneaker as a part of its Pre-Fall 2019 collection, a sporty silhouette inspired by reptiles. The shape of the shoe was meant to mimic the concept of a snake’s movement, paired with a stylized flame on the upper, representing its uncontrollability.
The P1thon is predominantly done up in leather and mesh, with a textured python pattern. The sneaker also boasts an on-trend chunky sole, coming equipped with hiker-style laces.
Featured above are five unisex iterations of Just Cavalli’s P1thon sneaker.
Fendi FF Trainer
Brand: Fendi
Model: FF Trainer
Key Features: Leather upper, layered black mesh, brown panels printed with Fendi’s FF logo, chunky black bubble sole with embossed branding on the back, FF rubber plaque on the tongue, white leather lining, black mesh insole.
Release Date: January 2019
Price:
Buy:
Editor’s Notes: Fendi debuted the new FF Trainer during its SS19 runway show and the chunky sneaker has since made its way to retail.
The Italian-made shoe is predominantly composed of leather and mesh, showcasing the fashion house’s iconic FF logo printed throughout. Above, you’ll find a chunky black bubble sole unit embossed with Fendi branding across the back.
Viberg Sneaker
Brand: Viberg
Model: Sneaker
Key Features: Suede and leather uppers, leather lining, a Vibram sole, and minimal branding.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: $478 (Grey Suede), $497 (Smoke Kudu and Black Horsehide)
Buy: Viberg
Editor’s Notes: Heritage boot maker Viberg began development of its own sneaker program after sampling products for Nike and Jordan Brand. The label currently has three silhouettes in its arsenal, including the chunky Sneaker.
The Sneaker is available through Viberg’s website in three colorways: “Black Horsehide,” “Grey Suede” and “Smoke Kudu.” The uppers are done up in suede and/or leather, while a Vibram sole rests below. The overall design of the Sneaker is noticeably minimal, albeit quality is clearly a focal point.
The Sneaker is made at Viberg’s Victoria factory, accounting for the only sneaker currently manufactured entirely in Canada. If you’re into any of the three colorways that are available, you can pick up your size online.
Bottega Veneta Speedster
Brand: Bottega Veneta
Model: Speedster
Key Features: Calf and mesh uppers, a chunky sole, a leather-lined insole, embossed branding on the tongue, hand-painted leather edges, flexible rubber outsole and two sets of flat laces.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: $790 - $990
Buy: Bottega Veneta
Editor’s Notes: Featured throughout the label’s SS19 presentation, Bottega Veneta launched its new Speedster sneaker in 2019. The silhouette mimics the overall design of a classic running shoe, outfitted with a chunky sole.
Bottega Veneta initially delivered the Speedster in five colorways, three done up in calf leather and two in calf leather and technical mesh. The sneaker is detailed with hand-painted leather edges, welcoming embossed branding on the leather tongue. Furthermore, the Speedster is lined in leather and comes equipped with two sets of flat laces.
Eytys Sonic
Brand: Eytys
Model: Sonic
Key Features: Canvas and suede uppers, a rounded toe, a 3D-embroidered rainbow, sidewall-stitched sole with molded rubber, cork insole, padded tongue and collar, and two sets of laces.
Release Date: March 2019
Price: $260
Buy: Eytys
Editor’s Notes: Eytys referenced the late ’90’s re-interpretation of the ’70s for its Sonic silhouette. A modern translation of the oversized sneakers of that time, the Sonic stands out due to its chunky design.
Eytys’ Sonic was initially available in three colorways: a tan canvas pair, as well as red and black suede sets. In addition to the bulky sole, the sneaker welcomes a 3D-embroidered rainbow graphic.
Outdoor Voices x HOKA ONE ONE "Bondi B"
Brand: Outdoor Voices x HOKA ONE ONE
Model: Bondi B
Key Features: Ripstop collar, iridescent midfoot overlays, foam package upper material, CMEVA midsole for lightweight cushioning, high abrasion rubber on the outsole for durability, Meta-Rocker technology for a smooth ride, and bungee laces.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: $160
Buy: Hoka One One
Editor’s Notes: Following their April 2019 collaboration on the OV Clifton, HOKA ONE ONE and Outdoor Voices delivered once again together for another sneaker release. This time around Outdoor Voices revitalized the Bondi B, HOKA’s original ultra-cushioned model from 2011.
OV provides the extra chunky silhouette with hits of yellow and pink livening up the predominantly white and grey upper. Outdoor Voices and HOKA ONE ONE branding are then showcased in metallic silver, while pink laces accompany the pair.
Designed to be worn both on the streets and out for a run, the Outdoor Voices x HOKA ONE ONE Bondi B are one of a kind.
FILA Disruptor Strappy Sandal
Brand: FILA
Model: Disruptor Strappy Sandal
Key Features: The sandal borrows its bulky rubber sole unit from the OG Disruptor sneaker, with only slight modifications made to make the sole unit sandal-appropriate. The white mesh upper features blue and red hook-and-loop fasteners across the forefoot, as well as a heel strap with FILA branding.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: $60
Buy: FILA
Editor’s Notes: A heavy tread on the forefoot transitions to a normal tread at the heel, with FILA’s traditional white, blue, and red color scheme on the upper. Although it’s a women’s style, guys have embraced the Disruptor, too, spawning memes that play on the sneaker’s bulky look, especially when paired with skinny pants.
New Balance WX608W
Brand: New Balance
Model: WX608W
Key Features: The chunky runner in women’s sizing comes in three colorways and features a primarily leather upper construction with several over and underlays, adding to the silhouette’s bulk. New Balance branding is seen on the sides, heel, and tongue, while a thick white midsole rounds out the look.
Release Date: December 2018
Price: $105
Buy: Resell sites like eBay, Grailed, StockX and GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The New England brand’s 900 series is its most popular among sneakerheads, with the WX608W passing under the radar. Retailing for just over $100, it’s also a cost-efficient alternative to other, more expensive chunky kicks out there.
Maison Margiela Security
Brand: Maison Margiela
Model: Security
Key Features: The bright red and yellow colorway is the one that first draws your attention, but it’s the “Dirty Treatment” smudging on the yellow suede and white midsole that keeps it.
Release Date: January 2019
Resale Price: $596
Buy: KRIX
Editor’s Notes: Aside from factory-fresh filth, the sneakers feature a red leather and mesh upper, with a bright yellow suede mudguard, and chunky white soles. There is also a grey and white colorway available.
Brandblack Saga
Brand: Brandblack
Model: Saga
Key Features: Full-grain nappa leather with nubuck overlays, flat-knit ribbed sock collar, high traction rubber outsole, and an ultra-light maximal cushion midsole designed by David Raysse for Vibram.
Release Date: August 2018
Price: $220 - $260
Buy: Brandblack
Editor’s Notes: The shoe finds nappa leather and nubuck coming together throughout, all while featuring a ribbed sock-like collar. The Saga is highlighted by a custom-designed outsole by David Raysse for Vibram. Raysse is responsible for the likes of the FILA Stackhouse II and Grant Hill II.
Cat Footwear Intruder
Brand: Cat Footwear
Model: Intruder
Key Features: A mixed material upper is constructed using nubuck and mesh, in addition to nylon mesh lining. The molded EVA midsole sits between the upper and an exaggerated rubber outsole. The Intruder comes in three colorways: biking red, black, and star white.
Release Date: October 2018
Price: $110
Buy: Cat
Editor’s Notes: Workwear specialist Cat Footwear relaunched its Intruder sneaker, which originally debuted in 1996. In doing so, Cat followed the trend of sneaker brands bringing back old-school models and re-releasing them to the public to ride the chunky sneaker wave.
With workwear and the ’90s having a huge influence on both fashion and sneaker trends in 2018, as well as the Intruder’s chunky silhouette, Cat picked a great sneaker to bring back to life.
Calvin Klein Marvin
Brand: Calvin Klein
Model: Marvin
Key Features: The chunky upper is made of a combination of mesh, polyester, and leather overlays and comes in a grey, green, and yellow colorway. An oversized white EVA midsole and yellow rubber outsole add even more chunk to the silhouette. Pull tabs on the heel and tongue, as well as a black heel overlay complete the look.
Release Date: September 2018
Price: $139
Buy: Calvin Klein
Editor’s Notes: Calvin Klein’s Marvin sneaker, which debuted early Fall 2018, released another model with a very familiar colorway the same year. The chunky sneaker trended and came in at a relatively affordable $139, initially offered on Calvin Klein’s own webstore.
Koio Avalanche
Brand: Koio
Model: Avalanche
Key Features: Calf leather, suede, patent leather, technical mesh, and nylon on the upper; Koio icon made from 500 stitches; chunky sole; thick cotton laces.
Release Date: September 2018
Price: $552
Buy: Farfetch
Editor’s Notes: Late August 2018, luxury sneaker brand Koio launched its first-ever runner, the Avalanche. September that same year saw the label release a new colorway of the chunky silhouette. Here we find the Avalanche done up in blue and yellow, paying homage to the colors of the Swedish flag. Evoking a retro aesthetic, the Avalanche remains very much on-trend, in larger part thanks to its chunky sole.
Alexander McQueen Oversized Runner
Brand: Alexander McQueen
Model: Oversized Runner
Key Features: Calf leather and suede uppers, nappa leather trim, padded heel counter and tongue, Alexander McQueen signature, and large, flat laces.
Release Date: July 2018
Price: $590 to $1,190
Buy: Alexander McQueen
Editor’s Notes: Alexander McQueen’s Oversized Runner returned in a series of new looks for the Fall/Winter 2018 season. Showcased in suede as well as leather options, the sneaker welcomes nappa leather trim and comes equipped with large flat laces. The designer’s signature is also featured on the footwear, which is padded at the tongue and heel.
A number of the FW18 iterations boasted a color-blocked heel, while all pairs came with an additional set of laces.
Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Max 270 Bowfin
Key Features: Like other Air Max 270s before it, the Bowfin sports a molded, dual-density foam for a smooth transition from heel to forefoot, with a newly-engineered Air Max 270 unit promising greater impact absorption. The Bowfin iteration features contrasting straps, bold hues, various types of textural mesh over the upper, and juxtaposing patterns, save for the “Triple Black” colorway. The shoe is laced up with a pullcord and also boasts speckling on the midsole.
Release Date: September 2019
Price: $89
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: After the return of the Air Humara in the form of a Supreme collaboration in Fall 2017, Nike followed up with another performance hiking silhouette. Capitalizing on one of the biggest footwear trends of 2018, details on the shoe recall the brand’s ACG and vintage trail sneakers.
Alexander McQueen Runner
Brand: Alexander McQueen
Model: Runner
Key Features: Calf suede and calf leather uppers, mesh toe, chunky wedge sole, and thick laces.
Release Date: July 2018
Price: $425
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The low-tops boast premium construction from calf suede and calf leather, paired with hits of mesh to aid in breathability. A chunky wedge sole then draws attention to the bottom of the shoe, while thick laces accompany.
Gucci Chunky SEGA sneaker
Brand: Gucci
Model: Chunky SEGA sneaker
Key Features: Gucci’s hefty sneaker features mesh, leather and reflective panels on the upper, with workboot-style lacing. In contrast to the industrial look and feel of the shoe, a jeweled strap traverses the shoe’s upper, which can be un-buttoned as an optional detail. Gucci also licensed SEGA font which appears on the tongue of the shoe, appropriately reading “GUCCI.” Finally, a pull tab is found on the heel, reading “TEAM GUCCI.”
Release Date: July 2018
Price: $1,430
Buy: Gucci
Editor’s Notes: After being unveiled at Gucci’s FW18 runway show, we show a closer look at several key details from the shoe in the gallery above. The sneakers were launched as unisex styles, with the black and green colorway available for both men and women, and women treated to several other colorways including a multi-colored iteration and an all-white version.
Gucci’s FW18 show also memorably included severed heads and miniature dragons.
PUMA Thunder Electric
Brand: PUMA
Model: Thunder Electric
Key Features: The sneaker’s chunky but athletic shape and bold ’90s-esque color pops fuse sporty elements with a fashion-forward aesthetic. Giving the shoe its heavyset appearance, a molded TPU midsole sits beneath a premium mesh and nubuck upper. A black PUMA formstrip along the side provides subtle branding amid the multi-colored panels.
Release Date: June 2018
Resale Price: $50
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: After the first iteration of PUMA’s Thunder line, the Thunder Spectra found huge success. Dubbed “Thunder Electric” because of how the sneaker’s design “reflects the electrifying power of lightning,” these colorways were as popular as the first. Perfectly on-trend with its overblown tooling and exaggerated silhouette, the considerably affordable price makes it perfect for those looking to get in on the chunky sneaker trend without looking to rinse their savings in the process.
FILA Ray
Brand: FILA
Model: Ray
Key Features: This chunky silhouette features a leather and textile upper, logo details on its tongue and upper, striped front and back pull loops and a stacked rubber sole.
Release Date: March 2019
Price: $65
Buy: FILA
Editor’s Notes: FILA added another chunky sneaker to its already iconic selection. At first glance, the all-new FILA Ray resembles the Disruptor II, but while the silhouettes are similar, the Ray does away with the Disruptor’s jagged sole for a less hardcore, more dadcore aesthetic. In addition, the midsole is slightly raised, taking it half an inch higher than the Disruptor II.
For anyone who came close to copping the Disruptor II but decided otherwise because of its statement sole, the Ray proved to be a subtler but equally desirable alternative.
Stella McCartney Eclypse
Brand: Stella McCartney
Model: Eclypse
Key Features: The designer’s ultra-bulky sneaker uses various panels and overlays to create a busy-looking upper that is highlighted by expert color-blocking. All of that sits on top of an extra thick sole unit that looks like it could break down doors at a moment’s notice. Lil Uzi Vert is among one of its many fans.
Release Date: September 2017
Price: $685
Buy: Stella McCartney
Editor's Notes: While most people immediately thought of Balenciaga’s Triple S or Gucci’s Rhyton sneaker during the chunky footwear trend, Stella McCartney’s Eclypse definitely deserved some recognition. Although not for those on a shoestring budget, its high-quality construction made it worth adding to your rotation.
N°21 Billy sneakers
Brand: N°21
Model: Billy sneakers
Key Features: Coming in a tonal white or black colorway, the chunky sneakers feature a retro running sole, a rounded toe, front lacing, and a canvas calf leather mix upper. The kicks are finished off with textured rubber detailing.
Release Date: April 2018
Price: $775
Buy: N°21
Editor’s Notes: If you don’t want to spend nearly a grand on the Balenciaga Triple S and want something a little bit more elevated than your middle school Skechers, N°21’s Billy sneakers are the ones to cop. The made-in-Italy kicks come in two monochrome colorways, so they’re perfect for adding visual interest to any fit without having your sneakers be the only focal point.
Eytys Angel LWBG
Brand: Eytys
Model: Angel LWBG
Key Features: White leather construction, leather lining, heavy duty lace hooks, and stacked up black and gum rubber sole unit.
Release Date: April 2018
Price: $300
Buy: Eytys
Editor’s Notes: After releasing a canvas variation of its much-hyped Angel silhouette, Eytys unveiled another iteration of the brutalist, heavy-duty trail shoe for spring. Comprised of premium leather, the silhouette flaunts a tricolor theme with a blend of white, black, and gum.
Best chunky sneakers of the decade
Maison Margiela Work Ankle Boots
Nike Zoom x Vista Grind
Opening Ceremony and Skechers “Energy”
Versace Squalo
Umbro Bumpy
Ash Addict Sneaker
Just Cavalli P1thon
Fendi FF Trainer
Bottega Veneta Speedster
Eytys Sonic
Outdoor Voices x HOKA ONE ONE “Bondi B”
FILA Disruptor Strappy Sandal
New Balance WX608W
Maison Margiela Security
Brandblack Saga
Cat Footwear Intruder
Calvin Klein Marvin
Koio Avalanche
Alexander McQueen Oversized Runner
Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin
Alexander McQueen Runner
Gucci Chunky SEGA sneaker
PUMA Thunder Electric
FILA Ray
Stella McCartney Eclypse
N°21 Billy sneakers
Eytys Angel LWBG
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I style chunky sneakers?
Wider cut and cropped pants grew alongside the chunky sneaker trend and make for a great combination. Another chic way to style the function-over-fashion kicks is with any pair of gym socks, preferably white dorky ones.
Who started the chunky sneaker trend?
The first pioneer of the chunky sneaker trend was Raf Simons, who redesigned the classic adidas Ozweego model in 2013. Kanye West also contributed to its ubiquity by rocking the adidas YEEZY Boost 700. By the end of 2017, an undeniable fan base had blossomed.
Is the chunky sneaker trend still relevant?
As of 2020, chunky sneakers, now better known as “turbo trainers,” are remarkably still in, with a larger number of fans across prominent fashion houses and sports brands. Their unisex appeal has also given the design a competitive edge, so, for the time being, no end is in sight.
