Sneaker trends, just like the entirety of human existence, undergo evolution. The dad shoe trend gave way to ugly and overly chunky sneakers, which in turn gave way to what we’re affectionally calling crazy sole sneakers.
One of the biggest proponents of crazy-soled shoes has been Matthew Williams, who designed a proprietary sole unit for his 1017 ALYX 9SM footwear and has used it for everything from Chelsea boots to Clogs. He's not the only one, though. Both the world of luxury and sportswear have explored the possibilities of sole units in recent seasons like Maison Margiela — whose split-toe Tabi shoes are already on the wilder end of the spectrum — who has gone for a distinct “bubble” look, giving various formal styles an “Air Max”-inspired look that blends more conservative aesthetics with sportswear-like features.
Crazy soles come in all shapes, sizes, and aesthetics, so whether you’re more into chunky stompers à la Eytys, or prefer workwear caricatures by Off-White™, our selection below has you covered.
Shop the best crazy sole sneakers below
Burberry Arthur Sneakers
Arthur Sneakers
Burberry
Burberry’s new-season offering features a new arrival that we’re predicting a strong future for. The Burberry Arthur sneaker gives Burberry’s luxury take on the hiking shoe trend and is characterized by a rugged sole unit that extends way past the beginning of the upper with a protective mudguard.
Mihara Yasuhiro Peterson Canvas Low-Top Trainers
Peterson Canvas Low-Top Trainers
Mihara Yasuhiro
It would be a mistake to not include Mihara Yasuhiro’s unique sole units in this round up. The Japanese designer has chiseled a spot for himself by reproducing iconic silhouettes and breathing new life into them with exaggerated features.
Balenciaga Toe Sneaker
Toe Sneaker
Balenciaga
The undisputed champ of the crazy sole, Balenciaga’s Toe Sneakers are nothing short of an alien arrival to the footwear world. A raised heel provides the main visual impact, but separated toes help the style along the way, too.
Eytys Halo Sneakers
Halo Sneakers
Eytys
Taking it back to early-2000s goth style, Eytys’ Halo Trainers feature one of the largest sole units in recent memory. The undulating design of the outsole matches a waved design to the upper to give the all-black colorway a punchy personality.
PUMA x Rhude Alteration Sneakers
Alteration Sneakers
PUMA x Rhude
Teaming up with Rhude, PUMA presents the Alteration sneaker which, boasts a lightweight runner silhouette in the upper which is contrasted by a bulbous sole unit. Smooth, curving lines run throughout the design, linking the incongruous upper and sole unit.
Reebok x Maison Margiela Tabi Instapump Fury Sneakers
Tabi Instapump Fury Sneakers
Reebok x Maison Margiela
Margiela’s signature Tabi split-toe holds the visual power to redesign any shoe and in a spectacular turn of events, its most recent project was the Reebok Instapump Fury. The already otherworldly sneaker is now even more alien and we’re loving it.
Off-White™ Sculpted Platform Chunky Sneakers
Sculpted Platform Chuncky Sneakers
Off-White™
Off-White™ looks to workwear styles as guidance for this brown leather sneaker silhouette which sits atop an exaggerated serrated sole unit. Splattered paint to the toe box rounds out the mix-and-match essence of the style.
Maison Margiela New Replica Super Bubble Rubber Sneakers
New Replica Super Bubble Rubber Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela's Replica Sneaker is, usually, a bastion of minimal sneaker design. Not this time. A bubbled sole unit steals the show from the signature German Army Trainer-inspired upper.
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