Where did the dad shoe go? Not very far, it seems. The exaggerated proportions of the sneaks of late, the so-called chunky/bulky/thicc sneaker, offer something different in a landscape that at times can seem a little, well, same-y. Very much a retro throwback, these are cycling back into our rotation from the 80s and 90s - a stylistic slalom of sorts, that bends our timeline back to simpler times, where smartphones weren't a thing and when you said you'd meet somewhere...that's what you did.
While macro doesn’t solve for everything, it does offer a new, cheeky way of presenting classic forms in new avatars. Why such an approach is effective can perhaps be attributed to the simplicity of the premise. Take something that works, and turn up the dial.
These sneaks are speaking volumes. Turn your head in the direction of the sweet sound.
Lanvin Black Curb Suede Sneakers
A shoe icon in the flesh. The perfect example of when jumbo-sizing actually works - we're looking at you, fast food chains. This black suede version has us green with envy. Behold, a shoe thirst trap.
Balenciaga White Runner Sneakers
Balenciaga's no stranger to playfully distorting familiar sneaker shapes, and this rainbow-panelled Runners prove just that.
AMIRI X Browns Red Skel Top Low Leather Sneakers
I'm not sure this could get any hotter off the press. Launched at time of writing, this is about as fresh as it gets. Amiri collaborates with Brown's for a shoe with a serious backbone. Featuring a skeletal design, this exclusive drop is just in time for Halloween. Perfectly timed, if you ask us.
Alexander McQueen Oversize Leather Sneaker
In what is an unusually minimalist showing of the house of McQueen, they've made these sleek olive creepers; a business casual option for anyone looking to take their thicc kicks corporate.
Reebok LTD x Kanghyuk DMX Run 6
In collaboration with the Korean avant-gardists at Kanghyuk, Reebok made this puffy, rubbery, cushiony thicc boi that looks as though it could spring you of the ground or inflate to turn into dinghies.
Moncler x Salehe Bembury Trailgrip
If ever a shoe was to draw inspiration from architecture, it would be this one. Very Gaudí, not at all gaudy. Hang out at Park Güell, and confuse the hell out of people.
Moncler Trailgrip
These make quite the statement themselves, sans collaborators, too. The sage-toned, waterproof exterior – powered by the likes of Vibram and GORE-TEX – offers the ideal, minimalist counter-balance to its powerful outlines and weighty attributes.
Salomon Odyssey Elmt Lace Ups
Another feat on the simpler side of things is this Salomon model – all black, all chunk.
Axel Arigato Marathon Runner Chunky Sneakers
So fresh, so clean. The mesh upper offers breathability, the white colorway is as fresh as powdered snow. We can't think of more marathon-worthy footwear. They might need a good clean-up post-run - especially with the rainy season upon us. Worth it, if you ask us.
Gucci Neutral Screener Sneakers
This sneaker is something of a time traveler. Originating in the 70s, it has tip-toed its way through the 80s, 90s, noughties and 10s - all the way through to 2023. We stan.
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Grey Puffer Sneakers
Not unlike the Balenciagas, these melted-looking MMYs take familiar characteristics of sneakers and twist them ever so slightly, to conceive of shoes that are to equal measures innovative in design and nostalgia-evoking.
