Dad shoes have been in fashion for a couple of years now and are very much here to stay. While traditionally considered “ugly,” they’ve had a resurgence with the 90s nostalgia and normcore trends. Plus, they’re exceptionally comfortable and great for all-day wear. A typical dad shoe has thick, chunky soles and throwback paneling that can boast bright colors or a more simple palette. However, unlike previous iterations, this time around, you can style them in an endless number of ways, not just with dad jeans. Try a sporty look, teaming them with your activewear, or rock them casually with jeans or joggers and a t-shirt. Alternatively, if you’re brave, dress them up with tailored trousers and a well-cut blazer.
What are Dad Shoes?
Originally created as an affordable and stylish footwear option, dad shoes were born in the backyards of the American mid-west. During the 1980s, renowned footwear giants like Nike and Adidas introduced a range of lace-up sneakers with thick soles that were known for their incomparable comfort. Adorned with a white and navy colorway, these iconic sneakers became a staple. However, as the world approached the new millennium, the chunky design became less fashionable.
Skating brands shifted to canvas slip-ons, leaving the ’90s behind. Only fathers who were out of touch with fashion remained loyal to the out-of-vogue trainers in a desperate attempt to hold onto their youth, giving rise to the Dad shoes meme. Trivial as it may seem, it’s hard to find an American father without at least one pair of New Balance dad shoes hidden in the closet. But fashion has a funny way of making a comeback, and even your dad’s old Nikes aren’t exempt from it.
In 2014, Adidas re-released the Stan Smith sneaker, sparking a new era of all-white court shoes and design. Although not originally considered dad shoes, the Stan Smiths became the gateway to a revolution, one that Balenciaga eagerly embraced. In 2017, this high-fashion brand introduced the Triple S sneaker, which triggered a frenzy for oversized, chunky sneakers with thick soles. Since then, Yeezy, Louis Vuitton, and other footwear giants have scrambled to create the next big thing in dad shoes. Demna Gvasalia, the mastermind behind Balenciaga, even ventured into creating knitted or sock sneakers.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this trend is how oblivious its main followers are. Suburban dads who bought numerous pairs of their favorite shoes in the ’90s are now discovering that their pristine models, intended for gardening, are worth a fortune!
Why are Dad Shoes so Popular?
Dad shoes are popular because they’re both comfortable and trendy. They allow for self-expression through bright colors and interesting patterns. Additionally, because many of them feature retro styling inspired by the 1980s and 90s, they fall well within the resurgence of other throwback trends such as oversized t-shirts and scrunchies.
Who Started the Dad Trainer Trend?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly who started the dad shoe trend. Of course, Steve Jobs was famous for wearing New Balance 992, but his preference was hardly a fashion statement at the time. Other reasons for the resurgence include 90s nostalgia that’s seen the return of bike shorts, scrunchies, and oversized tees. The normcore and athleisurewear trends have also contributed to the rise in the popularity of these shoes. Big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Balengiaca met increased interest with an increase in the production of chunky sneakers, thereby fueling even more demand.
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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