Dad sneakers are making a comeback. Thick, cushioned soles, bright white uppers and rugged build quality mean dad sneakers are not only comfortable but also durable and quickly coming back into fashion!
So this father’s day, make sure your dad is comfortable and as cool as a cat with this collection of the best sneakers to buy for dads!
Table of Contents
The Best Dad Sneakers
New Balance 624
Potentially the most “dad” of all the dad sneakers, the New Balance 624s are an icon. They’re available in white or black colour options but let’s face it, it’s all about bright white leather when it comes to dad shoes!
Chunky, budget-friendly and versatile, these shoes have it all. They’re primarily designed for use in the gym but can be used for jogging, running errands, mowing the lawn or just chilling out by the barbecue.
The 10mm heel-toe drop delivers lasting comfort, protecting the knees, ankles and tendons from too much strain. The raised heel features New Balance’s proprietary ABZORB technology to reduce impacts and protect your body from heavy foot strikes.
The outsole offers excellent traction on smooth flat surfaces like tarmac or gym floors. But they also deliver good results on grass and mud. Flex grooves along the forefoot help encourage natural flexing of the feet while the internal shank delivers increased stability and arch support.
The leather upper is thick and durable. However, there are a few spots where the sole meets the upper, that are prone to failure on these shoes. You’re likely to see the sole beginning to peel back after a few months of heavy wear — which isn’t too bad when you consider the low price tag!
It’s also worth noting that these shoes run a little narrow so bear that in mind when making a purchase!
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
When discussing stylish dad shoes, Nike’s Air Force 1 ’07 is at the forefront of our minds. The low cut 80s styling has made this shoe a true classic. The monochromatic white on white model is one of the best selling shoes of all time!
These versatile Nikes can be worn in both smart and casual settings. They can also be worn during home workouts or to the gym.
The padded ankle collar delivers a high level of comfort and support. The outsole provides good grip and features pivot points on both the toe and heel. These allow the wearer to turn quickly and remain agile while wearing the shoes.
Perforations on the upper encourage airflow to your feet, meaning the Air Force 1s remain comfortable even during hot summer months. They have a relatively wide toe box and don’t feel anywhere near as constricting as the previous shoes we mentioned, the New Balance 624s.
If white on white isn’t what your dad’s looking for, there’s a vast range of colour options available. You can even get these shoes custom made by Nike in some wild colours!
Crocs
Sure, they might not fit into the traditional “dad sneaker” mould but Crocs are potentially the ultimate dad shoe.
When they first burst onto the scene, Crocs were considered hideously uncool. No one would be seen dead in them. No one, that is, except for dads.
Crocs were lauded by dads for their versatility, comfort and ease of use. They’re quick to put on or kick-off, even when your arms are full. They’re comfortable and surprisingly supportive. Sure, there’s no way your dad is going out running in a new pair of Crocs but he’ll certainly make use of them around the house!
The Croslite foam cushioning is ultra-lightweight, responsive and super easy to clean.
Ventilation holes across the upper promote maximum airflow which prevents a build-up of sweat and keeps feet cool and comfortable.
Classic Crocs all come with a heel strap to maximise versatility. This can be left over the upper which makes sliding the Crocs on very easy but means they’re less secure when walking. The other method is to use the heel strap to grip your heel, keeping the shoes as secure as possible — my dad refers to this as “off-road mode”.
If classic Crocs aren’t your thing but the idea of such lightweight, comfortable shoes is appealing, check out the vast array of different shoes available from Crocs!
Final Thoughts on The Best Sneakers for Dads
Right now, dad sneakers are in. They’re all over the high street and can be spotted at all the big fashion shows.
But that won’t be the case forever, in a year or two dad sneakers will once again be relegated to the world of uncool. But dads across the country will still be wearing them as long as they remain the same chunky, comfortable and versatile sneakers we all know and love.
So while the supply is high, grab your dad a pair of those “so uncool they’re cool” sneakers this father’s day!
