For a long time, dad sneakers were ugly-but-comfortable shoes that made young people cringe. However, as 90s trends slowly drip back into the mainstream, you can wear dad sneakers... And look cool doing it. 

So today, we’ll cover dad sneakers that will instantly upgrade your look with a little help from our friends at Shoethority. The chunky lace-up sneakers below are comfy as heck - and good-looking, too. Our top pick is the…

1. New Balance 264 Sneaker

The New Balance 264 sneakers are the OG of dad shoes. The ultimate in comfort, these sneakers have been firm favorites for dads everywhere ever since they hit the streets. Although they are technically a cross-trainer, these shoes are great for casual wear too.  

They are the perfect companion for all of your family activities, from grilling on the BBQ, mowing the lawn and hanging shelves. They are loved for their EVA cushioned midsole. This guarantees a comfortable wearing experience as well as offering impressive shock absorption. 

The New Balance 264 sneakers also provide good lateral support, making them a versatile pair of shoes. If you plan to pair your lycra running shorts with these cool kicks, you’ll be pleased to hear the outsole provides ample traction. 

New Balance has changed very little about their ‘classic dad shoe’ since it first hit the market. And, once you delve into the specs, it is easy to see why. The 264 sneakers are a great all-rounder for a wide variety of everyday activities. Not to mention the comfort offered is nothing short of legendary!

The only real downside of these shoes is that wear and tear can show early. However, this will likely only be an issue if you are particularly hard on shoes. To be honest, with the budget-friendly price tag, you’re still getting plenty of bang for your buck. 

2. Adidas Yeezy Boost 700

Leading sportswear company Adidas has teamed up with Kayne West’s Yeezy to collaborate on a range of colourful sneakers. And, as you’d expect, these two fashion heavyweights have produced some truly iconic shoes. 

The Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 are undoubtedly one of their most trendy offerings. Dads everywhere will want to get their hands on some. These cool, chunky sneakers are made from a mix of pliable leather and breathable mesh. These materials help to keep your feet cool while you’re wearing them. 

The laces keep feet securely in place and there is also shock-absorbent rubber on the sole which helps to limit the impact of footfall. The cushioning is good and the toebox provides ample room for your toes to splay. 

Like any good pair of dad sneakers, the highlight of these shoes is the high level of comfort offered. From looking at these sculpted shoes, it would be fair to assume that your heel will sit high, however, this is not actually the case. 

Undoubtedly, the biggest drawback of the Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 is the price. Clocking in at around $350 US a pair, these sneakers require you to splash big bucks. 

3. Nike Air Max2 Light

If you are looking for something oozing with nostalgia, the Nike Air Max2 Light are a bold and flashy offering you’ll find it hard to resist. While some will be put off by the clash of colors, the lurid design of these sneakers is arguably their biggest selling point!

A mix of mesh and leather make up the upper. The leather overlays are a key component of the design but even with double layering, the shoes still manage to be breathable. 

The champion of comfort in these sneakers is the midsole. The EVA foam used helps to provide stability and Nike’s unique air technology means that impact is absorbed with every step you take. As a result, the shoes are cushioned and comfortable to wear. 

These dad sneakers provide a good level of ankle support through the padded ankle collar and tongue. The fit can be adjusted for comfort using the traditional lace-up closure. 

The main criticism of the Nike Air Max2 Light is the stiffness of them. Although there is some give in the toe box, the sides are largely rigid and don’t allow for much flex. This is a result of the leather which can take a while to break in. 

Final Thoughts

It may have taken a while but dad sneakers are firmly back on the ‘what’s hot’ list. Although many people consider them ugly, this is a big part of their appeal. Available in unassuming neutral tones or in brash colors, there is a dad shoe for every kind of person. The classic aesthetic of the dad sneaker, combined with its incredible levels of comfort, means that this is one bit of the 90s that isn’t going anywhere soon.