When it comes function over form, dad shoes are in a league of their own. You know the ones, the Nike Air Jorts, the New Balance Grill Masters, the adidas Strutter. Say what you will about these sneakers, but the iconic chunky sole stompers are here to stay. From the budget-friendly and classic Nike Air Monarch IV to whatever Balenciaga is doing with its latest collection, the spirit is there. Tapping our tongs, we’re breaking down the best dad shoes to wear right now below.
Best Dad Shoes at a Glance
Highlights from our list:
- Best overall dad shoe: Nike Air Monarch IV
- For cool dad energy: Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- For grilling meats to perfection: Crocs Classic Clogs
- For letting the dogs out: Teva Omnium 2 Water Shoe
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of Contents
- Best Dad Shoes at a Glance
- 1. Nike Air Monarch IV
- 2. New Balance 624v5
- 3. Crocs Classic Clogs
- 4. New Balance 608v5
- 5. Fila Disruptor II
- 6. Skechers Afterburn
- 7. Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- 8. adidas Strutter
- 9. adidas Response CL
- 10. K-Swiss ST329 CMF
- 11. PUMA RS-X Efekt Lux
- 12. Hanes Moccasin Slipper
- 13. Skechers Relaxed Fit: D’Lux Walker Pensive
- 14. Teva Omnium 2 Water Shoe
- What are Dad Shoes?
- The Anatomy of The Shoe
- Your FAQs Answered
- Alternatives to These Shoes
RELATED: Our guide on the best sneakers for men will help you find your favourite style.
1. Nike Air Monarch IV
- Dad Profile: Bob, 55, ‘almost’ made it to the NFL
- Sole: Synthetic
- Upper: Leather
- Midsole: Foam Phylon with full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit cushions
- Outsole: Solid rubber7. Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Price: AUD$110
With the Men’s Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Training Shoes, your grill game just got better. Strap on these bad boys with some ankle-high socks and a freshly steamed pair of jorts and you’ve got full dad shoe mobility. Blending the best streetwear and cross-training functionality, the Air Monarch IVs feature cushioning from the full-length Nike Air unit, making them easy on the calves. Almost certainly worn by a man named Don.
Like all great dad shoes, the Nike Air Monarch IV focuses on comfort over style (which it also has in spades), with a great deal of effort concentrated on the lightweight design properties of the material. As a result, you’ll find a bevy of foot-friendly integrations, including a Phylon midsole for enhanced comfort and flex grooves for forefoot flexibility. Better still, there is also a pull-tab included on the back of the heel, so you don’t even need to bend over to get these bad boys on. Grippy, sleek and perfect for the backyard bruiser, there is a reason the Nike Air Monarch IV is the quintessential dad shoe.
2. New Balance 624v5
- Dad Profile: Doug, 53, cooks a mean burger, famous for his annual Hawaiian Luau party
- Drop: 10 mm drop
- Footbed: EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate)
- Upper: Leather
- Midsole: 52 durometer insert
- Price: from AUD$140
The king of the cookout, the New Balance 624 is the ultimate dad-wear. Emblazoned with the famous N, these puppies are ready for anything. Vintage throwback style meets modern technology, with these New Balance dad shoes making the most of IMEVA (injection-moulded EVA foam) midsole for firm yet flexible cushioning, meaning the possibilities — and comfort — are endless.
Importantly, the New Balance 624v5 offers a little something extra than the traditional dad shoe. As the release was originally designed for long-distance running, it has the added benefit of performance engineering, particularly on the footbed. As New Balance explains, the Forefoot Flex Grooves offer you increased flexibility, enabling a more natural foot movement when you’re on unstable surfaces. The ideal choice for court sports, light runs and city sojourns, the world is your oyster in the New Balance 624 V5 Men’s Cross Training Shoe. Grill on, brother.
3. Crocs Classic Clogs
- Dad Profile: Gary, 51, holds unprompted sermons about the comfort of Crocs
- Features: Ventilation ports, customizable with Jibbitz charms
- Straps: Pivoting heel straps
- Price: AUD$69.99
The Classic Croc dad is an interesting beast – By day, he’s an accountant, but by night, he’s also an accountant. This hard-working white-collar guy likes to let his hair down and toes free in the evenings, and the original urban clog delivers the goods. Come Saturday, he’s flipping these puppies into turbo mode and going ham at Red Lobster.
If you’ve ever considered hopping aboard the Crocs hype train, now is the perfect time. The flexible and modernist design has never been more popular, with a number of athletes, celebrities and style hounds opting to partake in a rubber-sole session. As footwear, Crocs offer a surprisingly well-supported walk, courtesy of the brand’s closed-cell resin, Crosslite material. Additionally, the pivoting heel straps give you the option of wearing them mule-style or fitted, depending on your level of action. Best of all, if you get them dirty, you can simply hose them out.
4. New Balance 608v5
- Dad Profile: Pete, 62, calls his son ‘Big Guy’
- Cushioning: ABZORB midfoot
- Upper: Leather
- Midsole: IMEVA (injection-molded EVA foam), Dual Density Collar Foam
- Outsole: Slip-resistant according to ASTM F2913-11 standards
- Price: from AUD$120
If the 624s just don’t cut in in the world of New Balance dad shoes, the 608v5 double white makes a strong case for sneaker supremacy. This new generation of the classic trainer features an enhanced ABZORB heel pad for premium cushioning and abundant outsole flex grooves for superior flexibility. It also comes in three widths for a girthy foot.
While it does feel like a slightly less stylish version of the 624v5, the New Balance 608v5 is a dad shoe that has a lot going for it. Originally designed as a tennis sneaker, it has a decent silhouette that is accentuated by a thick outsole that feels near impervious to damage. Inside, the PU foam insert, which can be removed after extensive use, keeps your feet soft and snug. For me, I’d recommend this one over the others for the grill dad who likes to wear his shoes to death before replacing them.
5. Fila Disruptor II
- Dad Profile: Harvey, 33, knows a little too much about Dua Lipa
- Midsole: Lightweight EVA
- Insole: Removable Cushioned
- Outsole: Molded Rubber
- Material: Leather-Synthetic Blend
- Price: AUD$120
They don’t do names like The Disruptor anymore. Pulled from the badge of a 1980s muscle car or recently acquired vacuum cleaner, Fila’s Strada Disruptor is the dad shoe for men who don’t like these sneakers. Loud, crisp and entirely chunky, these leather-synthetic blend trainers might have been born on driveways of middle America but they wouldn’t look out of place on the runways of Milan.
The Fila Disruptor II is a modern take on the iconic silhouette that leverages the recent trend towards chunky sneakers. If you are a fan of Balenciaga’s efforts over the past few years, this option might be a good place to start, particularly at the around AUD$120 price point. Be prepared, though; despite their freakishly big aesthetic, the design can often be very narrow. My recommendation would be to size up if you are going down the Disruptor route.
6. Skechers Afterburn
- Dad Profile: Bill, 42, tucks his shirt into his shorts no matter the occasion
- Features: Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole
- Upper: Leather, synthetic and mesh upper
- Midsole: Articu-Lyte shock-absorbing supportive flexible
- Outsole: Flexible rubber traction
- Price: AUD$80
They are aptly named after Dad’s Busch Light and brisket-fulled post-cookout indigestion. People who talk sh*t about Skechers clearly haven’t worn Skechers. The ultra-lightweight and ergonomically designed footwear is the height of comfort, which makes perfect sense in the realm of sneakers. Copping the iconic white-on-white silhouette, the Skechers Afterburn is an ode to the great chunky shoes of the ’90s.
In recent times, Skechers has returned to the Afterburn drawing board, redesigning the classic shoe with a refined and elevated Memory Fit. This time around, the sneaker exudes a more modern silhouette with a cushioned Memory Foam insole, albeit with the same leather, synthetic, and mesh upper. As these are primarily walking shoes, the integration of the articu-Lyte shock-absorbing midsole is a handy plus and makes the Afterburn, in my opinion, one of the best-learner sneakers on the market. They might not look the best, but damned if they don’t feel great.
7. Nike Air Force 1 ’07
- Dad Profile: Brad, 36, owns his own moderately successful landscaping business.
- Upper: Full-grain leather.
- Cushioning: Nike Air
- Midsole: Foam
- Sole: Rubber
- Price: AUD$170
Some dads are definitely cooler than others and if you’re rocking Nike Air Force 1 ’07s to your son’s little league games, you’re probably top shit. Classic styling that goes with pretty much anything, every new-school father should have a pair of these chunky Nike shoes in their wardrobe.
As arguably one of the most important sneakers ever released, much has been discussed about the Nike Air Force 1 ’07. Originally designed as a basketball shoe, the sneaker features stitched overlays for enhanced durability, alongside flexible cushioning for all-day wear. The all-white leather model is perhaps the best encapsulation of this classic shoe and for that reason, gets Dad-Tier status on this list. Low-key, highly practical and remarkably in style despite years of footwear evolution, the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 is a perfect addition to your shoe wardrobe.
8. adidas Strutter
- Dad Profile: Marty, 38, dominates his fantasy football league
- Upper: Coated leather
- Outsole: Rubber, Textile lining
- Price: AUD$70
Buy these for the KISS song alone. The adidas Strutter lands somewhere between NMD and DAD, perfectly walking the line between style-conscious and comfort-cautious. These dad shoes have a chunky design that keeps you comfortable throughout your day, with the smooth leather upper detailed with strategically located perforations to increase airflow, overlays and signature three-stripes.
In recent years, the Strutter has undergone a transformation and is now seen as one of the more stylish models in the adidas range, something Dad knew all along. The heritage-inspired design has subtle pops of colour that contrast nicely against the sparkling white synthetic outer, giving a refined, if not slightly vibrant, finish. Rugged to the core, the Strutter offers a tonne of grip and comfort, making them one of the more versatile options on this list.
9. adidas Response CL
- Dad Profile: Greg, 31, first baby on the way, leaning very hard into the old man lifestyle
- Upper: Textile with stitched suede overlays
- Midsole: EVA
- Outsole: Rubber
- Price: AUD$200
Even adidas describes the Response CLs as an ‘ode to the ’00s’. These chunky dad sneakers look back to the decade’s big innovations in running technology, from a generous EVA midsole to the Adiprene insert, a mesh upper and Formotion. Get absolutely amongst this.
More recently, the shoe has been reinvented with Latin music star Bad Bunny even reworking the Response CL to suit his evolution stylistic choices. For me, however, you can’t go past the traditional white textile upper. The crispiest of all designs, the pearly white model features suede overlays and a rubber outsole for both style and support. Best of all, the newer models are crafted using at least 20 per cent recycled materials, which helps reduce waste and keep the environment thriving.
10. K-Swiss ST329 CMF
- Dad Profile: Carl, 45, works in middle-management
- Upper: Leather
- Footbed: Memory foam
- Price: from AUD$100
Originally designed as a tennis training shoe, the ST329 has now become a cult classic. Like all good essentials, the sneakers were built to last, thanks to the full leather upper, durable gum rubber outsole and sturdy tread for enhanced stability. The ST329’s K-EVA cushioned midsole and premium memory footbed ensure maximum comfort in classic style.
Unlike some of the other dad sneakers on this list, K-Swiss has adorned the ST329 CMFs with an ortholite sock liner, which is a handy addition that helps to keep your feet cool whilst also minimising sweat. When you consider these shoes were designed to be taken on long walks or trail hikes, that feature becomes all the more important. Similarly, the integration of a durable and rugged outsole is ideal for enhanced traction, so if you plan on hitting the trail, these could be the ultimate soil stompers for you.
11. PUMA RS-X Efekt Lux
- Dad Profile: Sam, 29, owns a lot of hats
- Upper: Mesh
- Overlays: Leather
- Price: AUD$180
A decidedly more new-school take on the classic aesthetic, the PUMA RS-X are effortlessly comfortable and stylishly modern. The 2020 revamp saw the brand reboot the design by stripping the silhouette down to the basics and then building it up with stronger material mixes and colours inspired by basketball and outdoor hopping.
What sets these dad sneakers apart from others on the list is the Puma’s unique emphasis on angular details. For years, the RS has served as one of the brand’s mainstay products, largely due to the robust and downright chunkiness of the silhouette. With this model, Puma has crafted a show that embodies everything we know and love about dad shoes, whilst also nodding to the future of the style. I am a huge fan of the classic white option, however, recent models that accentuate the textile base with leather, nubuck, and hairy suede overlays have really caught my eye. Consider these the ultimate in modern dad sneakers.
12. Hanes Moccasin Slipper
- Dad Profile: Ian, 65, recently retired, taking up golf
- Construction: Secure, Closed Back Moccasin
- Exterior: Durable Microsuede Material
- Lining: Plush & Cozy Plaid Fleece
- Footbed: ComfortSoft Memory Foam
- Price: from AUD$70
Ah, the retiree’s uniform. When 50 years of work is finally done and you can sit back and read the paper in peace, what better covering to adorn your feet than Hanes’ iconic Moccasin Slipper? Thick memory foam on the inside for comfort, with a design that pulls double duty indoors and outdoors. Peep the Hanes Fresh IQ advanced odour protection technology as well.
13. Skechers Relaxed Fit: D’Lux Walker Pensive
- Dad Profile: Paul, 65, planning his next trip to Paris
- Upper: Smooth leather
- Overlays: Lightly textured durable synthetic
- Insole: Air Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort
- Midsole: Shock absorbing supportive flexible
- Price: from AUD$120
Nothing fancy, just straight down to business. That describes these shoes and the men who wear them. The Skechers D’Lux Walker Pensive dad sneakers are for the man who needs a little extra support while he’s trekking around on a European holiday. Smooth leather, synthetic and mesh fabric upper in a lace-up athletic sporty training sneaker with waterproof design, stitching and overlay accents. On, and some Air Cooled Memory Foam for a little D’luxury.
14. Teva Omnium 2 Water Shoe
- Dad Profile: Murray, 50, wakes up at 5:30am, and thinks you should do the same
- Upper: Water-ready quick-drying synthetic
- Closure: Plastic buckle
- Midsole: Lightweight EVA-foam
- Outsole: Rugged Spider Rubber
- Price: AUD$190
Everybody knows a man who wears these things. Designed for day hiking, these adventure-approved hybrid shoes bring the support and protection you need for any kind of wet-dry fun. They even feature a quick-drying upper and amazing traction on super slippery surfaces.
What are Dad Shoes?
Born in the backyards of the American mid-west, dad shoes were originally designed as an affordable and stylish footwear option. Throughout the 1980s, the heavyweights of the footwear industry, such as Nike and adidas released a series of thick-soled lace-up sneakers that were renowned for being ultra-comfortable. Generally adorned with a double white colourway with a navy sole, the iconic sneaker was a staple for most, but as the world neared the changing of the millennium, the chunky design fell out of fashion.
Skating brands dropped their oversized designs in favour of canvas slip-ons and suddenly, the ’90s hangover was beginning to take effect. Only dads who fell behind the times were willing to opt for the out-of-vogue trainers in an effort to cling to their youth and thus, the shoe meme was born. Trivial it may be, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any father in America who doesn’t have at least one pair of New Balance shoes hiding in the closest. But fashion has a funny way of coming back to get you, and even your dad’s old Nikes aren’t immune.
Back in 2014, adidas relaunched the Stan Smith sneaker, prompting a new era of all-white court shoes and design. While not dad shoes by design, the Stan Smiths were the gateway to a revolution, one that Balenciaga was more than happy to take up. in 2017, the high-fashion firm released the Triple S sneaker, birthing a craze for oversized, thick-soled, chunky sneakers. Since then Yeezy, Louis Vuitton and the rest of the footwear industry have clambered to create the next big thing in these shoes (Demna Gvasalia, the legend behind Balenciaga even created the knitted or sock sneakers).
But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the fashion trend is how utterly oblivious its main constituents are. Suburban pops who purchased 13 pairs of their favourite shoes in the ’90s are now finding out the mint-condition fits they planned on doing the gardening in are worth a fortune. Shocker.
The Anatomy of The Shoe
Suffice it to say, when it comes to dad shoes, there are some requirements. Here’s everything you need to know to uncover a grill master in the wild:
- Fit – Comfort is king. We’re talking thick sole, extra cushioning on the heel with a flat footbed for work on and off the grass
- Colour – Just like a lot of minimalist design sneakers, all-white is best. As most dads will tell you, it goes with everything, especially jeans for that full ‘sneans’ look.
- Function – The babies need to be able to handle anything – 18 holes on the golf course, eight straight hours of standing on your driveway yelling at children, the whole shebang. Best to get something with a rugged outer and durable sole, that way you can handle some off-road action.
- Brand – Not to be elitist, but not all dad shoes were created equal. if you want to get your money’s worth, invest in the classics – Nike, adidas, New Balance, Skechers, and Puma.
Your FAQs Answered
The rise of chunky Nike shoes and New Balance throwbacks has been categoric, leading to a revival of dad shoes in fashion. With celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Bella Hadid joining the mix, these sneakers have gone from deeply unfashionable to the height of style.
When paired with the right outfit dad sneakers are still cool, however, the style is definitely evolving into modern sneakers like the New Balance 990v6, ASISC Gel Kayano 14, and Salomon XT-6.
The New Balance New Balance 624 is the definitive dad shoe and is now in its fifth generation (624v5). This is the only sneaker we’d recommend over the staple Nike Air Monarch which has long stood as the ultimate shoe.
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