Dad Shoes: 19 of the Best Sneakers for Dads, Dad-Types, and Daddies Alike | GQ

The days of Ryan Gosling gleefully chucking a pair of New Balance dad shoes over a mall balcony feel like a distant memory—and not because the scene that launched a thousand ad hoc makeovers took place a decade ago. In the years since, the type of unabashedly chunky kicks spurned by the Gos God in Crazy, Stupid, Love went mainstream, catalyzing a shift in sneaker proportions the industry is still grappling with. Today, the casual cobblers up in Boston sell an assortment of patriarch-approved versions, but they’re far from the only ones making big—nay, gargantuan—moves in the space. Take a walk down any bustling city street, and it’s hard not to bump toes with options Gosling would’ve tossed into the food court without a second thought. 

What do all these dad shoes have in common? An emphasis on good ol’ fashioned comfort, often expressed through exaggerated proportions and downright geriatric design flourishes. (Think extra cushioning, multi-fabric paneling, and much, much more.) Not exactly the ingredients you were thinking of when it comes to cheffing up a sexy summer fit, huh? Think again. Because we rounded up the best of the bunch on the market, and whether you’re a dad, dad-type, daddy (or, uh, zaddy), there’s a pair here that’ll change your mind. 

Oh, and if you happen to be looking for a last-minute Father’s Day gift, text pops and surreptitiously ask for his shoe size now—even without expedited shipping, he’ll be unwrapping a box-fresh pair of kicks long before the 19th. 

The Classic Pick

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New Balance 993 sneakers

$200

New Balance

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Made famous by notable wearers like Steve Jobs (and your neighbor Bill, who spends weekends coaching Little League), New Balance’s prototypical dad sneakers remain the pinnacle of the genre. The most classic version, as Jobs would attest to, comes in gray, but it’s hard to go wrong with that made-in-USA construction no matter which color you choose. The best way to rock ‘em? Make like Steve and reach for some stone-washed jeans (steer clear of any pairs that veer into skinny territory), though we’d swap out the turtleneck in favor of a hoodie to avoid full-on cosplay.

The Trail-Ready Pick

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Salomon Ultra 3 GTX sneakers

$150

Amazon

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There are, countless car commercials assure us, plenty of dads who salivate at the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn, packing up an SUV, and setting out for the wilderness. If you’ve started to appreciate the appeal of that scenario earlier in life, these waterproof hiking sneakers from Salomon are for you. The most Dad detail of all? The easy lace-up system, which means tightening your kicks is just a pull away. Throw the rest of your tech-iest gorp styles on with them, like taped seam cargos or an of-the-moment Arc’teryx jacket, and explore the wilderness with gusto.

The Minimal Pick

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Common Projects Track 80 sneakers

$495

Mr Porter

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You know dad sneakers have made it big when the team at Common Projects is hopping on the wave. But the brand’s riff on the style is decidedly more elegant than your average pair of geriatric stompers. Those Italian leather uppers feature just a few soft curves, in perfect proportion to the thick dad-like midsoles. Even the naysayers won’t deny these are good-looking—and they’ll only look better paired with some relaxed chinos and a slouchy, Armani-inspired jacket.

The Sporty Pick

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Asics Gel-Kayano 14 sneakers

$140

Amazon

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If your idea of a good time involves racking up road miles hightailing it across town, you need a sneaker that can keep up. The Asics Gel-Kayano 14 is a classic aughts-era running style that boasts durable, sturdy soles and tons of arch support. Don’t want to admit the years are finally catching up to you? You don’t have to: mesh-y running sneakers like these are precisely what the cool kids are rocking right now.

The Grandad-Approved Pick

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Mephisto “Match” shoes

$389

Nordstrom

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Forget dad shoes: Mephisto’s handcrafted lace-ups are archetypal grandad shoes, the kind you see on drippy Boomers with a hard-earned appreciation for heavy-duty arch support. Built from the same grain leather as your swankiest dress shoes, they’re specifically designed for blissful, bunion-free wear, down to the heavily-padded toplines and specialty rubber outsoles. If you’re looking to score some style inspiration from the coolest members of the generation before your dad’s, start here. 

Plus 14 More Dad Shoes We Love

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All Rounder Rising Tex sneakers

All Rounder (an active-y sub brand from the OGs at Mephisto) offers authentic dad vibes in spades. We’re talking a ready-for-the-worst design, hefty cushioning, and waterproof mesh and suede uppers, a functional flourish no dad (or dad-type) can resist.

$199

All Rounder

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New Balance 990v5 sneakers

The latest iteration of New Balance’s legendary dad sneaker is ever-so-slightly more modern than previous versions, but just as wanting for straight-fit jeans and a scuzzy cardigan

$185

Amazon

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Nike x Martine Rose Air Monarch sneakers

The Air Monarch might be a staple of staunchly anti-fashion dads the world over, but in the hands of British subculture specialist Martine Rose the shoe’s hulking proportions and bulbous silhouette suddenly look achingly cool. (Probably best not to tell your actual dad how much you dropped on ’em, though.)

$151

StockX

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J.Crew trail sneakers

If heavy branding isn’t your thing, these J.Crew joints feature all the hallmarks of a top-notch dad shoe (including the hefty Vibram sole) without screaming about it.

$148

$104

J.Crew

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Hoka Clifton 8 running shoes

Hoka makes some of the most comfortable dad-approved shoes on the planet, a feature you’ll appreciate whether you’re lacing up for a morning run or prepping for an afternoon fit check.

$140

Zappos

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Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes

For dad-types with a penchant for tackling treacherous terrains, Merrell’s cool-again Moabs are an obvious pick.

$135

Amazon

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Adidas Ozweego Zelox sneakers

Vintage-leaning Adidas kicks that wouldn’t look out of place on a boardwalk in the ’90s.

$120

Adidas

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Saucony Grid Marauder 3 sneakers

The silver running sneaker wave is at high tide right now, and few brands make ’em better than Saucony.

$60

Amazon

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Saucony Shadow 5000 premium sneakers

The performance trainer pops remembers from the ’80s still hold up today.

$110

Todd Snyder

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Reebok Walk Ultra 7 DMX sneakers

The dad shoe silhouette you’re looking for in its purest, cleanest form.

$70

Reebok

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Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 V2 sneakers

Noted dad Kanye West wasn’t messing around when he dreamt up his own take on the silhouette. The 700s were an instant hit when they launched, since restocking many times over. This clean white version is one of the best of bunch.

$295

StockX

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New Balance 624 sneakers

The dad-liest of all dad shoes—as in, the pair your pops actually swears by, day in and day out.

$75

New Balance

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Raf Simons Cyclon 21 sneakers

Menswear’s foremost youth chronicler helps the dad shoe feel young again via gel-like accents and a detachable cage structure.

$465

$299

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