7 Best Chunky Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jaydee
Jaydee on
7 Best Chunky Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Love them or hate them, chunky sneakers are undeniably one of the popular trends to date. These beefed-up kicks are a constant to almost all fashion runways, events, and several influencers' social media accounts. 

Whether you are a true-blue trend lover or simply enjoy the coziness of these bulky kicks, we've curated several highly recommended chunky sneakers to suit every taste and budget level. Check them out below.

How we test sneakers

We carefully checked 280+ chunky sneakers to help you find the best stocky solemate. To give you honest and fair reviews, we:

  • Buy these chunky kicks using our own money. 
  • Thoroughly test these sneakers to check their comfort, durability, and many more specs.
  • Collate all available reviews from other wearers of these shoes. 

From the results, we assign a CoreScore to each sneaker. Ranging from 1-100, this scoring system will determine how this shoe performed for the majority.

Best chunky sneakers overall

Nike Air Max 97
Nike Air Max 97

Corescore

91
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 32,938 users

Pros

  • Good all-season sneaker
  • Good for sockless wear
  • An identifiable piece of fashion history
  • Fits true to size
  • Near indestructible
  • Lightweight
  • Feels as athletic as it looks
  • Great even for winter

Cons

  • Takes some time to wear in
  • Attaches to stains easily

What makes it the best overall?

What else can be said about the Nike Air Max 97 that hasn't been said before, the shoe has literally had books written about it. It's an athletic, versatile, and comfy sneaker that looks incredible in so many colorways. There's a reason it's been one of Nike's most popular sneakers for decades. Like others in its family, this is a silhouette that will stay relevant for years to come and work with most wardrobes.
Read our full review of Nike Air Max 97 here
Nike Air Max 97 Flat Lay
Nike Air Max 97 Side Profile
Nike Air Max 97 Outer Sole

Best sporty style chunky sneakers

Vans Old Skool
Vans Old Skool

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 137,343 users

Pros

  • A classic silhouette deserving of any wardrobe
  • Easy to wear in
  • Super comfortable
  • Fits true to size
  • Incredibly breathable thanks to the all-canvas upper
  • Clean aesthetics
  • Very durable outsole
  • Brakes well on the board

Cons

  • Not very durable in comparison to other modern skate shoes
  • Collect stains easily

What makes it the best sporty style?

Vans Old Skools have soared from subculture staple to mainstream fame repeatedly over the years. It’s easy to see why. With a classic, versatile silhouette, brand recognition, and a comfortable, breathable upper, who could resist having a pair in their wardrobe? While the canvas/rubber construction might not be the most durable and can collect stains easily, the Vans Old Skool still looks amazing when beaten and worn.
Read our full review of Vans Old Skool here
vans old skool white
vans old skool skate elements

Best futuristic chunky sneakers

Nike Air Max 2090
Nike Air Max 2090

Corescore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 10,597 users

Pros

  • Elastic sock-liner fits like a glove
  • Durable material
  • Flexible, easy to wear in
  • Well-cushioned
  • Flashy Air Max unit
  • Versatile colorways

Cons

  • Futuristic style is a miss
  • Hard to clean
  • Not breathable

What makes it the best futuristic?

The Nike Air Max 2090 is a sneaker that was born to be great. As a predecessor of the original Air Max 90 there's plenty of comfort in there to get excited about. Maybe the sneaker's biggest downfall is that it's up against the incredibly designed Air Max shoes that are also being released at the moment.
Read our full review of Nike Air Max 2090 here
Nike Air Max 2090 On feet step
Nike Air Max 2090 Lay Flat
Nike Air Max 2090 Air Bubble Details

Best Nike chunky sneakers

Nike Air Max Plus
Nike Air Max Plus

Corescore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 9,277 users

Pros

  • Supreme comfort
  • Fits true to size
  • Surprisingly lightweight
  • Supportive and responsive
  • An incredible choice of colorways
  • Durable

Cons

  • Toe box susceptive to scuffs
  • A bit pricey

What makes it the best Nike?

It's really hard to find any faults in the Nike Air Max Plus Tn. For one, it's still one of the best, most unique-looking sneakers on the market. Aside from that, it's incredibly comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant. It is not necessarily the best Air Max in the dynasty, but you can't say that it's not either!
Read our full review of Nike Air Max Plus here
Nike Air Max Plus On Feet 2
Nike Air Max Plus Front Angled
Nike Air Max Plus Inner Heel

Best retro chunky sneakers

Vans Old Skool Pro
Vans Old Skool Pro

Corescore

92
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 4,361 users

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Super durable skate shoe
  • Extra comfortable inner sole
  • Flexible
  • Relatively breathable
  • Many colorways to choose from
  • Still the same Vans we love
  • Easy to clean
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Can be hard to put on
  • Parts of it still susceptible to stains

What makes it the best retro?

The Vans Old Skool Pro is an update on their legendary original skate shoe. While other companies are going higher and higher-tech, Vans continues to pump out classics, just improving on what came before. The best part is that you can pick up a pair of these skate sneakers and wear the same silhouette that's been around for decades. At the same time, you have improved comfort, durability, and weatherproofing!
Read our full review of Vans Old Skool Pro here
Vans Old Skool Pro Whole Shot
Vans Old Skool Pro Skate
Vans Old Skool Pro Heel Profile

Best value

Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 90

Corescore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 36,388 users

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Breathable
  • The stuff of legends and rightly so
  • Huge amounts of colorways
  • Great price for a statement shoe
  • Fits true to size
  • Quality materials
  • Easy to clean
  • Stain resistant

Cons

  • So stiff it asks for adjustment period
  • Normal and wide feet find it too narrow

What makes it the best value?

The Air Max 90 is a sneaker with a backstory. Everyone has seen it and most love it. If you grew up between 1990 and 2010 you probably wanted a pair. Each pair feels ready to last another 30 years, with breathability to boot. Regardless, Nike renews these year after year offering more and more options to whet any appetite.
Read our full review of Nike Air Max 90 here
Nike Air Max 90 Lace
Nike Air Max 90 white
Nike Air Max 90 Closeup
Nike Air Max 90 side
Author
Jaydee
Jaydee

Jaydee dispels the myth that women can't be experts when it comes to sneakers. With hundreds of sneaker articles under her belt, she gained a surefire edge over others claiming to be experts. Since joining RunRepeat in 2017, she’s published formidable arrays of sneaker write-ups - some covered in lifestyle magazines. Interested in scrutinizing a pair of sneakers? Jaydee is the best person to talk to as she can intuitively chew it over with you even while doing her laundry. When she’s not writing, you can catch Jaydee playing with her two kids, online shopping, and spending far too much time on Instagram.