5 Best Dad Shoes in 2024

Jaydee
Jaydee on
5 Best Dad Shoes in 2024
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While their aesthetics can be polarizing, we can’t deny the fact that dad sneakers are a huge street fashion trend. Whether you're in search of your next or planning to purchase your first pair of dad sneakers, we've rounded up a bunch of cool iterations from various brands that will surely increase your street cred.

To get your search started, we've subjected dad sneakers to heaps of tests and comparisons. We even wore them in our daily undertakings to see what it's really like to be in them during a typical day out (or stay in). We came up with our top picks for various categories to help you choose which one suits you the best. 

How we test sneakers

To help you find the best solemate, we are here to make things easier for you. 

  • We purchased these sneakers to avoid any biased reviews. We are very committed to delivering only facts about the shoes, and this includes both the good and the bad.
  • We've put these sneakers through loads of indoor and outdoor tests and comparisons. We used the shoes regularly for a long time to garner significant and well-founded information about them.
  • We do not want our claims to be baseless, plus we want our experiences in the field to be backed with evidence so we also measured the parameters of the sneakers, including waterproofness and durability. We also took the testing up a notch and sliced the kicks in half to reveal all its components.

Best dad shoes overall

New Balance 1906R
96
Superb!

What makes it the best?

New Balance 1906R makes its comeback whipped up with running-inspired technologies in a stylish athleisure package. Though it isn't designed as a performance running shoe, we discovered that it's ready to cushion your feet for daily hustles. Like most dad shoes with a blast-from-the-past appeal, this kick will grow on you if you have a big love for sneaks with a retro aesthetic and bang-up quality.

Pros

  • Fabulous comfort for all-day wear
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Appealing throwback style
  • Premium quality and real suede
  • Highly durable upper and outsole
  • Very comfortable in-shoe feel
  • True to size and fit

Cons

  • A bit heavier than average
  • Pricier than average
Full review of New Balance 1906R

Best premium dad shoes

What makes it the best?

The New Balance 990 v6 stood out in our lab and wear tests as the epitome of premium quality in the dad sneaker category. It provides an unparalleled in-shoe sensation, offering a cushioned experience reminiscent of clouds, without compromising stability and weight. It’s made of high-quality materials with a classic look, making it versatile for various styles.

Our evaluation of 990 v6's comfort spanned everyday scenarios and extended day-outs, revealing its suitability for prolonged wear. Notably, it provided excellent arch support with its tall and reliable FuelCell foam. This is used in many elite running shoes from the brand, known for its soft and springy sensation. Our durometer confirms a softer-than-average 28.3 HA.

Despite its plush platform, 990 v6 delivers remarkable arch support with its vast landing base and rigid construction. It has an ENCAP rim around the heel, leaving no room for ankle rolls, and provides further protection by keeping it stiff longitudinally. Our bend test confirms it’s 17.1% less flexible than average.

It’s hard not to love this sneaker! The main drawback we see is its $200 price point. Honestly, we think it's worth the investment since it's made of high-quality materials—premium foam, real suede, breathable upper, and robust outsole. However, those on a budget should explore other pairs.

Pros

  • Unexpectedly lighter than average
  • Real suede and quality materials
  • Extra thick cushioning for all-day wear
  • Comfortable and springy FuelCell foam
  • Mind-blowing arch support and stability
  • Exceptionally hard-wearing outsole
  • Fantastic breathability
  • Well-padded all around
  • Six(!) widths available

Cons

  • Very delicate toebox mesh
  • A bit stiff
Full review of New Balance 990 v6

Best dad shoes for wide feet

ASICS Gel 1130
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

There is simply no better dad sneaker for sneakerheads with wide feet than the ASICS Gel 1130, and we can vouch for this! Even the broad footers among us are two thumbs up with this sneaker, not only for the non-restrictive fit but also for the excellent level of comfort this sneaker bestows upon our feet.

The steadiness that this sneaker delivers is top-notch. We have the freedom to shift from side to side while being safe from ankle injuries. We uncovered that the reason behind this is and it is the TRUSSTIC technology which effectively bolstered our feet and arches.

We discovered that ASICS Gel 1130 is also non-suffocating because of its mesh upper that promotes enhanced air circulation. Our feet stayed dry and odor-free. However, we found that the visibly perforated mesh also accommodates fine dirt. If you find this a drawback, we suggest looking for other wide sneakers that are permeable to air but not to particles.

Pros

  • Top-notch materials
  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Supportive foothold
  • Stable platform
  • Grippy, running-inspired outsole
  • Feels lightweight with a padded interior
  • Roomy at the big toe
  • Wide-feet friendly
  • Real suede and leather
  • Cool 90s dad shoes retro vibe

Cons

  • The leather version lacks breathability
  • Quite stiff
Full review of ASICS Gel 1130

Best dad shoes for all-day wear

What makes it the best?

When it comes to spending a full day on our feet, we found that the greatest dad sneaker is the New Balance 2002R. It blends the retro vibe with modern technologies—delivering amazing arch support, remarkable stability, and all-day comfort with its flexible build. The icing on the cake is that it easily matches many of our outfits!

The ride feels extremely protected and surefooted thanks to the firm platform. Our durometer confirms the ABZORB midsole is 6.5% denser than average, yet it still feels cushioned enough for impact protection. Firm doesn’t mean uncomfortable. In fact, we could use this pair for hours due to its superb underfoot support and stability. Even the outsole reinforces support with its two technologies: the N-ergy for shock absorption and the Stability Web for additional arch support.

2002R emphasizes (New) Balance as its stiff upper held our feet in place. To make up for comfort, this sneaker adds flexibility longitudinally. Our bend test reaffirms the natural feel as it emerged 8.5% more malleable than average.

Unfortunately, this shoe lacks ventilation for warmer temperatures. Our lab tests reveal its real suede upper only scored 2/5 in terms of breathability. 

Pros

  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Protective cushioning technologies
  • Durable upper materials
  • Snug and supportive fit
  • Reliable arch support
  • Stable platform
  • Grippy, running-inspired outsole
  • Feels lightweight with a padded interior
  • Stylish classic look that matches many outfits

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Pricey
Full review of New Balance 2002R

Best budget dad shoes

New Balance 997H
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

New Balance 997H embodies a versatile dad sneaker design and outstanding support that lasts us all day, all at a reasonable price of $90! It is our top contender for the budget-conscious out there, not only because it is 23.1% more affordable than the average sneaker but also because it is the definitive dad sneaker style!

We found the New Balance 997H a breath of fresh air from the usual chunky-looking dad kicks, as this one displays a sleek silhouette, which we truly loved wearing everywhere with almost anything. As we expected from its profile, we confirmed that this sneaker doesn’t slow us down with a heavy weight. What surprised us was the fact that it fits wide given its streamlined look. We adored how we could spread our toes inside the shoe without feeling squeezed. 

Unfortunately, given its low price, we noticed that the quality is mediocre. It didn’t take long for us to see indications of wear, as well as detachment of materials from the sneaker. If durability is your biggest concern, we suggest searching for tougher and more reliable sneakers.

Pros

  • Sleek dad shoe
  • Amazingly durable
  • Affordable version of 997
  • Retro vibes
  • True to size
  • Feels light to the foot
  • Easy to style

Cons

  • Not so breathable
  • So-so stability
Full review of New Balance 997H
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.