7 Best Dad Shoes

The New Balance 1906R was judged as the best dad sneaker on record because of the level of comfort that it afforded us. Its midsole was thick and with a well-balanced cushioning capacity. It also allowed us to enjoy a lot of airiness which kept our feet fresh for a long time. We also appreciated that it was quite stable because of its wide platform and twist resistant base.

Our caliper in the lab measured the thickness of the midsole to be 37.1 mm at the heel and 25.6 mm at the forefoot. These numbers significantly dwarfed the average figures, which are 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively. Aside from being thick, the midsole also delivered well-balanced plushness. Our HA durometer gave it a rating of 32.0 when the average was at 30.9.

The breathability of the NB 1906R also contributed a lot to the comfort that we enjoyed. Both smoke and light passed through the upper materials without issue, so we gave this shoe a breathability score of 4 out of 5. 

Great stability was a function of the wide platform, which our caliper measured to be 113.3 mm wide at the forefoot and 87.6 mm at the heel. The average measurements for these points were 108.9 mm and 83.4 mm, respectively. 

The New Balance 1906R was close to perfection. What turned us off was the flimsiness of the heel padding. It got the lowest 1 out of 5 for durability because it got destroyed just by a few seconds of Dremel drilling.

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. 

With its retro aesthetic and extremely comfortable ride on our wear tests, we couldn’t stop reaching for the Nike Zoom Vomero 5s. A breath of fresh air, it offers a well-ventilated and effortless ride through its thin mesh upper and light construction. Among dad sneakers in the lab, Vomero 5 undoubtedly tops breathability.

Crafted from a thin mesh with extra wide chain links, Vomero 5 brings an unmatched level of airflow. With zero sweat build-up, we had no worries of hotspots and unpleasant odors. In our smoke test, the air escaped in seconds, receiving a well-deserved 5/5 rating.

What keeps the experience light, quite literally, is its airy build. Our scales reveal a mere 11.1 oz (316g), 21.2% below average. On top of that, the sneaker bends easily with our foot flexion and matches the average flexibility score of sneakers in our lab.

Vomero 5 surprisingly feels more cushioned than its moderate stack height. Upon cutting the shoe in half, we discovered why: two Zoom Air units contribute to a gentler and bouncier ride. Our durometer also reveals at 28.0 HA, it’s 9.7% softer than average, spoiling our legs even during extended strolls.

However, this sneaker requires an investment of $160, $40 above the average low-top shoe. Those who prefer budget-friendly options should explore further.

The ASICS Gel 1130 is a retro-styled kick blending a classic look with modern comfort. It impressively combines rock-solid support with cloudlike cushioning in our walks, which we proved in the lab through multiple tests. Still carrying its important features as a former running shoe, it’s our best stability dad sneaker.

Designed to maintain our balance, the Gel 1130 features the TRUSSTIC support system, which stiffens the midsole to guide our foot alignment. We twisted the shoe and it had little give, earning a high 4/5 torsional rigidity rating.

Comfort is a top priority in the Gel 1130, proven by its exceptionally plush cushioning. Our durometer shows a low 19.0 HA rating, a whopping 34.5% softer than average! As if this weren’t enough, it even includes the GEL cushioning, which offers maximum impact protection. Our feet felt really happy during our wear tests.

However, its comfort can only be enjoyed in cold weather. We tested its leather version, and it showed minimal ventilation in our smoke test. Those who need lots of airflow should check other sneakers.

We strutted the streets in the retro-looking New Balance 530s and could do so comfortably because of its ultra-airy yet cushioned midsole. Despite its chunky look, it surprised us by being our top lightweight dad sneaker, which is backed up by our lab. Not only that, its $100 price is 36.7% cheaper than average—what a steal!

Walking in this pair literally feels like a breeze. Our scales reveal a feathery 10.9 oz (308g) build while the average sneaker weighs 14.1 oz (399g). On top of that, the mesh lets our feet breathe freely, making the 530s a great place to be in all day. Our lab confirms our sensation with a remarkable 4/5 breathability score.

We’re in awe of how this sneaker maintains its light construction despite being generously cushioned. Our caliper shows an above-average 37.3/25.4 mm stack, ensuring each stride feels gentle to avoid muscle aches. Featuring a dual-density setup, the top layer is a plush 25.8 HA for relief, while the bottom is a firm 31.0 HA for surefootedness. 

The wide platform of 113.4/88.1 mm provides exceptional stability, ensuring our ankles are firmly supported and minimizing the risk of imbalance. We found ample grip on various terrains during testing, but we warn caution of wet and icy paths to prevent slips.

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.

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.