5 Best Dad Shoes in 2023

The dad of all dad sneakers is the Adidas Ozweego because besides being so on-trend, it is ultimately a sensible shoe choice for various activities and extended hours of wear. Its practicality for daily tasks is just amazing that no other sneaker can go against it. And to top it all off, its buzzworthy silhouette is perfect for both polished and relaxed styles.

The moment we landed on our feet with the Adidas Ozweego, we experienced serene comfort. We discovered that it boasts a shock-absorbing cushioning that permitted us to enjoy our city expeditions without hesitations. We also appreciated that behind the beefiness of the sneaker is the practically weight-free construction, that didn’t cause any fatigue to our knees and feet.

We found that at $110, the Adidas Ozweego is in the ballpark of the average cost of sneakers and is only 6% cheaper. Looking at the quality of the materials of this sneaker, we thought that they were not the best. We verified this when we tested them under typical daily conditions and we noticed that it does not hold up very well. Due to this, we would like to set your expectations. If you desire sneakers with premium quality, look for other dad pairs.

The dad sneaker in which we were most amazed by the in-shoe sensation is the New Balance 990 v5. Our feet were rewarded with so much comfort that it felt like we were stepping on beds of feathers but not to the point of our arches flattening. Also, this 990 v5 has that classic dad shoe appearance that we could wear with different casual styles.

We evaluated this sneaker’s offered comfort by testing it in everyday scenarios and day-outs. What we concluded is that New Balance 990 v5 is ideal for being on the feet even for long hours. We also confirmed that it provides wonderful support, especially for the underfoot.

Equipped with these attributes, we found that the New Balance 990 v5 is the perfect company during cardio days in the gym – especially while using the treadmill and elliptical machines. On the downside, we discovered that this sneaker is discernably heavy on the foot. We suggest browsing other lightweight kicks if you do not like an extra load on the feet.

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.

When it comes to spending a full day on our feet, we found that the greatest dad sneaker companion is the New Balance 2002R. It has an enduring comfort that soothes our feet throughout the period we are wearing it.

One significant aspect that allowed us to be at ease all day is the fantastic air ventilation of the New Balance 2002R. We ascertained that the porous mesh all over its upper ensured continuous air circulation, keeping our feet refreshed. We also found that this dad sneaker is incredible in keeping up with our day-long activities without compromising our stability. 

Despite its straightforward dad profile, which, by the way, undeniably screams versatility, we discovered that it is not as heavy as it looks. It is actually the opposite, which is so light on foot! The sad news is that we couldn’t recommend the New Balance 2002R for heavy use since we learned that the overlays on its upper are susceptible to wear and tear.   

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.