7 Best Chunky Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest sporty styleBest futuristicBest NikeBest retroBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Amazon
Free shipping
$111
Stadium Goods
$115
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Nike
$130
CoreScore
- Top 27% in sneakers
- Top 18% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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.
Best sporty style chunky sneakers
Vans Old Skool
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$25
Sun and Ski
$33
Stadium Goods
$39
Karmaloop
Free shipping and exchange
$40
CoreScore
- Top 9% in sneakers
- Top 12% in Vans sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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.
Best futuristic chunky sneakers
Nike Air Max Plus
Amazon
Free shipping
$127
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$130
Nike
$140
Stadium Goods
$145
CoreScore
- Top 24% in Nike sneakers
- Top 28% in running sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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!
Best Nike chunky sneakers
Nike Air Max 90
Nike
$100
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$104
Amazon
Free shipping
$105
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 24% in Nike sneakers
- Top 28% in running sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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.
Best retro chunky sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 16% in sneakers
- Top 26% in Vans sneakers
- Top 13% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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!
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 29% in sneakers
- Top 20% in Nike sneakers
- Top 4% most popular sneakers
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
Verdict
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.
Most popular chunky sneakers
Nike Air Max 270
Nike
$114
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$120
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$125
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$125
CoreScore
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Instantly comfortable
- True to size
- Durable
- Can be worn without socks
- Flexible
- Super breathable
- Sleek modern looks
- Crazy number of colorways
Cons
- Heel height might need adjusting to
- Not the best for standing all day
Verdict
Air Max 270 is a sleek, sporty, lightweight lifestyle shoe. With a huge 32mm heel height it's definitely a head-turner. Ultimately, this is a durable shoe that fits in perfectly with the times and at a fair price.
