7 Best Chunky Trainers in 2024

The Nike Air Max 90 was a not classic chunky shoe that we got just for the sake of having it. It’s something that we would want to wear not only because of the statement that it made but also because of its amazing breathability and durability. It was pretty resistant to stains, too! It was simply the best chunky classic for us!

The Air Max 90 retained the trendy bulky look of thirty years ago, and our retro-loving hearts were beating fast for it. We were in awe at how it managed to be breathable in spite of having layers and layers of materials all over. Design genius, we should say!

Durability was also a highlight. We subjected this classic sneaker to some physical torment in the lab, and we were glad to see that it still came out relatively unscathed. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, indeed!

A good bonus for us was the fact that this shoe was a bit resistant to stains. We put chalk and dye and dirt on the upper, and it was quite easy to remove them all with a simple wash. 

We just wished that the sole were a bit more flexible. While wearing the Nike Air Max 90, the bottom was just so unrelenting our steps became a bit clunky.

The midsole of the Adidas Alphaboost V1 was visibly thicker than average, giving it the chunky look that many of us loved. But it doesn’t stop at being thick. The midsole also delivered the softest pampering that we’ve ever experienced, making it the best in cushioning among all the chunky sneakers we wear-tested. That this sneaker was also twist resistant was already the icing on the cake.

With a thickness of 41.8 mm (ave 31.3 mm) at the heel and 28.3 mm (ave 20.0 mm) in the forefoot, the midsole succeeded in making us feel taller and more prominent. We also loved how its chunky look was so on trend.

When it came to softness, the midsole surely did not hold back. With a softness rating of only 22.4, it was definitely softer than the typical midsole that would get 30.9. The midsole’s softness allowed us to walk, run, and move for a longer time without feeling any pain. 

Just because the midsole was soft did not really mean that it was easy to bend or twist. Quite on the contrary, it actually showed tremendous resistance during our manual lab tests. The Adidas Alphaboost V1 ultimately got a perfect 5 for torsional rigidity.

Unfortunately, the heel counter did not have the base’s resistance. It was pretty easy to squeeze and deform it. In the end, the heel counter got a relatively low rating of 2 out of 5 for stiffness.

Chunky, cushioned, and durable plus light and breathable on foot—these are qualities that don’t usually go together but New Balance’s 990 v6 makes it happen with its top-level craftsmanship. Our lab reveals it makes use of robust materials and the FuelCell cushioning technology, undoubtedly claiming the premium title among chunky sneakers.

990 v6 delivers unmatched cushioning and responsiveness through its stacked FuelCell foam, which is often reserved for high-performance running shoes. Our feet luxuriated in its lasting comfort, magnified by a plush 28.3 HA reading from our durometer. To our surprise, the midsole offers remarkably stable landings through its vast base and firm ENCAP encircling our heel for added support.

The upper has real suede layers, which our torch test proves when the material doesn’t melt away. While we expected it to feel like a sauna, it delivered a stark contrast of seamless ventilation. Our breathability test confirms its exceptional airflow through the mesh panels, earning a well-deserved 5/5 rating. Underfoot, we’re also protected with a tough 89.0 HC Ndurance rubber, honoring its name by enduring long miles without any significant wear.

Because of its size and support, 990 v6 feels a little stiffer than the average sneaker. Those who prefer minimal resistance to bending should look elsewhere.

As lovers of colorful chunky shoes, we felt we hit the jackpot with the PUMA RS-X. This sneaker’s platform did a good job of lifting us high up the ground. It’s a very welcome bonus that the midsole was also amazingly soft! And the colorways… they were just divine! They had personality. They delivered style. They made heads turn. The best colorways as far as chunky sneakers are concerned, if you ask us!

Compared to the typical sneaker, the midsole of the PUMA RS-X was significantly thicker. Our caliper measured it to be 39.9 mm thick at the heel (ave 31.3 mm) while it was 22.7 mm thick at the forefoot (ave 20.0 mm). We just loved how it made us feel so tall!

What made us fall in love even harder with the RS-X was the softness of the midsole. In the lab, we learned that it was softer than the average by as much as 50%! Walking on clouds stopped being a dream when we started walking around in this shoe.

We just wished this sneaker were a little lighter. At 16.05 ounces (455 grams), the PUMA RS-X was 2 ounces (57 grams) heavier than average.