7 Best Dad Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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 200 plus dad sneakers to heaps of tests and comparisons. 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've put these sneakers through loads of indoor and outdoor tests and comparisons.
- We thoroughly collated reviews from the actual users of these sneakers.
The results of these reviews and tests were used as our basis for grading these cheap sneakers. Using our CoreScore, we ranked them from 1 to 100. The higher the CoreScore, the better overall performance.
Best dad shoes overall
New Balance 992
97
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The New Balance 992 is well-worth the reissue simply for the impact it makes on sneakerheads from all walks of life. The NB992 from New Balance has comfort, quality, and stability that translate to a fashion statement that many people deeply appreciate. It also lives up to its dad-shoe categorization for its multi-faceted performance.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Timeless aesthetics
- Premium quality
- Stable strides
- Superior ventilation
- Fashionable dad sneaker
- Worth the price
- All-rounder
Cons
- So-so finish
- Hard to cop
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Stadium Goods
$105
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$175
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best chunky dad shoes
Adidas ZX Wavian
96
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The ZX Wavian, as part of the Adidas ZX line, is a running-inspired sneaker that has the look and functionality that delivers. This chunky sneaker has a supportive footbed that provides stability in your every step. The textile-leather upper is comfy and provides the right amount of warmth that keeps you moving even in the winter season. They are light on foot and on the wallet too.
Pros
- Sublime comfort
- Great ankle and arch support
- Smashing sporty vibes
- Lightweight
- Matches well with casual outfits
- Tongue stays in place
- Stays warm for the winter
- Worth every penny
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Requires break-in
Best Air Max dad shoes
Adidas Ozweego
96
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Based on the classic 1998 Ozweego 3, this new silhouette is streamlined but retains the innovative tech and loud aesthetic for which the Ozweegos are known. Though intensely retro, the Ozweego looks futuristic with its prominent heel wedge (reminiscent of the Yeezys) and translucent supportive piping. Labeled under Adidas Originals, the Ozweego is appreciatively affordable.
Pros
- Unbelievably comfortable
- Fashionably chunky
- Affordable
- Clean details
- Insanely versatile
- Compliment magnet
- Lightweight
- Great for all-day wear
- Hugs the foot
Cons
- Lack of quality materials
- Tight toe box
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$44
Stadium Goods
$89
Footshop
$89
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$90
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$96
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
Best dad shoes for summer
Adidas Response CL
95
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Do you want to flaunt sneakers that look fashionable today as they would've in the 80s? This modernized vintage sneaker pays homage to vintage running footwear inserted with incredibly comfortable elements. It ticks all the boxes of dad sneaker features, making it a trendy pair for mainstream fashion.
Pros
- Offers all-day comfort
- Versatile
- Perfect for standing or walking
- Eye-catching colors
- Classic style
- Sturdy
- Affordable
- Perfect lockdown
Cons
- Lacks responsiveness
- Not for wide feet
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$130
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$130
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$130
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$130
Best retro dad shoes
Nike Court Vision Mid Winter
95
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Winter is here so treat your feet to the warm and cozy feel of Nike Court Vision Mid Winter. This winter version of Court Vision Mid has the same retro vibe but with amplified comfort for braving the cold season. The leather upper is water-resistant too, making upkeep even easier. These Nike mid-tops are also surprisingly light on foot, giving you the edge to rule the court and streets alike.
Pros
- Toasty for the winter
- Plush comfort
- Water-resistant
- Wipe-clean easy
- Dope-ass aesthetic
- Great value for money
- Feels light on the foot
Cons
- Pricier compared to other Court Vision kicks
- Topmost hooks don’t secure laces really well
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Nike
$81
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$85
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$95
Zappos
Best value
Skechers D'Lites
92
Great!
What makes it the best?
Skechers hails the D'Lites as an appealingly fresh sneaker that combines excellent function and value. It revels in its everyday-wear status. With comfort as its main feature, the D'Lites wraps up its overall charm with stylish accents, making it a downright delightful sneaker.
Pros
- King of hues
- Supportive
- Immensely comfy
- Durable
- Warm
- Extra shoestrings
- Height-boosting
Cons
- Sucks in socks
- Unwieldy laces
- Not for car use
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$57
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Most popular dad shoes
New Balance 1906R
85
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
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, 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
- Comfortable for all-day use
- Securely hugs the feet
- Remarkably light
- Exceptionally breathable
- Shock absorbing
- Appealing throwback style
- Premium quality
- Crease free
Cons
- Not wide-foot friendly
- Expensive
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$155
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$155
Stadium Goods
$165
Zappos
Comparison of the 7 best dad shoes
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