7 Best Dad Shoes in 2023

Jaydee
Jaydee on
7 Best Dad Shoes in 2023
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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
Full review of New Balance 992

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (M992EA)
Light grey/dark grey (M992GR)
Black/Grey-Volt (M992TQ)
Multicolor (M992MC)
BLACK/GREY (M992EB)
Yellow/Black-Red (M992DM)

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
Full review of Adidas ZX Wavian

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (H03221)
Cloud White/True Orange/Purple Tint (GW0517)
Neutrals (GY6036)
Adult (Q46110)

Out of stock in all 50 shops

Adidas dad shoes  

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
Full review of Adidas Ozweego

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (EE5696)
Cloud White/Collegiate Navy/Scarlet (EG8127)
White (EE6464)
white (EE7009)
Core White/Signal Green/Legink (FY3124)
Core White (FV9654)
Camo/Black (GV9710)
Navy,white (EH3215)
More colors

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
Full review of Adidas Response CL

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Crystal White / Wonder White / Crystal White (GZ1562)
Gray (ID4593)

Best retro dad shoes

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
Full review of Nike Court Vision Mid Winter

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (DR7882001)
schwarz (DR7882002)
Gold (DR7882700)

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
Full review of Skechers D'Lites

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Navy Trubuck Mesh Orange Trim (NVOR)

Comparison of the 7 best dad shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

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Author
Jaydee
Jaydee

Jaydee dispels the myth that women can't be experts when it comes to sneakers. With hundreds of sneaker articles under her belt, she gained a surefire edge over others claiming to be experts. Since joining RunRepeat in 2017, she’s published formidable arrays of sneaker write-ups - some covered in lifestyle magazines. Interested in scrutinizing a pair of sneakers? Jaydee is the best person to talk to as she can intuitively chew it over with you even while doing her laundry. When she’s not writing, you can catch Jaydee playing with her two kids, online shopping, and spending far too much time on Instagram.