The Dad Shoe; The Ultimate Street Style Sneaker
The Street Style Staple: The Dad Shoe
They’re chunky. They’re bold. They’re a little ironic in the best way — and I’m obsessed. There’s something about a chunky sneaker that just hits. The unapologetic silhouette, the off-duty vibe, the total rejection of anything dainty — and yet, styled right, it’s incredibly chic.
Lately, I’ve been reaching for these New Balance sneakers on repeat — the ultimate dad shoe turned off-duty model essential. They strike that perfect balance between nostalgic normcore and modern streetwear, giving any outfit that effortless, “I just threw this on” cool-girl edge.
I didn’t want the same sneaker everyone’s wearing, and I’ve been looking for something like this for quite some time. I was looking for something with more presence — a little punch, a little personality. These ones caught my eye because they give. They’re sculptural, bold, and just different enough to stand out. There’s something about them that makes you look twice — like, wait… what are those? But in the best way.
They hold the outfit. They anchor it. And they bring that unexpected street-style energy I was craving.
Right now, I’m loving pairing these street style sneakers with
1. A tennis dress and frilly socks (for the contrast)
2. Oversized denim and a lace top for that edgy yet feminine vibe
3. Or literally anything when I want to look like a total vibe but chill at the same time – that model on a coffee run lookp.s here are some of my recent pins for a chic chunky sneaker outfit and styling inspo. You will find my favourite links to my top picks for chunky sneakers below… check out my full mood board here on Pinterest
MY TOP STREET STYLE SNEAKER PICKS
I have a deep love for sneakers and honestly shoes in general, always have always will. Just because I have one pair I absolutely love doesn’t mean I don’t have other favourites too hehe! Here are some styles I’m also loving right now for street style sneakers…
WHY IM OBSESSED WITH THE DAD SHOE: THE STREET STYLE SNEAKER
There’s just something about this sneaker that makes me feel cool without trying. The chunky silhouette is bold in the best way — it adds instant edge to anything I wear, from tennis dresses to wide-leg low rise jeans. I love how wearable they are while still being just a little unexpected. They’re practical, fun, and super comfortable, but styled right, they feel elevated. It’s that perfect contrast I’m always chasing in my looks. They’ve totally become my go-to for when I want to look put together, but effortless — and a little bit different.
They make me feel like I’m walking through SoHo… even when I’m just grabbing a matcha downtown in my city
WHERE I GOT THEM
I I found mine at Gallery in Kelowna, one of my favorite local gems for elevated streetwear. It’s giving New York energy with a West Coast attitude — curated, intentional, and always ahead of the curve. Their edit of brands and sneakers? Unreal & so fun.
This shoe has range- it gives clean and cool girl energy. Practical and hot. A little nostalgic, a little ironic. And somehow… they go with everything.
It’s no surprise the dad sneaker has become the street style staple. It’s bold, unfussy, and wildly wearable — the kind of shoe that doesn’t try too hard and still makes the outfit. It’s everything I was searching for and more. Straight from my street style dreams and into my closet forever…
I’ll be living in these all season,
