15 chunky trainers to try this summer (even if you’re not a dad)

By Niamh ODonoghue
07th Jun 2018

15 chunky trainers to try this summer (even if you’re not a dad)

Sometimes a trend happens that’s so nonsensical and outlandish it causes small clusters of stars to collide in deep space. The impact causes a ripple effect which seeps from high-end designer studios to our favourite high-street stores and online boutiques. It drifts passed you unnoticed – or so it seems. Your fashion subconscious, you see, is always busy at work and one day you look in the mirror only to discover you’re wearing that thing you said you never would.

Enter the dad trainer.

This season, Balenciaga, Vetements, Prada and Louis Vuitton are all selling trainers that look like they could (should?) be locked away in your dad’s wardrobe. Chunky, grotesque and a bit ridiculous, they’re the ultimate retro trainer, and the world can’t get enough of them right now. One quick hashtag search on Instagram and my screen is crowded with chunk-zilla, brightly coloured, laced and Velcro trainers. Their popularity, for the most part, is thanks to Instagram’s fashion elite; Pernille Teisbaek, Eva Chen and Susi Bubble. Their influence has turned this ghastly trend on its head and now, chubby lace-ups paired with delicate slip dresses or boyfriend jeans is totally acceptable.

Dad sneakers and mom jeans ?????
A post shared by Eva Chen (@evachen212) on May 21, 2018 at 10:28am PDT

How to wear them? Do it with a sophisticated pencil skirt; hitting the sweet spot between office casual and street-style star. Tailored shorts and high-hitting trainers will offer you respite during hot days (and keep you buoyant!). Pair with pretty socks for a springtime sartorial update. Let chunky outsoles be the life of the party this year in equal parts futuristic and retro nineties (see Calvin Klein, below). When you’ve picked out your favourite pair from our edit below, head back up top and see how our favourite street-style heroines are styling their dad trainers.