Chunky sneakers have had quite the ride. Once laughed off as “dad shoes” relegated to BBQs and orthopedic catalogs, they strutted their way into fashion’s front row, chunky soles and all. Suddenly, everyone from Bella Hadid to your neighbor’s golden retriever was stomping through life in platform kicks.
But fashion moves faster than a TikTok trend cycle—and the real question is: Are chunky sneakers still in, or have they finally been benched? Let’s lace up and find out.
Spoiler alert: The answer isn’t just a yes or no—it’s more like a very stylish shrug with great arch support.
Chunky Sneakers: The Trend That Refused to Die
When they first hit the scene (again) in the late 2010s, chunky sneakers were the fashion world’s way of trolling itself. Ridiculously oversized? Check. Borderline ugly? Check. Expensive in a way that made your accountant nervous? Absolutely.
And yet—people loved them. They brought irony, nostalgia, and that deliciously off-duty energy to every outfit. Paired with floaty dresses, slouchy denim, or even sleek suiting, chunky sneakers said, “I may have a trust fund, but I still buy oat milk in bulk.”
Fast forward to now: we’ve been through lockdowns, ballet flat revivals, minimalist returns—and somehow, those beefy soles are still hanging around. But like all things fashion, they’ve evolved and this can be best seen in the skateboard shoes collection from Tactics.
So… Are They Still In?
In short: yes—but with conditions.
Chunky sneakers are no longer the shocking statement they once were. They’re not the fashion punchline; they’re just part of the wardrobe rotation. They’ve moved out of the spotlight and into the mainstream, which means they’re now a staple, not a standout.
So while the mega-platform, glitter-drenched, clown-shoe-adjacent iterations have quieted down, the refined chunky sneaker is very much alive. Think sleeker lines, toned-down colors, and just the right amount of heft to keep things interesting.
It’s less moon boot at a rave, more elevated streetwear with an attitude.
The Chunky Sneaker’s 2025 Makeover
Let’s talk about the version everyone’s wearing now. It’s still chunky—but not loud. The new wave of chunky sneakers is:
- Neutral-toned: whites, taupes, greys, and earth tones.
- Sculpted, not swollen: more contour, less cartoon.
- Performance-inspired: think trail runner meets minimalist scandi dad.
- Versatile: they go just as well with a ribbed midi dress as they do with cargo pants or a slouchy suit.
They’re not screaming for attention—they’re earning it.
What’s Rising Alongside (or Replacing) the Chunky Sneaker?
The chunky reign isn’t over, but it’s got company. Here are the footwear styles everyone’s rotating into their outfit mix:
1. Retro Runners
Inspired by vintage Nike and Adidas silhouettes, these sneakers are slim, sporty, and dripping in nostalgia. They’re the low-profile cousin of the chunky sneaker—and they’re making a serious play for your daily wear lineup.
2. Minimalist Leather Sneakers
Sleek, white, and structured. These are the sneakers you wear when you want to look like you “just threw something on” but somehow still got it exactly right. They’re the “quiet luxury” of the sneaker world.
3. Technical Trail Sneakers
Think hiking shoe, but make it street. With aggressive soles, mixed materials, and pops of neon, these sneakers say, “Yes, I could scale a mountain—but I’m really just going to brunch.”
4. Slip-On Sneakers
Convenience is fashion now. Slip-ons are having a moment thanks to clean lines, no-fuss vibes, and their uncanny ability to work with wide-leg trousers, yoga sets, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
5. Platform Soles (But Make It Subtle)
Platform soles are still kicking around, just pared down a bit. It’s less Frankenstein’s monster, more chic little boost. Perfect for anyone who loves the chunky vibe but needs to catch a train without twisting an ankle.
How to Style Chunky Sneakers Now
If you’re still loyal to your thick-soled friends, fear not—they’re not going anywhere. But if you want to keep them looking 2025-ready, here’s how to wear them now:
- With a monochrome outfit: Let your kicks be the subtle hero in an otherwise sleek ensemble.
- With structured basics: Pair them with a trench coat or tailored trousers for that high-low mix.
- With sporty layers: Combine them with zip-ups, windbreakers, or tech-fabric joggers for a modern, athletic edge.
- Avoid over-styling: These shoes already bring visual weight. Keep the rest of your look clean and confident.
And if you’re on the fence? Think of them as your fashion security blanket. Sometimes, when you’re not sure what to wear, stepping into a chunky sneaker just feels right.
The Sole Truth
So, are chunky sneakers still in? Absolutely. But they’ve aged like a fine wine—less punchy, more polished. They’re no longer the outlier—they’re the foundation.
They’ve become the footwear equivalent of that friend who used to party till 4 a.m. and now owns a label-making machine: still fun, but slightly more refined.
The real takeaway? You don’t have to ditch your chunky kicks. Just give them a grown-up edit, and know that while the styles evolve, fashion always circles back—sometimes in very big shoes.
