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Dad Shoe 101 is the “class” created by Dad Shoe Deals to teach you all about dad shoes. We strive to offer in-depth answers to questions like, “What are considered dad shoes?”
Lesson Plans
- We’ll provide a general answer to the question, “What are considered dad shoes?”
- We’ll take a closer look at the characteristics that make up dad sneakers and break each one down.
- We’ll offer examples of dad shoes to highlight the different features typically found in them.
What Are Dad Shoes?
Some people keep things simple when defining dad shoes by describing them as little more than “shoes that dads wear.” While technically true, this doesn’t necessarily provide a definitive answer to the question, “What are considered dad shoes?”
We want to paint a clearer picture, so you know exactly which characteristics to look for when identifying dad shoes.
Now, before we start, let’s acknowledge that the definition of dad shoes is always changing. More Millennials are becoming dads and developing their own answers to the question, “What are dad shoes?”
For years, you never would have heard the iconic Air Jordan XI mentioned in the same breath as dad shoes. Yet, some young dads now refer to it as “the quintessential Cool Dad shoe.”
Gen Z has also helped muddy the waters. Last year, the kids (mine included!) sparked a hotly contested debate by posing this simple, yet oh-so-loaded question online: Are Air Force 1s dad shoes?
Our initial reaction to hearing that these ungrateful whippersnappers were actually asking this? We yelled, “OF COURSE NOT!” and told them to get off our lawn.
But, as much as it pains us to say this…
What if they’re (ughhh) right — and we’ve just gotten too old to realize it?
For the purpose of this lesson, we’re going to set aside the fiercely debated discourse over what is and isn’t a dad shoe. For now. Instead of continuing to travel down that path, we plan to focus solely on what makes traditional dad shoes unique.
Have you wondered, “What are considered dad shoes?” These factors set them apart.
Retro Aesthetic
The late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart uttered his now-famous phrase, “I know it when I see it,“ during a 1964 case. Believe it or not, he said it in reference to adult films. However, he very well could have been talking about dad shoes.
We didn’t plan to kickstart this lesson by comparing adult films and dad shoes in the first paragraph. But for all their differences, they share one thing in common: You know them when you see them.
Adult films feature scenes that only adults should see, for obvious reasons. Dad shoes, meanwhile, feature an unmistakable retro aesthetic that makes them look older than they are.
Even dad sneakers that are on the newer side, such as the Adidas Crazychaos 2000, give off retro vibes.
Example: Nike Air Monarch IV, $85 at Amazon
If we asked you to tell us when the Nike Air Monarch IV was first released, what would you say? You might guess the 1980s or 1990s, but in reality, the Swoosh introduced it in…2009!
In fact, Nike unveiled all four Nike Monarchs after the turn of the century. It’s surprising, given their decidedly old-school look and feel.
It just goes to show how essential a retro aesthetic is to a dad shoe.
Chunky Soles
We recently put together a list of our 12 favorite dad shoes available for under $43. If you scroll through it and just look at the photos of these dad sneakers, you’ll notice a commonality.
From the Adidas Astrastar to the Under Armour Project Rock Blood Sweat Respect 5, all of them have chunkier-than-usual soles. People often argue that these soles are what give dad shoes their “ugly-cool” appearances.
Whether you agree with that assessment or not, chunky soles certainly make dad sneakers stand out in the crowd. They do it even though they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Example: New Balance MX608v5, $85 at Amazon
Search “chunky dad shoes” on Amazon, and the New Balance MX608v5 is one of the first dad sneakers that appears. NB is one of the leading manufacturers of dad shoes, and it routinely incorporates thick soles into most of its models.
The New Balance 9060 and the New Balance 408 are other good examples.
Neutral Colors
It’s easy to overlook a pair of dad shoes out in the wild, simply because they don’t typically boast the brightest colors. Some newer models, such as the New Balance 9060 “Light Grey/Deep Ocean,” have seemingly broken the mold, offering a little more color than usual. However, they’re the exception.
Generally speaking, dad shoes include some combination of white, black, and gray, with the occasional pop of beige to keep things interesting. These colors don’t automatically catch people’s eyes, but they do help dad shoes go with just about anything you might wear with them.
Example: Nike Zoom Vomero 5, $149 at Amazon
Originally released as a high-performance running sneaker in 2010, the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 has gradually become one of the coolest dad shoes on the market today.
In the process, Nike has released it in numerous new colorways, but few feature bright colors. From the “Platinum Tint/Photon Dust-Cashmere” colorway pictured here to this basic “White/Black” colorway, most models come exclusively in neutral colors.
Durable Materials
Most men own a dozen pairs of shoes and keep them for 3 to 4 years before replacing them. This might come as a surprise, given that people often wear dad shoes to tackle tasks like mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, and maintaining cars.
It makes more sense when you consider that one of the key answers to the question, “What are considered dad shoes?” is “Those made from high-quality materials.” Brands make them from leather, suede, and nylon. They take this step to ensure they’re built to last.
It helps that dad sneaker brands like Nike and New Balance are some of the top producers of dad shoes. NB, in particular, handcrafts many of its dad sneakers with premium materials that enable them to last for a long time.
Example: Reebok Classic Leather, $85 at Amazon
The Reebok Classic Leather was one of the first dad shoes ever released. It set the right tone for all the dad sneakers that came after it.
The OG Classic was made primarily out of leather, giving it a timeless appearance. Reebok also followed up its leather version with the Reebok Classic Nylon, further cementing its status as a dad sneaker for the ages.
Comfortable Midsoles
When discussing answers to the question, “What are considered dad shoes?”, you could argue that dad shoes are, above all else, comfortable.
Sneakers can feature a retro aesthetic, chunky soles, neutral colors, and durable materials. But if they don’t also include midsoles that make them feel as comfy as possible? Forget it, dads aren’t going to spend much time with them on their feet!
For this reason, dad sneakers have been equipped with comfortable midsoles from the beginning. The first dad shoe was the New Balance 990, and it had an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam midsole for added comfort. Each subsequent version of the NB 990 has boasted an upgraded midsole, with the New Balance Made in USA 990v6 featuring a full-length FuelCell foam for superior cushioning and stability.
Dads can’t always identify the specific features that make dad shoes so comfortable. But trust us when we say that they’re there, and they’re working to keep these sneakers as comfy as dads expect them to be.
Example: Hoka Bondi 9, $170 at Amazon
Because of their oversized soles, most dad shoes look as comfortable as they feel. No dad shoe demonstrates this better than the Hoka Bondi 9.
You don’t have to slip your feet into these to realize that they’re comfy, thanks to their bulky bottoms. They make them appear as though you will be standing on a bunch of clouds when you put them on.
The Hoka Bondi’s premium foam midsoles are second-to-none when it comes to delivering unprecedented comfort.
Versatile Functionality
Earlier, we noted that the average man owns about 12 pairs of shoes. This might sound like a lot, but these shoes may consist of:
- Work shoes/boots
- Gym sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Running sneakers
- Boat shoes
- Sandals/Flip-flops
- Slip-on shoes
- Basketball sneakers
- Loafers
- Hiking boots
As you can see, not much room is left for multiple pairs of dad shoes. As a result, men often keep just one or two pairs of dad sneakers in their closets, and it forces them to find options that can do it all. They must be able to wear dad shoes to take walks, do yard work, attend parent-teacher conferences, visit family and friends, and more.
Example: Skechers Energy Afterburn, $86 at Amazon
The Skechers Energy Afterburn is far from the flashiest dad shoe featured here. It’s also not the most technologically advanced dad sneaker. It’s not even the most comfortable.
But, here’s the thing: There isn’t anything that you can’t do with these shoes on your feet. This probably explains why the Energy Afterburn has over 40,000 five-star reviews (!) from Amazon customers alone.
The New Balance MX608v5, with almost 68,000 five-star reviews, is one of the few dad shoes with more, and it’s another fantastic example of a do-it-all dad shoe.
Affordable Price
“Shoes that are cheap” isn’t always a surefire answer to the question, “What are considered dad shoes?” Not all dad sneakers sell for super-low prices. This has been the case for decades.
In addition to being the first dad shoe ever, the New Balance 990 made history as the first running sneaker to ever retail for $100 when it was originally released in 1982. The New Balance Made in USA 990v6 costs twice as much today, and many other dad sneakers also top the $100 mark. We’ve included several here, such as the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 ($149) and the Hoka Bondi 9 ($170).
That said, dad sneakers that cost over $100 are mostly outliers, with the majority coming in at well under this price point. It’s one more reason why they’re such an attractive option for dads, Gen Zers, and everyone in between.
Example: Adidas Technochaos 2000, $80 at Amazon
Similar to the Adidas Crazychaos 2000 that we touched on at the top, the Adidas Technochaos 2000 might look like a dad shoe that dropped back in the early 2000s. However, it only emerged within the last year.
Yet, it’s available for a very Y2K-esque price, retailing for just $80 in numerous colorways. You can also score an even lower price by finding a colorway, like this Adidas Technochaos 2000 “White/White/Black,” that offers a generous dad shoe discount.
Summarizing Today’s Dad Shoe 101 Lesson
Dad sneakers don’t always include every feature we’ve listed here when answering the question, “What are considered dad shoes?” But you will spot most of them while staring at a pair of shoes designed for dads.
These distinct attributes make dad shoes so special and sought after by those who appreciate what they offer. They’ve also remained consistent, even as sneaker brands have set out to take dad shoes to the next level over the last 40-plus years.
Ready for your next Dad Shoe 101 lesson? Head here to get answers to other dad sneaker questions, such as “What Was the First Dad Shoe?”
FAQs About Dad Shoe Features
What Makes a Shoe a Dad Shoe?
Retro aesthetics, chunky soles, neutral colors, durable materials, comfortable midsoles, versatile functionality, and affordable prices are just some of the features that make a shoe a dad shoe.
What Colors Are Dad Shoes Usually?
Dad shoes are usually colors like white, black, gray, and beige. Some newer dad sneakers also come in navy blue, brown, and silver.
Are Dad Shoes Cool?
Yes, dad shoes are cool, and it’s not just because celebrities, fashionable tastemakers, and social media influencers wear them. Studies have also suggested that dad shoe sales have soared for brands like New Balance in recent years, increasing their overall popularity.
Why Are Dad Shoes Popular?
Dad shoes are popular because they’re aesthetically pleasing, nostalgic, and, maybe above all else, comfortable. They’re also some of the most affordable sneakers on the market, with many selling for well under $100.
What Is the Ultimate Dad Shoe?
The ultimate dad shoe is up for debate. Some dad sneakers often mentioned in this context include the Nike Air Monarch IV, the New Balance 990, the Nike Zoom Vomero 5, the Reebok Classic, and the Hoka Bondi 9, just to name a few.