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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 “How do you style dad shoes?” to help you better understand how to style dad shoes effectively.
Lesson Plans
- We’ll start by raising the question, “How do you style dad shoes?” Then we’ll briefly explain why it’s essential to know how to style dad shoes.
- We’ll reveal what 12 fashion experts have said about styling dad shoes. We’ll also touch on why their tips have been so helpful to those interested in making dad sneakers look their best.
- We’ll shine a light on the different dad shoes you can style as you test these tips. We’ll also encourage you to start putting a little more thought into styling dad sneakers moving forward.
Why You Need to Know How to Style Dad Shoes
Let’s make one thing clear before we get started: If you don’t care about learning how to style dad shoes, that’s perfectly fine!
Typically, my idea of “styling” dad shoes is deciding which T-shirt and basketball shorts to wear with them before running to the grocery store. So, who am I to judge you for not wanting to style dad sneakers?
At the same time, I would argue there is some value in knowing the answer to the question, “How do you style dad shoes?”
One of the reasons why I — and so many others — love dad sneakers is because you can dress them up or down and wear them for just about any occasion. But to maximize their versatility, it helps to have a general understanding of how to style dad shoes.
So, how do you style dad shoes from the most popular dad sneaker brands? We combed through as many “how to style dad sneakers” articles as we could to track down the top tips that fashion experts have provided in recent years.
Check out the best style tips for dad shoes below.
Begin by Exploring All Your Available Options
Expert: Maverick Li
Publication: Men’s Health
Tip: “We like the idea of wearing [dad shoes with] relaxed jeans or trousers with a tee and statement jacket for the full nostalgic effect. Or, opt for a balanced look by pairing them with slim-fitting jeans or trousers to contrast the chunkiness of the shoes. You can also elevate the look a bit with a polo shirt and a pair of chinos for a relaxed yet put-together vibe. We’ve even seen and approved dad shoes with button-down dress shirts and dress pants for office fits.” From “The 17 Best Dad Shoes, According to Style Experts,” Published in August 2023.
You can wear dad shoes like the Nike Air Monarch IV “White/Metallic Silver” with almost anything. So, why limit yourself when you’re trying to figure out what to wear with them?
This tip highlights just how versatile dad sneakers have become. You can wear them with a pair of Levi’s Relaxed Fit Flex Jeans and a Nautica Classic Fit Pocket T-Shirt. You can also pair them with Dockers Classic Fit Workday Khaki Flex Pants and a Lacoste Regular Fit Polo Shirt. Either way, your outfit will look great.
Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to explore a wide range of options when deciding how to style dad shoes.
Select a Suitable Dad-Approved Shirt
Expert: Jonathan Evans
Publication: Esquire
Tip: “Dads love a relaxed, damn-near-bulletproof T-shirt they could conceivably wear to fix the back deck (but will probably wear to rewatch Die Hard for the umpteenth time)…Dads also love soft, super-tough shirts that’ll last so long they can pass them down to the next generation.” From “Honor Dad by Dressing Like Him This Father’s Day — and All Summer Long,” Published in June 2021.
The shirt you wear when you’re walking around in dad shoes is probably the last thing people are going to look at. Your pants and, of course, your dad shoes are sure to take center stage. This will be especially true if you’re wearing a brightly colored pair, like the New Balance 9060 “Sweetgrass/Deep Ocean/Silver Metallic.”
Still, you choose a shirt that helps tie your whole outfit together when styling dad shoes. Ideally, you should search for something that definitely looks dad-approved.
Good examples include a Carhartt Relaxed Fit Pocket T-Shirt or a Wrangler Authentics Long-Sleeve Classic Woven Shirt.
Keep Your Skinny Jeans in the Closet
Expert: Jake Woolf
Publication: GQ
Tip: “The best way to rock ‘em? Make like Steve [Jobs] and reach for some stone-washed jeans (steer clear of any pairs that veer into skinny territory), though we’d swap out the turtleneck in favor of a hoodie to avoid full-on cosplay.” From “The Best Dad Shoes Are Proud of How Far Your Style’s Come,” Published in June 2023.
Throwing on a pair of skinny jeans, such as Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Jeans, with dad shoes like the K-Swiss ST329 CMF “White/Navy/Red” might seem like a total no-brainer. These jeans would, after all, make it easier for your dad sneakers to become the center of attention.
However, wearing skinny jeans with dad shoes could make your sneakers stand out for the wrong reasons. They might end up looking even larger and chunkier than they already are.
As a result, jeans like these Lee Legendary Relaxed Straight Jeans, or other pants with a relaxed fit like these Plaid&Plain Stretchy Straight Fit Khaki Pants, are a better option for those trying to figure out how to style dad shoes.
Reach for Your Favorite Sweatpants
Expert: Paddy Maddison
Publication: Ape to Gentleman
Tip: “Classic jersey sweatpants work great with dad shoes. Use this to your advantage. It’s very much a weekend look, but you can dress it up slightly with upscale pieces like cashmere knitwear, a wool overcoat…or both.” From “The Coolest Dad Shoes Brands for Men (And the Model To Buy),” Published in December 2022.
Jeans and slacks aren’t the only types of pants you can wear with dad sneakers. You will be happy to hear that sweatpants are also an acceptable option. You can wear them with dad shoes like the Jordan Trunner O/S “Black/Neutral Grey/Mint Foam/Green Glow.”
Just be sure to go with sweatpants on the simpler side. Select something like these Hanes Original Cotton Jersey Joggers or these Champion Standard Fit Cinched-Bottom Lounge Pants.
Consider Experimenting With Your Suits
Expert: Anne De Guia
Publication: Your Next Shoes
Tip: “Just about any sneaker style looks good with a suit. It might not be appropriate for a black-tie event, but it will certainly look cool for a lunch date. Be sure to wear a T-shirt instead of a button-down to keep the casual elements of your outfit balanced.” From “Dad Sneakers: The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Chunky Shoes,” Published in January 2023.
Not everyone can pull off the suit-and-sneakers look. But if you plan to try it, New Balance dad shoes are often the way to go. They can set the right tone — without completely stealing the spotlight from a suit.
You will need to select the right dad shoes, though. The New Balance 990v6 “Grey/Grey” serves as a viable option. Shy away from any dad sneakers that are too bright or bold for the occasion.
“While clean, classic kicks are a great entry point, if done right, their chunkier counterparts — ones with serious heft, color, and ankle-supporting tech — can take you from the red carpet hero to runway god just as ably,” GQ writer Jake Woolf wrote in 2022. “Just be sure to pair them with wider trousers that anchor the shoe’s bulk.”
Stay Stylish Down to Your Socks
Expert: Liz Guber
Publication: The Kit
Tip: “A natural accompaniment to the chunky dad sneaker, a pair of dad socks should be simple — plain ribbed cotton, preferably crisp white.” From “How to Wear the Dad Sock Trend,” Published in May 2019.
The socks you wear with a pair of dad shoes could ultimately make or break their look. Even if you have on a great pair of dad sneakers from Asics, such as the Asics GEL-Kayano 14 “Cream/Ironclad,” the wrong socks could drag them down.
Stick to wearing plain white socks with dad shoes whenever possible. Here are a few fantastic options:
- Calvin Klein Cotton Casual Rib Socks (3-Pack)
- Stance Icon Classic Casual Crew Socks (3-Pack)
- Sox Town Cushioned Crew Athletic Socks (3-Pack)
It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a basic dad shoe like the aforementioned Asics or one with much brighter colors like the Puma RS-Fast LS “Firelight/Vallarta Blue/Puma Black.” You won’t have to worry about your white socks stealing attention from them.
Let Your Brightly Colored Dad Shoes Shine
Expert: Sam Beltran
Publication: Esquire Philippines
Tip: “If you find yourself drawn to loud, chunky sneakers, make them the statement piece of your outfit. Draw attention to your shoes’ unique and vibrant design by leaving the rest of your outfit muted — think khaki joggers and a plain tee in neutral colors like black, white, or gray.” From “The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Sneakers,” Published in August 2019.
Most dad shoes consist of neutral colors, including white, gray, black, brown, and navy. But some, such as the Saucony Ride 18 “Shadow/Vizi,” feature extra bright pops of color. It makes them virtually impossible to miss.
The last thing you want to do is make these dad shoes blend in with outfits that are just as colorful. You’re better off letting these dad sneakers breathe by selecting clothes with colors that won’t clash with them.
One of these Russell Athletic Dri-Power Fleece Hoodies and a pair of these Fogfire Lightweight Joggers should do the trick.
Bring Your Basic Dad Shoes to Life
Expert: Hilary Shepherd
Publication: Refinery29
Tip: “Perhaps the easiest way to wear a dad shoe is by pairing it with workout clothes for a full-on athleisure moment. While you could go the easy route and reach for gym basics — say, your favorite black leggings and a gray hoodie — consider sprucing things up by incorporating a bit of fun in there by way of interesting textures, bright colors, or unexpected accessories (or all of the above).” From “4 Unbelievably Good ‘Fits That Prove The ‘Dad Shoe’ Isn’t Going Anywhere,” Published in February 2022.
You don’t want to put on anything too busy when you’re wearing colorful dad shoes. You’ll be asking for trouble if you wear this Obla Golf Polo Shirt or this Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Short-Sleeve Poplin Shirt.
If, however, your dad sneakers are on the more basic side, you can go a little wild and wear colorful shirts and accessories. Something like this bright-orange Tommy Hilfiger Adjustable Baseball Cap can provide nice contrast when paired with dad shoes like the Under Armour Apparition “White/Metallic Silver/Black.”
Avoid Becoming the Butt of Jokes
Expert: Captain Cons
Publication: Barstool Sports
Tip: “You don’t ever want to look like you’re dressed for a costume party or a ‘90s themed party.” From “Life Of A Suburban Dad: Volume 2 – How To Dress,” Published in April 2026.
If you find yourself saying, “You know, this would be a pretty good Halloween costume!” after getting dressed and lacing up a pair of dad shoes like the Nike Air Monarch IV “White/Black/Varsity Red,” it’s time to rethink what you’re wearing.
Your goal should be figuring out how to style dad shoes. You should not be styling dad sneakers so you look like a caricature of the least-cool dad you know.
There’s a fine line between the two, and you should make it your mission to steer clear of crossing it. Leave your striped polo shirts and dad-friendly cargo shorts in the closet, along with your Igloo Retro Fanny Pack and “I’m Not Old, I’m Classic” Dad Hat.
Don’t Step on Dad’s Toes
Expert: Jade Leung
Publication: Fashion Journal
Tip: “The only time I’ve seen a dad sneaker on someone and thought it was not a trend-based decision was when it was on an actual dad. Dads always have their trouser cuffs sitting exactly 1 cm over the foot hole. If you feel the need to do a longer pant, go for something wide-legged and long enough to sit over the shoe.”From “A Stylist on the Right Way to Wear Dad Sneakers,” Published in October 2018.
Have you noticed dads doing double takes when they see you step out in a pair of dad sneakers, such as the Brooks Ghost 16 Weatherized “Black/Mandarin Red/Green” or the Adidas Originals Ozweego “St Pale Nude/Light Brown/Solar Red”?
If you’ve styled dad shoes properly, this might not be a bad thing. They could simply be taking style cues from what you’re wearing.
But if you suspect that dads are giving your outfit an extra glance because it appears you’re making fun of them, this will be a different story. Leave dads to their own devices, and try to make your look more stylish to avoid catching any more side eyes.
Keep an Open Mind
Expert: Dale Arden Chong
Publication: Bustle
Tip: “When my friends first learned about this experiment, they expressed how ‘terribly ugly’ my shoes were, but I think I might’ve changed their minds. After the first few days, my attitude toward wearing dad shoes evolved from subtle resentment when getting dressed each day to genuine excitement. Once I got used to the look, I made sure that I wore the shoes rather than let them wear me.” From “I Wore Dad Shoes For A Week & They Were SO Much Cooler Than I Thought They’d Be,” Published in March 2018.
Knowing how to style dad shoes might not come naturally at first. When you begin wearing them regularly, you may even feel self-conscious.
This could lead you to make the mistake of letting dad shoes “wear you.” It’s what this expert experienced during a week-long experiment with dad sneakers.
The sooner you get over this, the sooner you can start making real fashion statements while wearing stylish dad shoes like the Nike M2K Tekno “Royal/Black/Volt.” Look for creative ways to dress them up or down, depending on where you plan to go in them.
Act Your Age, Not Your Shoe Size
Expert: Matt Welty
Publication: Complex
Tip: “The dad sneaker trend is at its plateau, and it’s easier than ever to get away with wearing early-retirement shoes and still look like you’ve got it. At 33, I feel like I’ve hit my 40s at this point; some even think I’m already there. It was never my thing, but there’s no way I’m wearing ripped skinny jeans and high-top Air Jordans. Give me some elastic-waisted shorts and a pair of suede running sneakers, and I’m at my best.” From “Being an Old, Washed-Up Sneakerhead Has Never Been Cooler,” Published in August 2019.
Young people are wearing dad shoes like never before. Many Gen Zers are embracing everything from the Nike Air Monarch IV “Light Bone/Sanddrift/Spruce Aura” to the New Balance 9060 “Garter Snake/Pearl Grey.” They’re often the same people wearing the “ripped skinny jeans and high-top Air Jordans” this expert alludes to.
Because of this, you might see some young people taking more fashion risks while wearing dad shoes. If you’re in the same age bracket, feel free to follow their lead if you’d like.
But generally speaking, you should act your age when you’ve got a pair of dad shoes on. Resist the urge to begin dressing like you’re a teenager again.
Stick to “elastic-waisted shorts and a pair of suede running sneakers” or another age-appropriate outfit instead.
Start Styling Your Dad Shoes More Effectively From Now On
The beauty of dad shoes is that you don’t have to style these sneakers to make them look good. Just ask any dad who has ever worn a pair of Nike Air Monarch IVs to mow the lawn, run to the hardware store, attend a Little League game, go out to dinner, and then walk around at the mall.
Still, you shouldn’t let this stop you from trying to learn how to style dad shoes. With a little extra effort, you and your dad sneakers can turn heads for all the right reasons.
Remember the 12 tips provided here the next time you plan to wear dad sneakers.
Ready for your next Dad Shoe 101 lesson? Head here to get answers to other dad sneaker questions, like “What Are the Best Dad Shoes of All Time?” and “Who Are the Best Dad Shoe Designers?”
FAQs About Styling Dad Shoes
Are Dad Shoes Stylish?
Yes, many dad shoes are considered stylish these days. From classics like the Nike Air Monarch IV and the New Balance 574 to more recent additions to the dad-sneaker universe like the Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 and the Balenciaga Triple S, dad shoes are more stylish than ever.
Which Jeans Should You Wear With Dad Shoes?
You should wear straight-leg, relaxed-fit, or baggy jeans with dad shoes. You should not wear skinny jeans that may make dad shoes look larger than they actually are or distressed jeans that could create a more chaotic look than you’re going for.
Can You Wear Sweatpants With Dad Shoes?
Yes, you can wear sweatpants with dad shoes. In fact, they’re some of the best pants you can put on while wearing a pair of dad sneakers, since they’re comfortable and tend to complement dad shoes perfectly from a style perspective.
What Are the Best Socks to Wear With Dad Shoes?
The best socks to wear with dad shoes are plain, ribbed, and preferably white socks. You can also wear white no-show socks with certain dad sneakers. If you want to wear something other than white socks, just make sure you don’t go too wild with brightly colored or patterned socks. Stick with basic, neutral-colored (light gray or beige typically work best) socks instead.
What Are the Easiest Dad Shoes to Style?
The easiest dad shoes to style are classic options like the Nike Air Monarch IV, the New Balance 990, and the Reebok Classic Leather. Any dad sneakers with basic designs and neutral colors are usually easy to style.