May 25, 2022

Must-Have Sneakers for Dad

Nick Matthies

Nick Matthies is an editorial freelancer for StockX.

Featuring dad-approved favorites from New Balance, Crocs, Vans & more…

Featuring dad-approved favorites from New Balance, Crocs, Vans & more…

Over the last few years, Dad-style has become defined as dressing in apparel and sneakers that you might traditionally associate with a father, meaning a heavy emphasis on comfort and utility. The trend has lifted certain sneakers, brands, and silhouettes to a new level of relevance in popular culture. With Father’s Day coming up, we’re looking at some of the best shoes for Dad on StockX, highlighting the most popular and trendy colorways while also giving some love to the OGs that Dads everywhere seem to love so much.

New Balance 990v3 MiUSA Marblehead Incense

There’s a good reason that so many Dads swear by the New Balance 990V3. If they love anything, it’s something that works, something that gets the job done, this shoe does that and more. Depending on who you are, this sneaker might not be the most aesthetically appealing shoe you’ve ever seen, but the New Balance 990V3 is incredibly comfortable, making it a great choice for anyone who spends a decent amount of leisure time on their feet. This particular colorway combines the utilitarian silhouette with a colorway approved by Aimé Leon Dore Creative Director, Teddy Santis. It features mostly grey suede with several touches of green and multiple instances of reflective 3M tape, making it a great nighttime walk option. If this colorway is still a little too flashy, the New Balance 990V3 is available in its classic grey color on StockX here. Regardless of colorway, if you’re looking to grab yourself or Dad a pair of comfortable sneakers, you can’t go wrong with these.

Crocs All-Terrain Clog Pleasures

The Croc is another shoe that Dads just can’t seem to get enough of. Generally available at a low price point and incredibly versatile, it makes sense that the go-to shoe for so many Dads is the Croc. This particular pair takes the utility of the traditional Croc to a whole new level, outfitting the rubber clog with a more rugged sole and an adjustable turbo heel strap. From Pleasures, this colorway delivers the All-Terrain Croc in all-black so Dads everywhere can keep it cool and low profile in any and all settings. For those who feel their father may prefer the classic Croc model or a different colorway, StockX has an abundant offering of colorways and collaborations available here.

New Balance 550 White Grey

If the father figure in your life is relatively style-forward, New Balance’s 550 might be the right option. Officially revived in 2020 through a collaboration with New York’s Aimé Leon Dore, the New Balance 550 has been one of the most popular sneakers since then. The shoe is both stylish and comfortable, delivering a relatively wide silhouette that also looks great in photos. The New Balance 550 is available in several different colorways and collaborations but this white and grey color is the most popular.

Vans Vault Classic Slip-On Sail Checkerboard

The Vans Classic Slip-On may not be the most obvious sneaker for Dad, but its superb convenience and the fact that it still looks okay after it’s taken a beating makes it a great option. In the classic checkerboard colorway, this pair of Vans Slip-Ons are a must-have for Dads who value style, comfort, and the ability to slip in and out of their shoes at any time. This sneaker is also an incredibly affordable option, making them the perfect sneaker to beat up in the backyard. 

Common Projects Original Achilles White

For those looking to grab a new sneaker for a Dad who enjoys nice things, the Common Projects Achilles is a solid luxury option. The Common Projects Achilles is by far the Italian Luxury brand’s most popular silhouette and can be worn casually with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt or dressed up for a more formal look. Available on StockX for below retail, grabbing this pair of clean white Italian-made sneakers is the perfect way to spoil Dad without breaking the bank.

Nike Air Max 1 Anniversary Red

The Nike Air Max 1 is a classic silhouette and a favorite of sneakerhead Dads everywhere. If the dad you’re shopping for has been keeping up with sneakers for a little while, this 2018 restock of the Red Nike Air Max 1 will be an incredible gift. If you dig the silhouette but think they’re just a tad bit too expensive, this Nike Air Max 90 Terrascape is a solid option as well.