I admit it, I’m a little bit obsessed with trainers. My gaze is permanently glued to the pavement, not for fear of tripping but in pursuit of great footwear, scanning for new silhouettes, colourways and soon-to-be viral kicks. It's part street-style research and part wishlist-building, really. While I've always had my favourites (those cool girl-approved Converse and my beloved Sambas), when I became a mum, suddenly practicality entered the fray. Good news, then, that the fashion tide is finally turning away from sleek streamlined kicks to the chunkier, unapologetically retro, and frankly comfortable silhouette of dad trainers.
While slimmer sneakers have been dominating trend cycles lately (like Miu Miu's Gymnasium trainers), there’s still plenty of room for chunky styles. Once the reserve of well, dads, these chunky trainers have since been embraced by a host of undeniably cool brands and celebrities. Case in point, Kendall Jenner, who was spotted wearing her ASICS GEL-1130 earlier this year. While Jenner wore hers with a smart red hoodie and leggings from Adanola, plenty of chic influencers have been styling their chunky pairs with everything from jeans and trousers to floral maxis.
Shop: Kendall Jenner's ASICS GEL-1130 Trainers
ASICSwww.asics.com
A nod to the ‘90s PE-class vibe, these popped up on Cecilie Bahnsen’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway in Copenhagen Fashion Week. The GEL-1130 was inspired by the GEL-KAYANO 14, but updated with synthetic leather panels and a more streamlined silhouette. It’s the perfect mix of retro nostalgia and modern design.
Hailey Bieber, on the other hand, has been seen gravitating to the more classic New Balance trainers, styling her silver pair with Alo Yoga shorts and an oversized jacket or with a midi slip dress. It's not just these It girls making a case for dad trainers, either. Luxury labels including Balenciaga, Dior and Botegga Veneta have all jumped on the retro trainer bandwagon, proving that bold, oversized sneakers aren’t going anywhere.
Shop: Hailey Bieber's New Balance Trainers
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
New Balance is often credited as the maker of the original dad trainer, and honestly, it’s easy to see why it’s still loved. Mesh and faux-leather panels make it lightweight, cushioning keeps it comfy, and the classic colourway goes with pretty much everything. Low-key but stylish, it’s the kind of trainer that's timeless enough to keep you reaching for it through the years.
If you wish to splurge, your first destination should be Balenciaga, whose Triple S trainers were somewhat responsible for the original rise of dad trainers and have since achieved cult status in the streetstyle sphere. I've personally had them on my wishlist for years before I eventually settled for the Dolce & Gabbana Sorrento trainers.
Shop: Balenciaga's Triple S Trainers
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
You’ve seen them everywhere, and for good reason. The Balenciaga Triple S basically set the dad trainer standard alongside New Balance. Its chunky soles give a bit of height while the mix of leather, nubuck, and mesh adds texture, and the sans-serif logo adds a striking finish. Even if trends shift, this is one trainer that somehow keeps looking current.
Chunky and undeniably cool, dad trainers hit that sweet spot between being sporty without trying too hard. You could wear yours with jeans and a simple white T-shirt to run errands, or style with tailoring for a smart yet casual look. Alternatively, wear yours with a slip dress and lace socks for that contrasting look beloved by the street style set. Whether you go old-school with simple silver New Balance trainers or opt for something more fashion forward such as Bottega Veneta's Orbit trainers, the fact remains that the coolest trainers right now are also the most comfortable ones. Definitely worth cheering for.
Shop: The Best Dad Trainers Chic Women Are Wearing
Nike
Y2K roots and street-style cred collide for the Nike V5 RNR. It has a chunky but lightweight foam midsole, metallic accents, and a 3D Swoosh that makes it a little more elevated than your average trainer.
Bottega Veneta www.bottegaveneta.com
Bottega’s take on the dad trainer trend is minimal yet somehow statement-making. Lightweight technical fabric, mesh detailing, and a sleek silhouette make it feel refined without losing that chunky energy.
On sale
Merrell www.office.co.uk
I’m a big fan of Merrell, and these Speed Arc Matis have featured heavily in my daily rotation. The breathable upper makes them comfortable enough to keep you on your feet for hours, while the grippy sole keeps you from sliding around on rainy streets or cobblestones. And the bonus? They don’t look like your typical ‘sensible’ shoes, so they're stylish enough to wear around town.
Dior www.dior.com
Made with a mix of mesh and leather panels that feel sporty, casual, but still very posh, Dior's Chrono trainers are finished with brand flourishes such as the star on the tongue and the 'CD' on the side. The two-tone laces and super-light sole make them easy to wear all day, and they work just as well with relaxed tailoring as they do with simple jeans and a T-shirt.
Axel Arigatoaxelarigato.com
Chunky, textured, and playful, Axel Arigato's Sphere Runner blends ‘90s sportswear references with contemporary design. Leather, suede, and honeycomb mesh panels create a dynamic silhouette, while recycled polyester lining nods to sustainability.
Golawww.next.co.uk
Also, one of my go-to trainers, Gola has always had that retro charm. The shock-absorbing pads, signature MotionFoam midsoles, and breathable mesh uppers make the Veris Temo trainers easy to wear all day. Plus, the contoured design gives them just enough shape to feel stylish without trying too hard. Trendy, yes, but still genuinely comfortable and practical.
Columbiawww.columbiasportswear.co.uk
If there’s one brand you can always count on in the outdoorsy space, it’s Columbia. And if you’re like me, the type who secretly loves when their hiking shoes match their puffer jacket, this pair is a winner. They’ve got great grip (wet cobblestones, muddy trails, you name it) and feel supportive without being clunky.
Monclerwww.moncler.com
These Moncler trainers are lightweight enough for everyday wear, but with the kind of comfort and grip that makes long walks (or sudden downpours) a non-issue.
Main Image: Instagram @kimturkington, @yuleeeeed, @emmahill
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia with over a decade of international experience. She began her career in Dubai, covering major fashion events and global trends, and her work has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour. Now based between Italy and the UK, Anne is rarely seen without one of her signature Self-Portrait dresses and believes that great style should be as practical as it is polished, especially when parenting a toddler.