They say fashion trends go in circles and what was once hip and popular usually comes back around again. A perfect example of this is the chunky 90’s shoe craze which has returned this year, which is also creatively known as the ‘dad sneaker’ trend. Actually, not everyone can agree on what to call this trend. Some call it the ‘ugly shoes’ craze while others have labeled it ‘turbo trainers’ – but regardless, it’s about big, colorful and loud 90’s retro shoes. Kicks which are characterized by massive soles, thick uppers and the kind of weird patterns and styling your father is, or was, probably into once.
The chunky sneaker craze reached fever pitch when powerhouses by the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga recently debuted their own big shoe designs. This has trickled down, and some other big athletic brands have followed suit, reviving some of the most iconic, classic, sneaker silhouettes that have been around for ages. So, if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, it’s about time to hop right in. Here are some of our favorite big sneakers this fall.
ASH Addict and Atomic
Ash’s selection of chunky sneakers are celebrity favorites, having been spotted on A-listers including Anna Hathaway, Gigi Hadid, and Ariana Grande. We have our eyes particularly on the Addict and Atomic silhouettes, which feature a multi-layered rubber sole and varying combinations of leather, satin, and other innovative upper materials. The Addict comes in eight colorways and our personal favorite is the black/red. For men, the equally covetable Atomic comes in three colorways.
Local Ash stores and retailers:
- DFS T-Galeria, City of Dreams Phase 3, Estrada do Itsmo, +853 8791 8400
- Shop OT309, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2118 2450
- Website: www.ash.com
- Instagram: @ash
Puma Thunder Spectra
German-based sportswear brand Puma has always been known to produce low-key and sleek running sneakers. But the hype around ‘dad sneakers’ could not hold them from having their own take on the craze. This is where their Thunder models come in, with the most recognizable among them being their Thunder Spectra. Inspired by the McQ Tech Runner, the new silhouette is fresh in its unique colour blocking and loud aesthetics. While the popular Spectra may prove to be hard to come by, you can always opt for the Desert and the Electric which are readily available in the market.
Local Puma stores and retailers:
- 850, Grand Canal Street, Level 3, Shoppes at Venetian Macao, +853 2857 8563
- 1008, 1/F, The Promenade Shops, Galaxy Macau, +853 2835 3000
- Website: us.puma.com
- Instagram: @puma
Reebok DMX 1200 low
Another case of classic revival is Reebok’s DMX line which features archival models such as the DMX Daytona OG and the DMX Run 10. The latest to hit the shelves as part of the brand’s larger push to promote lifestyle sneakers is its DMX 1200 low. This chunky 90s-inspired sneakers come in three colourways that couldn’t be any more on trend.
Local Reebok stores and retailers:
- BE-ONE Lifestyle Store, 51 Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, Macau, +853 2832 2501
- Reebok Store, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida no. 35-35D, loja Centcom Ho Lan Yuen, r/c, Macau, +853 2856 2022
- Website: stores.reebok.com
- Instagram: @reebok
Nike M2K Tekno
Drawing heavy inspiration from the Air Monarch (one of Nike’s classics dubbed as the ‘ultimate dad shoe’), the Nike M2K Tekno is a hot new addition to Nike’s solid line-up of covetable runners which debuted early this year. It features a multi-layered upper panel and a plastic heel counter – all hallmarks of ‘turbo trainers’. Although initially released in three colorways with sizes exclusively for women, a new drop is to be made available for men’s on August 9. Watch out for these in local Nike stores and retailers. But if these prove hard to find, you might have some luck in some of the resell stores around Hong Kong.
Local Nike stores and retailers:
- Galaxy Macau, 1003 The Promenade Shops
- 843, Lion Street, Level 3, Shoppes at Venetian Macao, +853 2882 9283
- Website: www.nike.com.hk
- Instagram: @nike
Cath Kidston x New Balance 415
New Balance’s iconic trainers are tried and tested to be true classics. In fact, the brand is one of the originators of the boxy sneaker trend with its 608 trainers gaining a cult following month youth prior to the ‘dad shoe’ craze. The brand’s latest collaboration with well-loved British brand Cath Kidston takes a fresh spin on New Balance’s 415 lifestyle trainers which is equally trendy as aesthetically pleasing. The collection presents three colorways – or prints rather – carefully selected by Cath Kidston from its extensive design archive. The pair is downright easy to wear making them ideal for everyday.
Local Cath Kidston stores and retailers:
- Shop 833, Grand Canal Street, Level 3, Shoppes at Venetian Macao, +853 2882 8041
- 3/F, SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2831 8468
- Kiosk No. K01, Level 5, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, +852 2749 5022
- Website: www.cathkidston.hk
- Instagram: @cathkidston_ltd
