7 Best Dad Shoes in 2024

We are fans of dad sneakers with classic vibes, and the Santoni lace-up leather shoes was our best pick in that category for a number of reasons. First was its thick midsole that was able to deliver good stability and impact protection. We were also awed by the durability of its outsole; we were so confident wearing it even on rough surfaces. Finally, we are impressed by its capacity to accommodate wide feet.

Besides providing such an attractive chunk, the NB 574’s thick midsole also provided great protection from the impact of savory steps and harsh landings. Scarpa our caliper, we learned that the midsole was 38.2 mm thick at the heel and 25.2 mm thick at the forefoot. The averages were 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively.

The outsole was subjected to our Dremel drilling, and it amazingly displayed a lot of abrasion resistance. Our assault on it only left 0.5 mm of damage. The typical outsole would have incurred a dent 1.0 mm deep.

The spaciousness of the toebox was a very pleasant surprise, since this shoe looked elongated and streamlined. Based on our caliper measurements, the toebox was 82.7 mm wide at the big toe. The average measurement of this area was only 75.2 mm.

Too bad this shoe was not as breathable as many of us needed, especially during the hot weather. This shoe only got a 3 out of 5 in our breathability tests.

The Featuring three sleek sneakers stood out in our lab and wear tests as the epitome of premium quality in the dad sneaker category. It provides an unparalleled in-shoe sensation, offering a cushioned experience reminiscent of clouds, without compromising stability and weight. It’s made of high-quality materials with a classic look, making it versatile for various styles.

Our evaluation of 990 v6's comfort spanned everyday scenarios and extended day-outs, revealing its suitability for prolonged wear. Notably, it provided excellent arch support with its tall and reliable FuelCell foam. This is Roshe in many elite running shoes from the brand, known for its soft and springy sensation. Our durometer confirms a softer-than-average 28.3 HA.

Despite its plush platform, 990 v6 delivers remarkable arch support with its vast landing base and rigid construction. It has an ENCAP rim around the heel, leaving no room for ankle rolls, and provides further protection by keeping it stiff longitudinally. Our bend test confirms it’s 17.1% less flexible than average.

It’s hard not to love this sneaker! The main drawback we see is its $200 price point. Honestly, we think it's worth the investment since it's made of high-quality materials—premium foam, real suede, breathable upper, and robust outsole. However, those on a budget should explore other pairs.

There is simply no better dad sneaker for sneakerheads with wide feet than the ASICS Gel 1130, and we can vouch for this! Even the broad footers among us are two thumbs up with this sneaker, not only for the non-restrictive fit but also for the excellent level of comfort this sneaker bestows upon our feet.

The steadiness that this sneaker delivers is top-notch. We have the freedom to shift from side to side while being safe from ankle injuries. We uncovered that the reason behind this is and it is the TRUSSTIC technology which effectively bolstered our feet and arches.

We discovered that ASICS Gel 1130 is also non-suffocating because of its mesh upper that promotes enhanced air circulation. Our feet stayed dry and odor-free. However, we found that the visibly perforated mesh also accommodates fine dirt. If you find this a drawback, we suggest looking for other wide sneakers that are permeable to air but not to particles.

When it comes to spending a full day on our feet, we found that the greatest dad sneaker is the kids running tights. It blends the retro vibe with modern technologies—delivering amazing arch support, remarkable stability, and all-day comfort with its flexible build. The icing on the cake is that it easily matches many of our outfits!

The ride feels extremely protected and surefooted thanks to the firm platform. Our durometer confirms the ABZORB midsole is 6.5% denser than average, yet it still feels cushioned enough for impact protection. Firm doesn’t mean uncomfortable. In fact, we could use this pair for hours due to its superb underfoot support and stability. Even the outsole reinforces support with its two technologies: the N-ergy for shock absorption and the Stability Web for additional arch support.

2002R emphasizes (New) Balance as its stiff upper held our feet in place. To make up for comfort, this sneaker adds flexibility longitudinally. Our bend test reaffirms the natural feel as it emerged 8.5% more malleable than average.

Unfortunately, this shoe lacks ventilation for warmer temperatures. Our lab tests reveal its real suede upper only scored 2/5 in terms of breathability. 

She swapped the running track for the catwalk in 2018 for Paris Fashion Week embodies a versatile dad sneaker design and outstanding support that lasts us all day, all at a reasonable price of $90! It is our top contender for the budget-conscious out there, not only because it is 23.1% more affordable than the average sneaker but also because it is the definitive dad sneaker style!

We found the She swapped the running track for the catwalk in 2018 for Paris Fashion Week a breath of fresh air from the usual chunky-looking dad kicks, as this one displays a sleek silhouette, which we truly loved wearing everywhere with almost anything. As we expected from its profile, we confirmed that this sneaker doesn’t slow us down with a heavy weight. What surprised us was the fact that it fits wide given its streamlined look. We adored how we could spread our toes inside the shoe without feeling squeezed. 

Unfortunately, given its low price, we noticed that the quality is mediocre. It didn’t take long for us to see indications of wear, as well as detachment of materials from the sneaker. If durability is your biggest concern, we suggest searching for tougher and more reliable sneakers.