Dad Sneakers Are Back and Your Favorite Celebrities Are Here For It

Somewhere along the way, the fashion world collectively decided that looking like your dad heading to a suburban barbecue was actually peak style. And honestly? The celebrities are completely on board.

Chunky retro runners—those bulky, cushioned sneakers that were once relegated to gym trips and errands—have transformed into legitimate street-style statements. Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been spotted rocking these throwback kicks regularly, giving them the kind of cultural cachet that makes brands scramble to reissue anything from the 1990s and early 2000s. Nike and New Balance, sensing the moment, have been pulling old favorites from the archives and giving them fresh life for a new generation.

What’s driving this revival isn’t nostalgia alone—it’s comfort meeting credibility. Sneakers like the Nike V2K Run, inspired by Nike’s classic Vomero silhouette, blend flashy metallic details with chunky heels designed for actual cushioning. Dakota Johnson has made the V2K Run part of her regular rotation, proving these aren’t just gym shoes anymore; they’re outfit pieces. The New Balance Made in USA 990v6, a reissue of the legendary 1982 original, carries decades of running heritage while somehow feeling totally current on city streets.

The lineup extends well beyond those two heavyweights. New Balance’s 530—another early-2000s gem revived for modern sensibilities—features sweeping curves and angular overlays that read distinctly high-tech without sacrificing that retro charm. The New Balance 740, spotted on influencers like Lisa and Alix Earle, combines the original open-knit mesh upper with contemporary two-tone details. ASICS got in on the action with the Gel-1130, which uses GEL technology for shock absorption and has become one of the market’s best-selling retro sneakers since its 2021 reissue. Then there’s the Nike P-6000 with its chrome synthetic leather and space-age reflective detailing, and the enduring Nike Air Monarch IV—a cross-trainer that’s somehow both dad-coded and legitimately functional.

The through-line here is permission. Wearing chunky sneakers used to feel like you’d given up on fashion. Now it feels intentional, almost rebellious in its refusal to chase minimalism. These shoes say you’d rather be comfortable and interesting than thin and miserable. And if Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner are doing it, well, that’s basically a cultural cosign. The dad sneaker revival isn’t a trend that’s passing—it’s becoming the baseline.