Chunky Sneaker

Chunky Sneaker at Asphaltgold

Thick soles, eye-catching designs and wild color combos - hardly any other sneaker has been as hyped in recent years as the chunky sneaker. And that's despite (or perhaps because) so many consider the Ugly Shoes to be anything but beautiful. We celebrate the chunky kicks not only for their comfort, but also because they simply make a cool statement piece.

Chunky sneaker - the shoe with the chunky sole

The chunky sneaker is a sporty shoe that is characterized by one thing in particular: a thick, partly futuristic platform sole. Eye-catching colorways, colorful stitching and laces as well as a mix of suede, mesh and co. make the kick a real eye-catcher that not only looks exceedingly casual, but is also maximally comfortable thanks to the chunky sole.
Another positive side effect: On feet, the sneaker visually lengthens the leg - thanks to the extra centimeters of the sole. This makes styles and outfits look completely different. Especially as a style break to the business look or as a color statement with any streetwear, sneaker heads reach for the chunky kick.
However, this trend is not new. Like so many hip fashion pieces, the chunky sneaker has its origins in the flashy nineties. But there, like the dad shoe, it was worn primarily for one reason: comfort - and not as a fashion statement. Even today, not everyone is a fan of the chunky runner, which is why it is also known as the Ugly Sneaker.

So after ridicule and gloating, the chunky sneaker made its big comeback in the late 2010s. The pioneer was the French designer brand Balenciaga, which really got the ball rolling with the Triple S in 2017. Since then, Ugly Fashion has conquered the catwalks and streets of the big cities, so that even the major sneaker manufacturers are releasing more and more models of the retro classic with the special look. A former fashion no-go becomes a go-to - a trend that speaks against the classic fashion image, instead working with nostalgia and promising more reality.

What ugly sneakers are there?

Meanwhile, you can buy the chunky sneakers from every top brand, both for women and men. Whether adidas, New Balance or Veja - the trendy sneakers with the thick sole convince with versatile designs and numerous models. In recent years, some trends have emerged that we would like to present to you here.

The classic ugly sneaker

How thick can it be? The classic chunky sneaker has a particularly chunky shape and is therefore also extra casual. The sneaker comes off best as a style break to classic looks, but also works really well with blue jeans and casual streetwear.
The best runners among the Ugly Sneakers are probably the Nike Air Huarache and the adidas ZX Boost. Bright colors, an ultra-comfortable feel and exciting details in the aesthetic of the nineties await you here. The Reebok Instapump Fury is a real eye-catcher thanks to its spacey upper. A futuristic design that does without laces and instead relies on "The Pump" technology that perfectly encloses your foot. Retro meets future!

The light version of the chunky

The Ugly Sneaker is no longer just loud and flashy (although of course we love that). More and more brands are offering their models in muted colors like black and white. This way, the chunky silhouette remains, but the shoe is also easier to combine and doesn't immediately catch the eye.
In addition to the usual models such as the Nike Air Force or the adidas Astir, New Balance with the M730 and Veja with the Venturi Alveomesh offer more discreet alternatives that also get by with a narrower platform. Especially for women who find the normal chunky too clunky on the feet, the light version is the ideal solution. Whether as a style break or suitable for casual everyday style - many of the trendy models are even available to order as a women's version in smaller sizes.

High-top sneaker with platform sole

Chunky sneakers are always extremely sporty and clunky? No, absolutely not. Converse has relaunched its basketball retro with the Run Star Hike Hi. For the upper, Converse has adopted the classic Chuck Taylor All Star but supplemented it with a chunky platform sole.
In subtle colorways this Sneaker equally elegant and chunky. A nice mix of combat boot and ugly sneaker, ideal for the ladies who like to combine their chunky kicks with a dress but still prefer the casual touch.

Chunky Sandal

If you like to wear open Platform Sneaker and still want to stay true to the sneaker game, you should take a closer look at the chunky mules and sandals. The big sneaker manufacturers have always evolved the hype around the chunky kick and the "Ugly Chic". What comes out is a creative design that will definitely turn heads.
The Nike Offline 2.0, for example, convinces with its platform with an extremely comfortable footbed. The rounded laces allow for a personalized fit - a real game changer in a mule. But other brands, such as HOKA ONE ONE, also offer slip-ons and loafers with soft soles that feet crave after a long day or sports.

Chunky sneaker - comfortable and casual

Chunky sneakers are the trend of the last years. From cool high-tops to comfortable mules and classic sneakers - the Ugly Kicks are available in numerous models and colorways, for women and men. The chunky designs with the wide soles and colorful laces exude true nineties vibes. Provocative and unconventional sneakers that show that fashion knows no right and wrong.