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The 18 Best Chunky Sneakers to Rock This Season

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Balenciaga, The North Face, adidas

So, how do you like your sneaker? Thick. Thicker than a Snicker. Thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. Thicker than... you get it. In case you haven't been paying attention, chunky aka thick sneakers are one of the hottest trends on the block right now, and if you haven't gotten in on it, then it's time to change that. Fellas, we're not sure who told you that only women are wearing chunky sneakers, but they were absolutely positively incorrect. We're not going to let you get away with not wearing them anymore, so we've put together a list of the best chunky sneakers for you to rock any and every season. There's some things you need to know first though.

RELATED: A Look Back at the 15 Best Sneakers of the 2000s

What is a 'chunky sneaker'?

Chunky sneakers aren't a new trend as they've been popular over the past decade, as they've become slightly more modernized in the sense that they kind of used to be reserved for runway wear. Not anymore! We're seeing people wear chunky sneakers casually, on dates, and even upscale events. So what makes a chunky sneaker you might ask? A chunky sneaker is any kind of sneaker that has a beefed up look. Chunky sneakers are just... much bigger than your average sneaker, and you know them when you see them. Here's some selections for you.

The Best Chunky Sneakers, at a Glance:

1. Balenciaga Triple S

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Balenciaga

  • A Promising Review: "Exactly as shown! The trainers are amazing quality and super comfortable. They can be dressed up or dressed down. If you love chunky trainers, I strongly recommend. I wanted these for ages and now that I have them I wish I didn’t wait so long to make my decision." - Flannels Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Double foam and mesh | Sizes: 39-43 | Style: Low top, lace-up

You can wear Balenciaga casually or as Nicki Minaj once said, you can wear Balenciaga to the Phantom of the Opera. Whatever event you choose, the Triple S is a chunky sneaker option that will automatically elevate your outfit.

SHOP NOW AT flannels, $841+

2. The North Face Men’s VECTIV Taraval Shoes

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The North Face

Also Great

  • A Promising Review: "Great shoes especially for flat feet. No special insoles needed." - The North Face Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Synthetic leather and breathable mesh | Sizes: 7-14 | Style: Low top, lace-up

The North Face also has a couple of chunky sneakers in their catalog, which makes sense with them primarily being an outdoor brand as thicker shoes are better for outdoor activities. The Men's VECTIV Taraval Shoes were designed in collaboration with The North Face Athlete Team to increase optimization. And they are quite stylish as well.

SHOP NOW AT THE NORTH FACE, $125

3. adidas OOZWEEGO Shoes

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adidas

Best Athletic Option

  • A Promising Review: "Love the design, looks very futuristic, very comfortable, and also very supportive on the heel, it’s good for people with wide feet." - adidas Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Knit and synthetic leather upper with TPU overlays | Sizes: 5-14 | Style: Low top, lace-up

Styled with a 90s and 00s theme, the OZWEEGO is crafted with the comfort for an athlete as it has an EVA midsole and triple-threat cushioning. With that kind of comfort your feet won't hurt at all (in fact it might take away some of your pain), and you can wear them to a workout, or to an event. As we always say—it's all about the options.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $60-$84

4. Steve Madden POSSESS Off-White

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Steve Madden

Best All-White Option

  • A Promising Review: "The shoes are so stylish and comfy." - Adrian, Steve Madden Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Vegan leather and textile upper material | Sizes: 7-13 | Style: Low top, lace-up

Steve Madden's POSSESS Chunky Sneakers are a combination of substantial, dynamic, and modern, and are the type of shoe that can be paired with virtually anything. While we selected to showcase the Off-White colorway, there's plenty to choose from including a black and sand option.

SHOP NOW AT STEVE MADDEN, $109.95

5. Naked Wolfe Spring Deep Sea

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Naked Wolfe

  • A Promising Review: "While we've only tried the women's version of their shoes, we can confidently say that not only are they up their with the most stylish sneakers we've ever worn, but the comfort was bar none." - Jael Rucker, Style Writer at ONE37pm
  • Upper Material: 100% Leather | Sizes: 40-46 | Style: Low top, lace-up

There's plenty of reasons to love these Spring Deep Sea sneakers from Naked Wolfe, one being the spotted polka dot design that instantly catches your attention. The shows also sport an all-leather upper, and the placement of the velcro wolfe head and rubber gimmick oval patch is interesting as well. The small details are what separates this shoe from the pack.

SHOP NOW AT NAKED WOLFE, $300

6. Converse Run Star Motion CX Platform

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Converse

  • A Promising Review: "I've worn these at least 3 days a week for the past 9 months or so and I'm still not over them. They're by far the most comfortable converse I have, with a nice and roomy toe box and good support. The treads have held up great and they still look brand new. " - Converse Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Cotton Canvas | Sizes: 3-13 | Style: High top, lace-up

Time to throw a high top sneaker in the mix. While we're used to high tops from Converse, the Run Star Motion CX takes the traditional Converse high top to the next level. Be prepared to get a lot of stares (in a good way of course).

SHOP NOW AT CONVERSE, $120

7. ASOS Design Chunky Sneakers

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ASOS

  • A Promising Review: "Really happy with it! Matches with a lot of outfits " -Asos Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Rubber | Sizes: 7-13 | Style: Low top, lace-up

While anyone can wear this chunky sneaker by ASOS, the brand is known for accommodating those with wide feet as it can harder to find shoes when your foot is wider. These sneakers have a nice design that's under $70, and are relatively easy to keep clean.

SHOP NOW AT ASOS, $66

8. APL SUPERFUTURE

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APL

  • A Promising Review: "I got them for travel because I hate having to pack gym shoes. These are comfy for walking around in, they look nice and perform well in the gym. I have flat feet and my insoles fit perfectly. Fit true to size and provide great stability. " -Fabian, APLReviewer
  • Upper Material: Rubber | Sizes: 5-16 | Style: High top, slip-on

Perhaps you don't plan on hooping in your chunky sneakers, but if you are looking for something to play in, check out the APL Superfuture which includes the Load ‘N Launch technology banned by the NBA that helps to increase your vertical leap. The Superfuture is full of other cool technological features like High top TechLoom bootie and the APL FutureFoam midsole—all of which are used to enhance your performance on the court.

SHOP NOW AT APL, $300

9. Vans Sk8-Hi Sherpa Suede Shoe

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Vans

  • A Promising Review: "They fit perfectly and I can make the laces loose enough to fit my ankle brace! The sole is super comfortable and I don't think I've ever gotten more compliments on a pair of shoes!" -Vans Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Suede | Sizes: 6.5-13 | Style: High top, lace-up

Sticking with the high top theme here, these sK8 Sherpa Suede Sneakers from Vans are a sleek and versatile look that's great for those looking to wear a statement piece.

SHOP NOW AT VANS, $49.95

10. Lacoste Men's L-Guard Breaker

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Lacoste

  • A Promising Review: "I’m so overwhelmed by this sneaker…. it is more than I expected!!! The look, the fit, the profile …. all amazing! I hope to purchase more when I can save up enough money! Thank you so much." - Lacoste Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Textile, leather and synthetic uppers | Sizes: 7-12 | Style: Low top, lace-up

These lace-up low tops by Lacoste are worth every single penny of the $90 you'll spend to get them. A solid balance between athletic and high fashion the L-Guard Breaker answers the call for every adventure.

SHOP NOW AT LACOSTE, $89.99

11. Nike Air Vapormax Plus

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Nike

  • A Promising Review: "Honestly the style of the shoe grew on me but certain color ways pop out more, especially the Griffey color scheme which is my favorite so far. I loved the old school Air Max Plus style and at first these VaporMaxes seemed like a semi imaginative but less appealing remix of those. A bit pricey but still happy with my purchase overall. For me I ordered a half size up and they fit perfect. They feel light and supportive. " - Champs Sports Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Cushioned fabric and synthetic materials | Sizes: 4-11 | Style: Low top, lace-up

The Nike Air Vapormax Plus blends together Vapormax and the '98 Air Max Plus for a new and improved look that looks forward to the future while paying homage to the past. The floating Spider-Man looking cage is the stand out feature on this shoe, which also comes dressed in a red and black upper. If this color is to bold, then you can always go with a simpler color such as black, but why not take a walk on the wild side since you're already wearing a chunky sneaker?

SHOP NOW AT NIKE, $134.87

12. Hoka Clifton 8 Max Cushion Sneaker

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HOKA

  • A Promising Review: "Received my Clifton 8s the next day after they being released and ordered. They look awesome. Went for a quick evening run as they arrived right after I finished my daily lunch run of course. Huge Pros: They are 100% roomier than Clifton 7." - Hoka Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Recycled materials | Sizes: 7-16 | Style: Low top, lace-up

Sure Hoka's are made for runners, but you can absolutely wear them when not running as well. The Hoka 8 has received great reviews with the brand improving upon the 7 to make the shoes more comfortable for those with wider feet. You can wear Hokas to the gym, to run errands, or even as a recovery sneaker. Whatever you choose, rest assured you'll be comfortable.

SHOP NOW AT HOKA, $111.99

13. Veja Venturi

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Saks Fifth Avenue

  • A Promising Review: "Never heard of this brand, but bought some while in Paris this week! I’ve been wearing them everyday, walking all over the city, so comfortable! I am a size 8 and bought the 39, the fit is perfect" - Nordstrom Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Polyester Upper | Sizes: 41-46 | Style: Low top, lace-up

As far as sustainable sneakers go—Veja makes some of the best in our opinion. This Multico Grey colorway is a neutral enough color to be worn with a good percentage of your closet, but still has eye-catching features such as the teal logo at the quarter mark of the shoe. We rock with it for sure (and you should too).

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $205

14. Sorel Kinetic Breakthrough Sneaker

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Sorel

  • A Promising Review: "Very comfortable and light weight. Definitely a great buy." - Jonathan, Sorel Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Synthetic and textile material mixes | Sizes: 7-15 | Style: High top, lace-up

If hitting the outdoors, Sorel's Kinetic Breakthrough Sneakers are fly and flashy while not straying from its technical features. Note: While the shoes themselves are waterproof, the laces are not. Just something to keep in mind in case you planned on wearing during a rainy day.

SHOP NOW AT SOREL, $87.98

15. New Balance 9060

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New Balance

  • A Promising Review: "Just got these, and wore them for a full day of errands and Christmas shopping and I can’t recommend them enough. Really cute with crew white socks, and super comfortable. I recommend them for casual/athleisure (great for travel too!) and order them in your normal size ." - Foot Locker Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Mesh upper with pigskin suede overlays | Sizes: 7-14 | Style: Low top, lace up

If "dad sneakers" are the goal for your overall look, who better than New Balance? No seriously, who better than New Balance? A classic durable shoe that withstands the test of time and looks even fresher with wear is a shoe that we'll always love.

SHOP NOW AT NEW BALANCE, $159.99

16. FILA Men's MB '90s Athletic Shoe

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Journeys

  • A Promising Review: "Bought these as a gift for my son. My husband said they remind him of the movie Space Jam and I ordered a pair for him." - Journeys Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Leather | Sizes: 7-12 | Style: High top, lace-up

Behold FILA. The kings of the chunky sneaker. Sometimes you're just in the mood for a throwback vintage vibe, and these shoes fit the bill with its colorful graffiti/mural vibe. Very 90s ya digg?

SHOP NOW AT JOURNEYS, $59.58

17. Versace Men's Greca Labyrinth

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Versace

  • A Promising Review: "Super sick and cool sneaker that is lightweight. The shoes are very comfortable too and the quality is top notch" - Jael Rucker, Style Writer at ONE37pm
  • Upper Material: 80% Nylon 20% Elastane | Sizes: 39-47 | Style: Lace-up, low top

If you want a pair of chunky sneakers that immediately has all eyes on you, then these Greca Lab Sneakers from Versace are the ones that will have you feeling photoshoot fresh, looking like wealth, and about to call the paparazzi on yourself.

SHOP NOW AT VERSACE, $562

18. Balmain Leather and Suede Bold Low Top Trainers

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Balmain

  • A Promising Review: "Even more impressive in person. Quality and comfort. This is my first pair of chunky sneakers so it might take me a while to get used to them but so far I love them! " - Neiman Marcus Reviewer
  • Upper Material: Leather and Suede | Sizes: 40-45 | Style: Low top, lace-up

These B-Bold sneakers from Balmain blend the world's of subtlety and extravagant together nicely. The shoes are luxury with a high fashion outsole, but still simple enough to be worn casually. And they fit true to size as well.

SHOP NOW AT BALMAIN, $630

Why to Trust Us:

ONE37pm has been writing sneaker reviews since our inception in 2018, and I personally have been writing products reviews in style for over two years. We've worked with and tested many of the brands on this list, and we vetted the selections we haven't personally tried on with a wide range of user reviews.

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