How to rock the comfy and cheesy dad look
The hive mind of the internet has deemed many things dad-like, from appearances to actions. Putting on a movie or a TV show and instantly falling asleep on the couch only to wake up the second it’s turned off or changed is a dad move. Having a paunchy belly without being too overweight is to have a dad bod. Cracking an awful pun is to make a dad joke. Unfashionable but impossibly comfortable footwear — typically running shoes — are deemed “dad shoes.”
It’s important to note that while calling out these aspects is undeniably humorous in intent, it’s never meant to be cruel, only playful. We rounded up the best dad shoes, clothing and accessories — whether it’s your go-to style or you’re shopping for Father’s Day.
In this article: Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainers, Reebok Women’s Club C Sneakers and New Balance Kids 888 V2 Running Shoes
What are ‘dad shoes?’
Dad shoes are a combination of type, appearance and intent.
- Type: Dad shoes must be sneakers. They can be various types of sneakers and any brand, though a common trait is having a thick and extra-cushy sole. White dad shoes are especially popular since they go with most outfits.
- Appearance: The classical dad shoe is mostly white with some black highlights on the side that are usually in the form of the brand’s icon or logo. Other colors are possible with gray being a common alternative. No matter the general appearance, a dad shoe is the polar opposite of fashionable. Anyone who is even slightly concerned about their appearance would never wear them unless they’re worn ironically or as part of a costume.
- Intent: The most common reason for a dad to wear dad shoes is to mow the lawn. In fact, a thoroughly grass- and dirt-stained dad shoe is a source of pride among dad shoe bearers. Outside of this, dad shoes are also worn specifically for their comfort.
How to complete the ‘dad look’
Dad shoes are only a small part of the dad look. To complete the aesthetic, you also need dad clothes and accessories.
- Socks: Just as pancakes aren’t complete without syrup, dad shoes aren’t complete without white crew-length athletic socks. The brighter the whiteness and the higher up the calf they go, the better.
- Shorts: It doesn’t matter if it’s in the dead of winter, the dad look requires shorts. Technically, you can use any kind of shorts, but khaki shorts are preferred. The best dad shorts are khaki cargos, but these are too strong for beginner dads to pull off.
- Belt: You need a belt to hold up your shorts, even if the belt isn’t actually necessary. The belt should be brown, even when and especially when it doesn’t match the outfit. It should also be as cheap as possible. Bonus points are given to reversible belts.
- Polo: The final piece of the puzzle is a good short-sleeved polo shirt of any color. Like shorts, it should still be short-sleeved in the winter. Younger dads can wear a T-shirt instead, so long as that shirt features a graphic or joke only the youthful dad finds funny.
- Bonuses: The dad look can be accessorized too but only with specific accessories. If you’re mowing the yard, get some bright white sweatbands that look like they’re straight out of the ’80s. Dad sunglasses are optional as long as they’re as cheap as possible and the opposite of fashionable. Finally, a cheap watch with light-up and/or stopwatch features is a must.
Best dad shoes
Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainers
These Nike dad shoes are the holy grail from every possible viewpoint. They come in a huge range of sizes and in 14 designs, each more dad-like than the last.
Adidas Men’s Response CL Shoes
These shoes have a retro look to them that practically screams dad. They’re lightweight, yet have a chunky aesthetic. These Adidas dad shoes come in sizes 7 to 13 in five neutral colorways.
This dad shoe is designed to be as comfortable as possible in any activity, and it even has removable memory foam sock liners. This shoe comes in sizes 7 to 15 and in several extra-wide variants. There are four dad-friendly designs.
New Balance Men’s 481 V3 Trail Running Shoes
These New Balance dad shoes are meant to protect your feet while running on rough terrain, so they’re more than enough for mowing the front yard. The trail running shoes come in sizes 7 to 16, several extra-wide variants and nine unfashionable designs.
New Balance Kids 888 V2 Running Shoes
These shoes are perfect for kids that want to look just like their dad. It comes in a staggering range of sizes for infants to 8-year-old kids. Two of the designs are perfect for the dad look.
Reebok Women’s Club C Sneakers
Dad shoes are about the vibe, not to whom the manufacturer markets its product. These women’s Reebok shoes come in essentially every size and in dozens of designs, though some are more dad-like than others.
Sketchers Women’s D’Lites Fresh Start Fashion Sneakers
These sneakers ooze dad vibes stylistically. The flexible and cushy sole plus air-cooled memory foam inserts make them comfortable for all-day wear. They come in four styles.
Best dad clothing
This is as basic a polo shirt as it gets, which makes it the best possible dad shirt. You can get it made of polyester or recycled polyester. It comes in 15 sizes and 39 colors.
Hanes Men’s Ultimate Sweatshirt
This men’s hoodie is just the thing for a casual, low-effort dad look. It’s made of soft and cozy fleece fabric, available in sizes small to 3XL in 11 colors.
Comfort reigns supreme with these dad shorts, thanks to the stretchy waist. Most of the pockets seal with hook-and-loop straps. They come in six sizes and seven colors, including traditional khaki and a darker brown.
Carhartt Men’s Relaxed-Fit Heavyweight 5-Pocket Tapered Jean
These laidback dad jeans have a relaxed fit and tapered legs. They’re made of 100% cotton. They’re offered in three denim colors and waist sizes from 28 to 54 inches.
Gildan Active Cotton Crew Socks
These are the perfect dad socks because they’re comfortable, brilliantly white and available for a cheap price for a pack of 10 pairs. They come in two sizes and in black and gray if you want to break from tradition.
Best dad accessories
This men’s belt is half leather for durability and to not look as inexpensive as it is. It comes in 18 reversible colors and sizes for waists measuring 28 to 56 inches.
Faguma Sports Polarized Sunglasses For Men
These budget-friendly sports sunglasses are just right for the dad look that focuses on practicality rather than style. The polarized lenses provide 100% UV protection and come in 10 colors. These shades even come with a cord for hanging them on the chest, dad style.
Casio Illuminator Men’s Digital Watch
This affordable Casio sports watch features an LED backlight, as well as built-in stopwatch and alarm functions. It’s water-resistant down to 100 meters. This classic dad watch comes in six neutral colors.
To take your dad look to the next level, get this classic fanny pack — preferably in a bold, bright shade that’ll stick out like a sore thumb. It’s waterproof with three zippered compartments and comes in 17 colors.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
Copyright 2024 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.