I'm Proposing a Ban on This Overpriced "Ugly" Trend in 2019

Don't get me wrong—I love designer shoes. I even love many designer sneakers. But I have some thoughts about a certain style of designer sneaker that happens to be wildly popular right now: dad ones. The dad sneaker trend has earned itself tons of fans since it came to be back in 2017. Even many of those who were initially reluctant to embrace it (myself included) have come around. I'm not proposing we ban dad sneakers altogether—they're far too popular (and comfortable) to do that just yet, but what I am proposing is a ban on the "ugly" sneakers that hover near $1K. And there are a lot of them.
With brands like Fila, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok making dozens of covetable clunky dad sneakers right now, at an average price of $100 a pop, you could buy lots and lots of cool dad sneakers for the price of one pair of designer ones. Furthermore, like it or not, I'm confident that this trend isn't going to be around forever. Sure, it's having a long moment in the sun, but I'm predicting that there will be lots of fashion girls trying to sell their It dad sneakers for far less than they purchased them for in a few seasons. On that note, keep scrolling to shop my picks for the very best affordable dad sneakers to wear this year.
Next up, the best-reviewed pretty sneakers on all of Nordstrom.

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
The Brutally Honest Skincare Advice You Needed to Know Yesterday, According to 2 Beauty Industry Vets
The Dieux founders share their hot takes and unfiltered product recs.
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025
Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.
-
48 Hours in L.A. Was All It Took to Convince Me These 6 Trends Are It
You’re gonna want to write these down.
-
It's True: Julia Roberts Just Brought Back Princess Diana's Favorite $70 Sneakers
She just landed in Venice, Italy.
-
The Exact Sneakers That Everyone With Cool Taste Will Wear This Fall
Buh-bye, boots, flats, and loafers.
-
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Shoe Collection, Start With These 33 Sneakers, Kitten Heels, and Flats
Sending my apologies to your wallet.
-
These Are the It Sneakers Celebrities Love to Wear With Baggy Pants and Jeans
Every It girl's go-to.
-
Bella Hadid Just Wore the $160 Designer-Passing White Sneakers That Will Sell Out by September 1
Hurry, there are only a few sizes left.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Zara
Keep cool without sacrificing style.