Chunky Sneakers Are Having Their Most Fashionable Comeback Yet
The "it" shoe of the late 2010s has returned with even more sartorial appeal.
What's old is always new again in fashion, and chunky sneakers are no exception. They've reemerged as one of 2024's biggest sneaker trends. But these are not the clumsy, clunky sneakers of yesteryear—they're back with a fresh, sophisticated look for the spring season, with a vote of confidence from both the fashion and celebrity set.
In 2018, chunky sneakers were a hot commodity, and the most-coveted designer sneakers of the time, the Balenciaga Triple S sneakers, were often selling for 30 percent above their retail price, explains Rachel Makar, Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX, a popular marketplace for sneaker fans. Markar notes that by 2020, the resale price of those same Balenciagas had dropped to well below their retail price, signaling the end of chunky sneakers' heyday. Post-2020, voluminous soles and heavy treads were swapped in favor of minimalism. Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid put sleek styles like the Adidas Sambas on the map, while Kendall Jenner's Onitsuka Tigers made her an unofficial spokesperson for low-key footwear.
Fast-forward several years in the trend cycle, and chunky sneakers are popping up again as a top spring 2024 shoe trend. Similar to the trajectory of UGG boots, sneakers are returning to the runway. Copenhagen-based designer Cecilie Bahnsen, in a continued partnership with Asics, designed a version of the notoriously chunky Gel-Quantum sneaker covered in her signature tiny rosettes. London-established Simone Rocha designed bulky pale pink sneakers topped with oversized crystals. At Coach's New York show, thick-tread high-top sneakers were designed in slightly punky patent leather fabrications.
Chunky sneakers are also seeing a revival in popularity among the street-style set. The Adidas Gazelle Bold, designed with a triple-stacked rubber outsole, "is one of the fastest-growing silhouettes on StockX," notes Makar. The narrow exterior balances out the chunky sneaker sole—which is, by and large, the next iteration of the chunky sneaker trend, already seen on Katie Holmes and Suki Waterhouse. Here, Marie Claire's curated 11 new chunky sneakers to try, alongside styling tips on how to wear the trend this time around.
Models wore chunky sneakers on the runway at shows like Cecilie Bahnsen, Coach, and Simone Rocha, proving how versatile the trend has become over the last season.
- Best Overall Chunky Sneakers: Nike V2K Run Premium Sneakers
- Best Platform Chunky Sneakers: Adidas Gazelle Bold Sneakers
- Best Designer Chunky Sneakers: Chloé Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers
- Best Affordable Chunky Sneakers: New Balance 574 Sneakers
- Best Editor-Approved Chunky Sneakers: Veja Venturi Sneakers
Shop the Best Chunky Sneakers
These are the refreshed versions of the dad sneaker trend—and a favorite accessory in Hailey Bieber's off-duty outfits. Their neutral hue makes them easy to coordinate with leggings and jeans (or even wide-legged, tailored trousers), and they're notoriously one of the lightest chunky sneaker styles on the market.
The Adidas Gazelle Bold Sneaker is one of the best chunky sneakers to try if you want to dabble in the trend but don't want to give up on your classic Gazelles. The gum sole and the 16 bold colorways are very' 90s-inspired, and the thicker sole adds height without adding extra weight. Anyone who reviews them says they're super comfortable.
Chloé's Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers remain popular on the city streets. Marie Claire's Style Director reviewed the pair when they first launched in the winter of 2021, and they received top marks for their innovative design features and comfort. But they continue to be popular, pandering to both minimalist and chunky sneaker fans. The thicker platform perfectly balances out the sleek athletic knit design across the top.
Models like Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing the New Balance iconic 574 sneakers over the past few years, and the trend has lived on in 2024. Top-rated for both comfort and style, they're the perfect happy-medium chunky silhouette that's wearable without making too much of a statement; they're also a great option if you're looking for some reliable, comfortable shoes to add into the rotation.
Not only is this pair of chunky sneakers sustainable, using upcycled materials like polyester and rubber, but celebrities like Katie Holmes and Meghan Markle are also super fans. They're shockingly lightweight despite their bulkier silhouette— and have proven to be a great shoe to log endless miles.
Other Chunky Sneakers We Love
Suki Waterhouse was spotted wearing this pair of Stuart Weitzman sneakers in December 2023, on the cusp of chunky sneakers' second wave of fame. Sofia Richie Grainge wore the same pair in early 2024— solidifying them as one of the must-have chunky sneakers of the season. These are the most dramatic sneakers on this list, but the all-white color makes them easier to style for multiple scenarios.
Nike continues to win in the chunky sneaker category with these Air Max 90 sneakers. Obviously inspired by ‘90s fashion, the color-blocked design allows you to add a touch of color to your spring outfits if you live in neutrals. The green shade is also a perfect evergreen option.
These sneakers from Cecilie Bahnsen’s collaboration with Asics perfectly marry feminine touches with a sporty, signature running shoe silhouette. In the spirit of Bahnsen, pair them with white socks and a feminine spring dress.
Tory Burch has gained momentum in the sneaker world after finding support from A-listers like Emily Ratajkowski and Sydney Sweeney. Sweeney is also a fan of these exact Tory Burch Good Luck sneakers and wore a blue version at Coachella in 2022— a testament to their comfort. Grab the newest seasonal iteration in this black and white pair.
Silver shoes are still trending for the spring season, and this pair of sneakers from Autry is a great way to make the trend work for you if you don't love a ton of glitz. The deeper gunmetal silver shade can also easily be worn on a night out with an all-neutral ensemble.
This unisex pair of PONY sneakers is the exact pair that Katie Holmes wore in March 2024. They come in two colorways, including this orange-and-blue option inspired by the New York Knicks and a springy ice-blue-and-white version.
How to Style Chunky Sneakers
Several A-listers have already approved chunky sneakers, but Katie Holmes is the prime example of styling them realistically alongside items you know and love. She wore them with a camel coat and black trousers and accessorized with a relaxed baseball cap and oversized tote in early 2024.
Inherently sporty, teaming your sneakers with elevated basics is a great way to make them work for your style outside of the gym.
Katie Holmes masterfully styled bright orange chunky sneakers from PONY with her "downtown mom" style while out in New York City in March 2024, proving just how wearable they can be.
Snapped on the streets of Paris Fashion Week, this showgoer mastered an unexpected style pairing: a flowy, feminine neon-hued dress and neutral chunky sneakers. This is your sign to try out the trend with something other than your basics.
You don't have to rely on your basics when wearing chunky sneakers, as one guest showed on the streets at Paris Fashion Week.
Meet the Style Expert
Rachel Makar is the Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX, where she oversees category growth and expansion. She has over 15 years of experience in buying and merchandising, with an extensive background in both luxury and streetwear, encompassing footwear, apparel, and accessories. Rachel also has a personal passion for street culture and luxury fashion and has been collecting sneakers and handbags for over 20 years
