Fashion trends are moving in a very strange direction – the more ugly, the more stylish. After the sky-high priced “plastic knitting bag” and “Chinese cotton quilt bag” from Balenciaga, this phenomenon is becoming increasingly popular. This fall/winter, Ugly Dad Sneakers are a core element in the fashion industry. Without them, you will be considered a layman of the fashion world.
Balenciaga Triple S
After the departure of Alexander Wang, Demna Gvasalia has become the new creative director of Balenciaga. This Georgian-born designer cultivated her career at one of the most expensive and popular street fashion brands, Vetements. Under this new director, the brand made an extreme makeover. In recent years, Balenciaga has become the hottest brand leading the “Dad trend” and keeps showcasing an array of non-traditional aesthetic products. However, followed by countless queries, these products still have a ridiculously good sales volume.
When it comes to the Ugly Dad Sneakers, Balenciaga’s Triple S must be the first name in sneaker enthusiasts’ minds. Ugly dad sneakers have some simple criteria: unconventional and chunky sneaker silhouettes, just like the ones that you can find in your dad’s shoes cabinet; rubber soles, panels-a-plenty; and fat, padded tongues held in place by a set of sporty laces.
This pair of US$795 sneakers are a bit like the running sneakers of a man in his later years. The chunky soles are like the rubber layer cakes that create a platform at the heel that is a good two inches tall. The main characteristic of this pair of sneakers is the retro colour scheme, which perfectly matches recent fashion trends. Paired with an edgy wide-leg trouser, you will make them not quite so aggressive but very, very fashionable!
Concepts x New Balance 999 “Hyannis”
As one of the representative sneaker brands from the United States, New Balance has already been popular for over a 100 years. I believe that your dad must be a fan of New Balance, because the products from the brand are classic and timeless. As the legendary sneakers of the brand, New Balance 999 embodies most of the elements of ugly dad sneakers. Announced early this month, the new collaboration of Concepts and New Balance was inspired by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his New England background. The upper section is made from a collection of beige, grey, off-white and blue suede panels, while the midsole and outsole are a triptych of grey, off-white and white. If you are looking for a timeless sneaker, this pair is your ideal choice.
Yeezy Boost 700 Wave Runners
For shoe enthusiasts, Yeezy is no doubt one of the fanciest brands. Every time when Kanye West, the designer of Yeezy announces a new product, the sneaker industry will definitely experience a fanatic phenomenon. Without exception, Yeezy also wants to share a slice of the cake in the trend. In the summer, pre-ordering was opened for Kanye West’s Wave Runner 700 on Yeezy Supply. Priced at $300, fans of the silhouette had no choice but to wait over two months for the sneakers to actually be shipped. The sneakers are in a blue-accented “Gray/Chalk White/Core Black” colour scheme. Recently, Yeezy also released two new colour schemes – “White Gum” and “Triple Black.” Both sneakers feature a mix of suede, leather and gum, in tonal white and black shades. These two new editions will be launched in early 2018.
Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2018
Street wear is influencing the high fashion industry now. Luxury brands are increasingly seeing opportunities to create innovative staple sneaker models of their own at aspirational price points, and it has resulted in them now leading a trend that was once ruled by sportswear labels. As one of the six blue chip brands in High fashion, Dior also presents its own take on the bulky runner that’s become the in-trend shape of the moment on the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2018 runway. These sneakers also comprise all the elements of the trend: chunky silhouettes, thick rubber soles and obtrusive colour schemes. Compared to others sneakers, Dior’s quality is second to none. For those who are looking for a comfortable item to pair with a suit but not too casual, this pair of sneakers might be perfect for you.
Gucci Gara Sneaker
Alessandro Michele brings a lot of crazy ideas to Italian luxury brand Gucci. He has evolved Gucci’s aesthetic into a brand new lavish romantic world. And he must be one of the contributors to the retro trend in the fashion industry. This change gives the brand new growth and countless profit, as well as many critical comments at the same time. But never mind. This talented designer doesn’t care about it and he is still doing what he likes. The luxury label also launched its chunky shoe Gara Sneaker. Priced at US$820, the branded version boasts premium leather and a beefy rubber sole evocative of 1990s running sneakers. Most noticeably, it primarily features a massive red, green, yellow and black Gucci logo on its sides.
All in all, it’s visible that Ugly Dad Sneakers have become a vital fashion item this year. If you think ‘oh these sneakers you mentioned are too expensive,’ no worries. High-street brand Zara has already launched many of the same chic products with reasonable prices, or maybe you can just borrow your dad’s old ones!
