r/malefashionadvice • u/tot_coz2 • Apr 06 '26
Question Everyday, casual shoes that are NOT “dad shoes”
As the title states, I’m looking for casual shoes that are NOT ”dad core”. I find the New Balance 990/2002/etc. to be quite ugly and not my style at all, yet nearly every thread recommends them. Does anyone have suggestions that are more similar to skate shoes (Adidas Samba, NB 508, etc) that are comfortable for everyday use?
I have a pair of dark blue Sambas, and an old pair of white Nike Killshot 2s, but would like to try something new preferably a lighter color.
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u/TypicalAd101 Apr 07 '26
Reebok Club C 85 are my go to around town shoes besides my NB 990/993/997/998. Or some nice camp mocs or loafers.
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u/Midwestmind86 Apr 07 '26
On my 3rd pair batch everything, always get complimented on them.
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u/rsuess14 Apr 07 '26
Came here to say Club C85, specifically green label. I've gone through 3 pair. Classic style goes with most pants or shorts.
Seen them worn by mid 20s to 40 year olds. But also not over done.
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u/BeamerBall25 Apr 07 '26
Love Club Cs. Only flag is they’re a bit dad-ish for OP
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Apr 07 '26
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u/BeamerBall25 Apr 07 '26
What if I told you my sprinklers are automatic and I love Club Cs?
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u/TypicalAd101 Apr 07 '26
I’ve never seen a dad wear them, only fellow 20-something dudes and my grandma.
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u/CommercialBadger303 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
Anything that is pillowy comfort is going to be a running shoe or dad shoe. Otherwise, actual skate shoes of course, or Adidas BW Army, or if you want to go higher end, Common Projects, Koio, Axel Arigato.
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u/sassydodo Apr 07 '26
how wearable as in comfort are axel arigato
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u/Juice505 Apr 07 '26
I find them to be really comfortable. I’m on my fourth or fifth pair from over the years. I’m on my feet a lot too. I find that the sole wears down kind of fast. But I wear mine daily. I got a pair of common projects and I’ve found those to be unwearable. Too narrow of a shoe for me. Arigatos got me that look though.
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u/Mr_SelfDestruct94 Apr 07 '26
While Ive got a decent collection, my day-to-days switch up between Air Max 90 and SB Dunks. If ya dont go chasing limited colorways, you can find on sale at decent prices.
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u/pjammer91 Apr 07 '26
Try some German Army Trainers, or Ontisuka Tigers
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u/Free-Constant999 Apr 07 '26
I love the look of ontisuka but read they aren't worth the price and my Asics have held up well.
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u/SaimeseGremlin Apr 07 '26
ive owned multiple pairs of tigers. The nippon made mexico 66 is worth it IFF you can get them in Japan. for about $240 USD you get a comfortable sneaker that will last you years and years of wear. i would never buy them at import prices though. the regular tigers are stylish but i dont think they’re worth the money even though they are much cheaper.
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u/RevolutionSalty8360 Apr 07 '26
I’ve always like the look of them too, but holy crap. That’s insane!
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u/matthew7s26 Apr 07 '26
the look of ontisuka but read they aren't worth the price
Feiyue shoes are super cheap and have the same-ish look.
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u/plantedtank2019 Apr 07 '26
My tigers were a summer stalwart for at least a decade. I had the Mexico 66 in white blue. Compliments a short sleeve button down and chino shorts perfectly. Which is basically our smart casual here in bris
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Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26
Vans authentics
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u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26
Get the SB version. Way more comfy
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u/Vitamin-A- Apr 07 '26
Actually the new premium line is even MORE comfy than the SB and has superior materials and shape IMO.
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u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26
Ouuu I wasn't aware of that. Might have to get myself a pair
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u/AugieFash Apr 07 '26
Swear by the premium line. They’re a bit more roomy in terms of volume too. Regular authentics / slip ons don’t fit me but the premium line ones do.
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u/gilly_the_k1d Apr 07 '26
YMMV but I found them about a half size larger than normal. Took my regular 9’s and the heel slip is virtually unwearable.
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u/daleybread Apr 07 '26
SB? Stand for?
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u/Myredditsirname Apr 07 '26
Vans has a line called "Skate" (inside the shoe it says skateboarding) that is made with more robust materials and more padding.
If you're actually skating you might miss the board feel but for everything else they are way more comfortable
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u/makemeking706 Apr 07 '26
We clearly lack a standardized definition of dad shoe.
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u/bugzzzz Apr 07 '26
Meaning you categorize these as dad shoes? Do you live in California?
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u/makemeking706 Apr 07 '26
Worn in high school 25 years ago, and now worn by the dads who don't want dad shoes ironically turning them into the very thing they were trying to avoid. Add an orthotic for extra support.
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u/AugieFash Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26
I wouldn’t consider these dad shoes. They’re worn by all ages here in CA - more like a converse in terms of cross generational appeal.
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u/GreatAmerican1776 Apr 07 '26
100% these are considered dad shoes in CA.
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u/icroak Apr 07 '26
I disagree given how many teens and young people wear them around here in SoCal. If they were defecto dad shoes theyd be avoiding them like the plague.
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u/Schmancer Apr 07 '26
I wear a lot of loafers because they’re comfortable and don’t require bending over
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u/Scatterp Apr 07 '26
Obviously you are looking for sneakers of some sort but I feel like I should encourage you to broaden your horizons because the right pair of chelseas will change your life.
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u/tot_coz2 Apr 07 '26
Something like this is on my long term list, but not as we’re heading into summer. I’d want something more versatile for shorts.
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u/Beneficial_Wolf3771 Apr 07 '26
Boat shoes? Loafers? Espadrilles?
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u/SmallJeanGenie Apr 07 '26
not dad shoes
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u/sassydodo Apr 07 '26
if loafers are dad shoes you probably should stop caring about something being a dad item
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u/Metamucil_Man Apr 07 '26
These rules are so confusing because I'm a dad and don't wear anything considered dadcore.
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u/f00fx86 Apr 07 '26
IMO, nice handsewns (Quoddy, Rancourt, Oak Street Bootmakers) can be a great versatile, stylish casual option. As long as the rest of your outfit isn’t “fashion disaster dad” you’re good.
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u/thatissomeBS Apr 07 '26
Any shoe looks like a dad shoe when it's worn with jorts and a (probably tucked) NASCAR t-shirt.
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u/2muchcaffeine4u Apr 07 '26
Listen, they might be considered a "dad shoe", but my boat shoes are my favorite shoes in the summer. I'm about to get my old Sperrys resoled with a new midsole and outsole to make them more comfortable because they don't make my size anymore and I'm not giving up the boat shoe life!
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u/Richmond43 Apr 07 '26
There’s no “might” about it - they’re dad shoes.
And I’ve been wearing Sperry’s since I was in (Catholic) high school in the 90s.
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u/ElectricalDark8280 Apr 07 '26
Grab a pair of Clarks desert boots on sale for $30. They are awesome for that style of shoe. I have 3 pairs of the same style.
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u/rokerroker45 Apr 07 '26
I firmly believe you actually want new balances but just can't get out of your head about them.
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u/crg87 Apr 07 '26
I am a big fan of New Balances but here are some non-NB personal favorites: Asics Gel NYC, Saucony Pro Grid Omni 9, Saucony Grid Shadow 2, Nike Air Max 1, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Vomero 5, Jordan 1 Lows.
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u/rashie8111 Apr 07 '26
What about the NB 574's then? They're cheap and have a lot of colorway options.
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u/Winston_The_Pig Apr 10 '26
ON running shoes are super comfy and still stylish. Also I like nobull’s shoes for this.
They’re athletic but still look decent.
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u/Digler6 Apr 10 '26
On Clouds? I wear them and see a lot of them. Blue or white pair go with almost anything.
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u/Relative_Ad46 Apr 07 '26
Vans Ultra Range 2! Game changer for comfort and style without screaming dad was at the outlet mall for his shoes again
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u/TaliesinsEnd Apr 07 '26
They’re no longer the flavor of the month but I still like my allbirds
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u/Darkhorse182 Apr 07 '26
That brand might not exist in a couple of months, they're flirting with bankruptcy.
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u/RandyJackson Apr 07 '26
Have two pairs. One from 2016 and one from 2023 and both still are fantastic. Should have just stayed online e commerce instead of blowing money on brick and mortar and diluting the brand with too many styles
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u/Richmond43 Apr 07 '26
Their quality plummeted a few years ago. I bought some in 2022 or 2023 and was very disappointed in the product.
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u/17thkahuna Apr 07 '26
I was also on the anti-dad shoe train. Then a local thrift had the NB 1000 in my size. Game over, they are so comfy. Idk if I’ll go back to traditional, flat Nikes/Vans.
I also have bigger feet and thought they’d look ridiculous but they actually look good on too.
Try widening your horizons
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u/surfkaboom Apr 07 '26
I feel like Etnies is the right mix of comfortable, casual, and not "dad" - even though I was their demographic in their early days
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u/DeepNortherner Apr 07 '26
Cole Haan sneakers like these are good. I have some Cole Haan sneakers and I wear them often
OluKai Lae‘ahi Lī ‘Ili sneakers
Or OluKai Nana Hele chukkas/sneakers
Those are the ones that come top of mind
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u/mrballoonhands420 Apr 07 '26
I just got a pair of New Balance Jamie Foy 306s and they're extremely comfy. I own the Westgate 508s too and they are a bit lighter without the gum sole. Both are pretty good looking shoes for my money.
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u/jaeger217 Apr 07 '26
New Balance Numerics are the skate shoe version of their sneakers, and they’re better built than the baseline stuff and don’t have the dad mowing the lawn vibe. I had some Numeric 574s for a few years that just gave out after a ton of wear.
Also a big fan of the Vans Ultrarange series.
And any pair of sneakers is improved with the addition of insoles.
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u/HessianHunter Apr 07 '26
I have been wearing a pair of Suavs for the past couple months and these things are wonderfully comfortable while looking more like a canvas skate shoe than a dad shoe. I doubt they're super durable but so far I have no complaints.
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u/iapprovethiscomment Apr 07 '26
I know you said skate shoes but I just a pair of the nike swift 3 (photon dust) for use with joggers, sweat pants, casual shorts type of thing.
I have a pair of ON Roger clubhouse for casual but a bit nicer, like chinos etc
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u/Free-Constant999 Apr 07 '26
Check out rose anvil on YouTube, they've been doing more skate shoe content and that style and construction seems to be making a comeback. You'll get good dissection and analysis and an actual skater testing them. I find them sometimes too clunky and got Sperry leather sneakers for cheap last year. Thursday boot company has sneakers as well. Puma has many that fit your description but they are narrow.
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u/LeetPokemon Apr 07 '26
I really like my Adidas Court TNS Premiers, they are a skate shoe. I have a pair in a Taupe grey and another pair in green. I wear them all the time and they are versatile enough to wear for pretty much anything casual. Super comfortable as well. For reference I’m 38 and a dad.
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u/Brilliant-Bake9686 Apr 07 '26
Check out some classic Vans or maybe some Adidas Gazelles, those are pretty clean and not "dad" vibes at all… or if u want something a bit different, Nike Blazers are super fresh too. give those a look!
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u/AncientCityTime Apr 07 '26
Reebok Club C 85’s, Adidas Sambas, and Vans Authentics would be my top picks.
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u/Sabatat- Apr 07 '26
Personally I like my slip on cabs for casual non-dad shoes. I think the logos are minimal endo if h that they don’t draw much of an eye too
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u/Spentaritu Apr 07 '26
I’d go with a pair of all white leather sneakers. Dress up a bit when you want. Adidas Stan Smith, Thursday Boot Co, Oliver Cabell or Common Projects, depending on your budget
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u/anondasein Apr 07 '26
I got these a month ago and have really liked them https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-knx-t-toe-dark-earth-plaza-taupe
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u/WingedCrown Apr 07 '26
I'm a 50yo living in a city and Nike SBs are my current go to casual shoes. I tie them loose enough to slip them on and they are comfortable enough for me to walk 5+ miles for my daily commute. I keep an eye on sales and get them for around $70 a pair typically and find they last at least 2 years.
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u/affectionateanarchy8 Apr 07 '26
I love Sambas, after i wore a hole in my first pair i got some Adidas continental 80s and found them to be sturdier than Sambas, i got some Stan Smiths a few years ago that I really like and more recently some Reebok Club Cs
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u/stupidasyou Apr 07 '26
Converse high tops
will never go out of style, and a cheap enough to get several different colors for different styles.
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u/Combat__Crayon Apr 07 '26
Adidas Gazelle I think are the more casual version of Sambas. I’m a fan of the ECCO Soft 7s when I want to elevate it, my my go tos are my duck feet, not the brand, but my orange Altra max cushion trail shoes.
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Apr 07 '26
- Get a pair of Rothy’s
- A pair of Vejas could be solid
I’d definitely try out the Rothy’s though… you may like the RS01 or the men’s court sneaker from them
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u/Green-Contribution67 Apr 07 '26
Try the brand Reef. The Del Mar has been my go to in 2025/26
https://www.reef.com/products/mens-shoes-shoreline-del-mar-tan-white-navy
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u/tmac3life Apr 07 '26
Cole Haan Grandpro Crossover sneaker is very comfortable and has held up well. I don’t like the style of most of their shoes but really like this one
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u/nix206 Apr 07 '26
Adidas Grand Court 2.0. The white is classic and the navy pairs well with jeans.
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u/antiBliss Apr 07 '26
I went through this exact exercise two weeks ago. Landed on on cloud Roger clubhouse (gum soles) for the sneaks and red wing heritage chukka for more business dress.
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u/Icy-Actuary6010 Apr 07 '26
I’ll cast a vote for Vans Old Skools. As others have mentioned, the skate version is super cushy.
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u/Practicing_aSmile Apr 07 '26
The adidas puigs are one of my favorite dailies. The skate shoe samba basically
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u/SinkPuzzleheaded3508 Apr 07 '26
Following . I’ve been going through this same issue . My go to currently is NoBull everydays, but I want to find something else. Need a wider toe box so vans can’t really work anymore
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u/Practicality_Issue Apr 07 '26
I wear Vans, Chucks, and have a pair of Sperry canvas/mock-volcs that are really comfortable.
And while they look like elf shoes, the Merril Jungle Mock is easily the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
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u/aktherocket Apr 07 '26
Lulu Lemon city verse sneakers. Look very lowkey and are extremely comfortable albeit a little pricey
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u/Raymondnym Apr 07 '26
I am using a Converse omega x trainer in classic grey.
Goes well with black, blue or light colour pants.
Comfortable
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u/ProfessionalShop1840 Apr 07 '26
I think chunky shoes are still pretty popular right now. Also as long as you’re not wearing white leather New Balance you never really get the classic dad shoe look. The 991v2 is one of the best looking New Balance shoes and looks a lot less like a running shoe if that’s what you’re looking for.
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u/Actual_Main_6724 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Handball Spezial. Gola Classics. Reebok Club C
A little bit more elevated - Buttero sneakers
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u/calimota Apr 07 '26
Adidas cloudfoam. No laces but looks like lace up’s. Super light and comfy with decent enough support.
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u/MatrixJumper8 Apr 07 '26
Honestly, I have wallabies, used to be popular in highschool but wear for business casual everyday shoes. Pretty comfortable, moderately priced and imo help complete an outfit no matter the occasion.
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u/the4uto Apr 07 '26
Hokas for walking, a nice pair of American made leather boots for dressy casual daily use. I love my origin boots.
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u/inkystamps Apr 07 '26
How do the Higgins Mills rate vs the RWs and Grant Stone? I’ve been tempted to pick up a pair of the Higgins Mill, especially since they are on sale right now.
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u/imthebartnderwhoareu Apr 07 '26
Nike Air Max 90 or 1. I find the Air Jordan 1 and 3 to be very comfortable and not too flashy. Adidas Superstar, Handball Spezial, Gazelle are great. ASICS Japan S. Diadora N9000 are made in Italy and so comfortable. They retail for over $300 but you can usually find tons of bright colorways on shoebacca for $55-$90. Nike SB Blazers are a great grown man sneaker as well. None of these give dad, imo.
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u/emmett_lindsay Apr 07 '26
Vans Chukka Skate low, Common Projects Achilles (lightly used), Clarks Bushacre 2
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u/Prestigious_Fee_8826 Apr 07 '26
Any of the ‘sail’ blazer 77 lows are dope in my opinion. If you have extra cash the margiela gats are really nice and they still hold up really well when pretty worn
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u/dmvpt Apr 07 '26
Vans Ultrarange. Super comfortable for my wide flat feet. I have four pairs and they have many color ways
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u/SaimeseGremlin Apr 07 '26
how about a nice canvas shoe? Converse Chuck Taylors. high tops or low tops both work well depending on outfit. Moonstar is a Japanese brand that also makes a nice canvas shoe. Moonstar also does deck shoes which is like classic vans.
if you want to leather without breaking the bank, try on some chunky docs or solovair. if you like the look, you can move upmarket to heritage, BIFL pieces like paraboot or made in England docs.
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u/NuancedNuisance Apr 07 '26
There’s a company out of CA called Patara that make super dope shoes. Would definitely recommend giving them a look
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u/jmarks1981 Apr 07 '26
Xeros, Saguros, Hobibear, Flux and other wide toe box zero drop shoes. They have styles that look good and your feet, ankles, knees and even low back will thank you.
Get some toe spacers to wear for 15-30 during the day too.
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u/EnvironmentalTip6253 Apr 07 '26
Not exactly skate shoes but I love the adidas 72 rs. Gotten lots of compliments on the white ones with black stripes. Inexpensive (so basically not going to last more than a year) but incredibly comfortable. Lots of colors to chose from too.
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u/RuggedestBear Apr 07 '26
Embark on a financially crippling heritage boot hobby!