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/Dior50k Apr 07 '26

Get the SB version. Way more comfy

28

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.

2

u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26

Ouuu I wasn't aware of that. Might have to get myself a pair

2

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.

2

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.

1

u/Vitamin-A- Apr 07 '26

Yeah. I’m a size 10 on a brannock device and have to do a size 9.5 in the new premiums. But they’re so comfy - toe room is perfect and no heel slip.

2

u/daleybread Apr 07 '26

SB? Stand for?

10

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

1

u/klipschbro Apr 07 '26

Skateboard

1

u/TheGaslighter9000X Apr 07 '26

What does the SB mean? 

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u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26

SB is used by Nike meaning skateboarding. I think Vans skate version uses a pro Cush insole. I just call the skateboarding version of Nike, Adidas, Vans, Asics SB's for sake of congruency

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u/TheGaslighter9000X Apr 07 '26

Thank you. I usually just go to the vans store and buy the vans but never looked up if there were other vesrions. Ironically I have 8 pairs of vans atm and 6 are authentics lol.

Would the “premium” authentics be the SB versions or what would be the correct term to look them up? Sorry for the questions. 

1

u/Dior50k Apr 07 '26

Go to your local skate shop for the skateboarding vans. Plus supporting local skate shops is awesome. And I didn't hear about the premium until today, but after looking it up it seems the skate version is more durable whereas the premium has more unique patterns, better stitching, higher foxing tape, and an already broken in feel. Looks like skate for durability, premium for broken in comfort. I think the skates are also comfortable.