Chunky sneakers are back in a big way, mixing retro flair with modern comfort. Once seen as quirky “dad shoes,” they’ve become the go-to choice for anyone who wants shoes that stand out and feel good on the feet.
Their oversized soles, bold patterns, and mix of materials make them fashion-forward but still wearable day-to-day. Even better, you don’t have to spend hundreds to get the look.
From thrift store finds and clearance racks to DIY paint jobs and lace swaps, chunky sneakers can be stylish on any budget. Below you’ll find 20 styles that are trending right now, along with affordable tips to rock them confidently.
1. Classic White Chunky Sneakers
The timeless white chunky sneaker is still one of the most flexible footwear options around. Its clean look pairs well with jeans, dresses, or activewear. The oversized sole adds height and drama while keeping the shoe simple enough to wear daily.
Buying high-end isn’t necessary plenty of affordable brands make sturdy versions that look just as stylish. Keeping them clean is the only challenge. Instead of expensive cleaners, use baking soda mixed with vinegar or even toothpaste to scrub away dirt.
Magic erasers are great for soles. A simple trick to personalize them is to switch the laces try neon, pastel, or patterned laces to refresh the look without replacing the shoe.
2. Neon-Accent Chunky Sneakers
Sneakers with neon accents are a quick way to make outfits pop. Small details like fluorescent laces, bold soles, or neon heel tabs catch the eye without being overwhelming.
Pair them with neutral clothes like black joggers or denim to let the shoes shine. The great thing is, you don’t need designer sneakers to enjoy this trend.
Many affordable brands release neon-accent sneakers every season. If you already have a plain white pair, you can create the look yourself.
Swap in neon laces for just a few dollars, or use fabric-safe paint pens to add a colorful stripe. It’s a low-cost way to get high-energy sneakers.
3. Dad Sneakers Revival
What was once considered out-of-style is now the height of cool. Dad sneakers—big soles, muted colors, and retro designs—are being worn everywhere from city streets to runways. Their appeal comes from their casual comfort and nostalgic feel.
They look especially good with baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, or even tailored pants for contrast. If brand-new pairs stretch the budget, head to outlet stores or thrift shops where older models are often sold at a fraction of the price.
Already own an old pair? Perfect. Clean them up, swap the insoles, and you’ll have a trendy shoe for almost nothing. To enhance the retro vibe, wear them with tube socks pulled high.
4. Metallic Finish Chunky Sneakers
Metallic chunky sneakers bring shine to any outfit. Silver, gold, or even holographic finishes instantly stand out and give a futuristic edge. They pair best with simple clothes so the shoes remain the focus.
Designer versions can cost a fortune, but you can DIY the look. Metallic spray paint designed for fabric or leather works surprisingly well. Tape off the areas you don’t want painted, spray in light coats, and let them dry fully.
Seal with a clear finish for durability. This is a great way to upcycle old sneakers into something new and trendy. A little shimmer can completely transform your wardrobe without draining your wallet.
5. Animal Print Chunky Sneakers
Animal prints like leopard, zebra, and snakeskin are bold but fun. On chunky sneakers, they add an edgy flair that turns a simple outfit into a statement.
Pair them with basic clothes to balance the busy patterns black skinny jeans or neutral joggers work great. While luxury brands sell animal print sneakers at steep prices, many fast-fashion stores carry affordable lookalikes.
For a DIY spin, buy iron-on patches or fabric with animal print, then glue or stitch them onto sneaker panels. Even adding a small patch to the heel or tongue can give shoes a whole new vibe without a big investment.
6. Pastel Colorways
Chunky sneakers in pastel shades bring a softer, lighter vibe. Think lavender, peach, or mint green against oversized soles. These colors work beautifully in spring and summer with dresses, shorts, or cropped jeans.
Many affordable brands roll out pastel collections regularly, so you won’t need to pay premium prices. A thrifty hack is to use fabric-safe markers or pastel spray paint to add accents to white sneakers.
Even painting just the heel tab or side stripes in pastel shades makes them feel brand new. Pair with pastel socks to keep the color theme consistent without spending extra.
7. Skate-Inspired Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers with skate-inspired details are practical and stylish. They usually have thicker soles, reinforced panels, and padded tongues, making them durable enough for daily wear.
They pair perfectly with wide-leg jeans or skate shorts. You don’t need expensive skate brands—look in thrift shops where skate shoes often show up in barely-used condition.
To refresh an old pair, replace flat laces with thicker patterned ones for a stronger look. Another budget tip is to use shoe patches to cover worn-out spots, giving sneakers both durability and a new sense of style.
8. Cargo-Friendly Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers and cargo pants are a match made in fashion heaven. Their bulk balances wide-leg or pocket-heavy pants, creating a grounded look. Earth tones and neutral shades work best with cargos, though bold colors can create fun contrast.
If your sneakers don’t match your pants, you can easily dye the fabric panels to blend. Fabric dyes are cheap and available at craft stores.
To get a streetwear edge, try pairing tan cargos with bright chunky sneakers for a balanced mix of casual and standout.
9. Color-Blocked Chunky Sneakers
Color-blocking brings retro fun to chunky sneakers. Think bold panels in red, blue, yellow, and green. These sneakers look playful and go well with denim or monochrome outfits that let the shoes speak for themselves.
While designer color-blocked sneakers can be expensive, clearance racks often carry last season’s models at big discounts. Want a personal touch? Grab fabric markers and design your own color-blocking on plain sneakers.
Use painter’s tape to section off areas before coloring for sharp edges. It’s affordable and makes your sneakers truly one-of-a-kind.
10. See-Through Chunky Sneakers
Transparent or mesh-paneled chunky sneakers add a futuristic twist while also keeping your feet cool. The fun part? You can switch the look daily by wearing different socks underneath.
Bright patterns or neon shades show through and make your sneakers feel different every time. Designer versions are pricey, but affordable brands offer clear-panel sneakers too.
If you want to experiment without spending, cut small mesh fabric panels and glue them into plain sneakers. It’s a low-cost project that adds breathability and style at once.
11. All-Black Chunky Sneakers
All-black chunky sneakers are sleek yet bold. They’re easy to match with almost any outfit and are practical since they don’t show dirt easily. Budget-friendly versions are widely available in athletic stores.
If you’ve got a worn pair, black fabric paint or shoe polish can bring them back to life. They also look great when styled with black jeans for a monochrome look, or with bright clothes for contrast.
Black sneakers can feel plain, so consider swapping in patterned laces for a small style upgrade.
12. Platform Chunky Sneakers
Platform chunky sneakers give you extra height without sacrificing comfort. Their thick soles look bold and make legs appear longer. They work well with wide-leg pants, skirts, and even dresses.
While some designer platforms cost hundreds, thrift stores often carry gently used versions at low prices. To make them unique, try adding small shoe charms or chains through the laces.
These tiny details add flair without much cost. A platform sneaker is the perfect mix of fashion and function for anyone who wants presence in their step.
13. Glow-in-the-Dark Soles
Glow-in-the-dark chunky sneakers are playful and fun, especially for night events. The glowing effect makes your shoes stand out without effort.
But you don’t need to pay designer prices grab glow-in-the-dark paint from a craft store and apply it to the soles of older sneakers.
Charge them in sunlight or under a lamp, and they’ll light up at night. To make it more subtle, only paint the edges of the sole so it looks normal in the day but glows in the dark. Pair with simple outfits to let the glow do the talking.
14. Reflective Accent Sneakers
Reflective details are not only stylish but also practical. They add visibility at night while giving sneakers a futuristic touch.
Reflective-accent chunky sneakers usually sell for higher prices, but you can make your own by applying reflective tape to older sneakers. Craft stores sell tape that sticks firmly and shines brightly under light.
Stick it along the sole edges, heel, or tongue. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for evening wear. Reflective accents especially pop in street photography or night outings, making your sneakers stand out in photos.
15. Embroidered Chunky Sneakers
Embroidery adds a softer, creative edge to chunky sneakers. Floral patterns are especially trendy, but you can also choose stars, initials, or abstract stitching.
High-end embroidered sneakers can cost a fortune, but you can make your own with iron-on patches or simple embroidery thread. Even stitching small flowers near the lace holes makes a big impact.
Pair embroidered sneakers with casual dresses or plain jeans to keep the focus on the shoe. It’s a personalized touch that turns plain sneakers into statement pieces for a fraction of the cost.
16. Distressed Look Chunky Sneakers
The distressed sneaker trend is about sneakers that look lived-in rather than spotless. Scuffed soles, faded leather, and worn fabric give off casual, relaxed vibes.
Designer brands charge high prices for pre-distressed shoes, but you can easily do it yourself. Lightly sandpaper the soles, use diluted bleach on fabric, or rub the sneakers with a stone for authentic scuffs.
The key is not overdoing it you want them to look worn but not ruined. Distressed sneakers go great with ripped jeans or oversized hoodies for a casual streetwear look.
17. Office-Friendly Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers don’t have to be limited to casual outfits they can work in relaxed office settings too. Neutral colors like beige, gray, or navy look professional enough to pair with tailored pants or casual blazers.
Instead of paying high prices for minimalist sneakers, check clearance sales from athletic brands that often have sleek designs. To keep them office-appropriate, avoid overly flashy designs and keep them clean.
A quick wipe-down every week keeps them looking sharp. This style allows you to stay comfortable all day without sacrificing polish.
18. Street Art-Inspired Sneakers
Graffiti-style prints and bold graphics bring an urban edge to chunky sneakers. These designs often look expensive, but you can recreate them at home with fabric-safe paint pens.
Abstract shapes, splashes of color, or doodle-style art all work well. If you’re not confident in freehand drawing, use stencils to get clean shapes. Even adding small graffiti details on the sides of plain sneakers makes them look brand new.
Pair with denim jackets or streetwear outfits for a cohesive style. It’s an easy way to make sneakers unique without spending much money.
19. Velcro Strap Chunky Sneakers
Velcro straps bring a retro and playful vibe to chunky sneakers. They’re also practical, making it easy to slip shoes on and off. Since they’re less common than lace-ups, they often sell cheaper in clearance bins.
You can even DIY by attaching stick-on Velcro straps over regular lace holes. This simple hack gives you the velcro look without buying a new pair.
Style them with sporty outfits or oversized clothing for a nostalgic 90s vibe. Velcro chunky sneakers are comfortable, affordable, and fun.
20. Knit Upper Chunky Sneakers
Knit uppers give chunky sneakers flexibility and breathability, making them lightweight and comfortable. They stretch to fit the foot, which makes them perfect for long walks or travel days.
Designer knit sneakers are pricey, but athletic outlets often sell past-season versions for much less. To keep them clean, avoid tossing them in the washer use a soft brush with mild detergent instead.
If they lose shape, stuff them with newspaper while drying. Knit chunky sneakers work well with both sporty outfits and casual streetwear, making them a practical and stylish choice for everyday wear.
Conclusion
Chunky sneakers are back, and they’re not just for fashion lovers with deep pockets. From white classics to bold neon, embroidered styles, and DIY glow-in-the-dark soles, there’s something for every personality and budget.
With smart shopping and simple home hacks, you can wear this trend without overspending. If you want subtle and versatile or loud and playful, chunky sneakers are here to stay and your outfits will thank you for it.
