6 Chunky Sneakers That I Promise You Are Very 2024

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that chunky sneakers have largely fallen out of favor in recent seasons, replaced by a wave of thinner-soled retro styles like the Adidas SL 72, Sambas, and Gazelles. But if you were to assume that chunky sneakers had completely died off in the wake of these slimmer silhouettes, then you'd be wrong. Surprisingly, sneakers with more substantial soles are still kicking (sorry, had to), and sure, they may have taken a backseat recently, but just because the craze has tapered off doesn't mean they're totally gone.

In fact, the chunky sneaker look has merely evolved. What was once defined by polarizing lug soles as they first appeared on the street style scene in 2018 has now transformed into a fresher look that feels altogether more modern and on-trend for 2024. Styles like Nike's V2K runners and New Balance's 1906r sneakers that tap into an early aughts aesthetic are what we're seeing pop right now—and they've got the backing of some of the best-dressed celebs on the scene. Jennifer Lawrence, for one, is a fan of her 1906r's which she's been sporting all over NYC this summer. With that, explore our edit of the exact six chunky sneakers that feel very right now.

New Balance 1906R Sneakers

New Balance is behind some of the most beloved modern iterations on the chunky-sneaker theme, and the latest among them is the 1906R style, a mesh and leather pair that feels like a cooler version of the sneakers your dad wore in the 2000s. Jennifer Lawrence is a recent fan, having reached for a pair in green to complete one of her many low-key summer looks. She not only proves just how on-trend the sporty style can be but also how perfect they can be as the base to a casual outfit.

Nike V2K Run Sneakers

The Nike V2K sneakers are technically categorized as running sneakers, but fashion people have co-opted them as a cool base to their athleisure looks ever since the silhouette first debuted in the fall of 2023. As the name suggests, the sneakers exude a strong 2000s vibe, affirming that fashion aficionados still harbor a fondness for chunky shoes, particularly chunky "dad" sneakers.

Asics Gel-1130 Sneakers

The fashion crowd has never shied away from a controversial pair of shoes, so when the stylish women on my Instagram feed started rocking this next style, I wasn't completely shocked. But I did start taking note of their appearances, and now, it's time I break my silence on this rising fashion-person style. The kicks in question? Asics Gel sneakers. With their platinum stripes and runner soles, the sneakers bring a major athletic feel to any casual outfit.

New Balance 530 Sneakers

Although New Balance's 530 sneakers were first introduced in the early '90s as a new running shoe, they became synonymous with clunky "dad" style across the 2000s, and have since enjoyed a redemption arc heralded by the "normcore" trend that came to champion sporty sneakers. Composed of a breathable mesh fabric and traced with a metallic motif, the sneakers are as nostalgic as they are "now".

Salomon XT-6 Sneakers

While they're a traditional trail runner shoe on paper, the Salomon XT-6 has become a beloved sneaker by the celebrity set that favors a more outdoorsy edge. From a fashion POV, they're clunky without being too clunky, featuring a drawstring closure and angular detailing that culminates in a hiking shoe-adjacent style that the city's coolest can't resist.

Loewe x On Cloudtilt 2.0 Sneakers

Loewe's continued collaboration with running brand On has proven successful, and the latest sneaker to emerge from the duo's partnership proves the excitement around the collab is only growing stronger with each new drop. The newest sneaker, the Cloudtilt 2.0, comes in the form of a thick platform sole punctuated by On's signature negative-space design. Naturally, the sneakers come in a very Loewe-approved color palette of bright greens, blues, and classic grays.