In contrast to the slim silhouette of Adidas Sambas, it seems that people are finally in the mood for something different—in Paris at least. I come across many photos of people in Paris throughout my workdays, and I always look to see what shoes they're wearing. Often, it's sneakers, which makes sense in such a walkable city. Instead of the retro '70s-inspired sneakers that have been so popular over the last several seasons (not that those are "out" by any means), people are going back to chunky sneakers that are reminiscent of styles that were popular in the '90s. Think Princess Diana in her bike shorts and chunky white sneakers. As far as brands go, the favorites seem to be Nike, Salomon, Asics, and New Balance, and they're typically paired with casual outfits.
Chunky '90s-inspired sneakers may not be quite as versatile as retro '70s styles, but they make up for it by making anything they're paired with look exponentially cooler. Just for fun, I found a slew of chunky-sneaker outfits from the streets of Paris to inspire you and some of the internet's best chunky sneakers to fill your closet with. Scroll to expand your sneaker collection in the most Parisian way.
The Inspiration: Princess Diana in the '90s
Chunky Sneakers in Paris
More often than not, people in Paris pair chunky sneakers with baggy jeans.
Add a blazer for an elevated sneaker outfit.
A baseball cap is a perfect companion to chunky sneakers.
New Balance sneakers are proving to be popular in Paris.
A trench with chunky sneakers is very Parisian.
The perfect casual outfit combo.
Somewhat surprisingly, metallic chunky sneakers are popular in Paris as of late.
You can't go wrong with a neutral-colored pair.
Pairing a leather jacket and black pants is a great fall combo.
Stark white sneakers and a track jacket feels fresh.
Consider this your PSA to order a pair of chunky sneakers STAT.
Shop Our Chunky-Sneaker Picks
-
It's Only February, But Parisians Have Already Chosen Their 5 Go-To Wardrobe Staples of 2025Chic on repeat.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Pretty It Sneakers No One Will Be Able to Keep in StockBallet-inspired luxury sneakers, that is.
-
French Women Style Leggings With These Cool Items to Look ChicForward looks ahead.
-
This Sneaker Trend Will Be Front-Page News This Spring—GuaranteedAdd a pair to your rotation now.
-
If a Parisian and New Yorker Shopped the Nordstrom Winter Sale, They'd Like These 38 PiecesThe chicest picks.
-
This Sweater Will Never Go Out of Style—Here's How French Women Are Wearing It NowEffortless and chic? Oui!
-
No Offense to Sambas, But Gen Z Is Crowning These 5 Styles the It Sneakers of 2025These shoes are meant for walking.
-
I Never Thought I'd Wear This Weird Sneaker Trend, But I Can't Stop Getting Compliments on ItThey're kooky in the best, most Miu Miu way.
