Fashion

The 12 Ugly-Cute Grandpa Sneakers You Need In Your Closet

They’re like the pugs of footwear

by Jenna Igneri

Well, guys, the ugly shoe trend is here to stay. And it was just spotted all over New York Fashion Week in a totally new iteration: the grandpa sneaker.

First, there was the Birkenstock revival, and then there were ironically worn Tevas. (And how can we forget the existence of Crocs, and how they just won’t seem to go away?) And now, the grandpa sneaker is here.

If there’s one thing we noticed amongst the hordes of well-dressed NYFW attendees, it was that heels and boots took a backseat to these clunky, slightly platformed, and terribly colorful sneakers. We can’t deny that, despite how weirdly shaped they may be, they looked incredibly cool paired with fuzzy winter coats and statement bags. They’re the textbook definition of ugly-cute (you know, sort of like a pug), and, well, we’ve decided we absolutely need them.

While fashion’s elite was probably wearing Balenciaga’s Triple S sneakers, which have been flying off shelves for a cool $850 ever since the Hadids were spotted rocking them, we rounded up the more attainable options you can shop for now.

From arguably more stylish designer versions to your classics, like Saucony and New Balance, behold: 12 pairs of grandpa sneakers you need now, in all their clunky, chunky, and overly colorful glory.

Photo courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Nike, Air Max 95 Calf Hair, Suede, and Mesh Sneakers, $190, available at Net-A-Porter.

Photo courtesy of Fila

Fila, Women’s Disruptor 2 Premium Suede, $90, available at Fila.

Photo courtesy of Holabird

Saucony, Shadow 6000, $77.95, available at Holabird Sports.

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney, Eclypse Rainbow Sneakers, $625, available at Stella McCartney.

Photo courtesy of Steve Madden

Steve Madden, Current, $89.95, available at Steve Madden.

Photo courtesy of Ash

Ash, Addict, $279, available at Ash.

Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Alexander McQueen, Leather Running Sneaker, $590, available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo courtesy of Reebok

Reebok, Walk Ultra DMX Max, $65, available at Reebok.

Photo courtesy of Zara

Zara, Contrasting Leather Platform Sneakers, $55.90, available at Zara.

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell, Lo-Fi, $145, available at Jeffrey Campbell.

Photo courtesy of Opening Ceremony

Buffalo, Nubuck High-Top Platform Sneaker, $195, available at Opening Ceremony.

Photo courtesy of New Balance

New Balance, 574 Glitter Punk, $89.99, available at New Balance.