15 CHUNKY SNEAKERS WE CRAVE
Hate the chunky sneaker trend? Too bad. It seems it is not going away anytime soon. Even the silhouettes that aren’t considered “chunky” are given added features and materials to keep up with the trend. From fashion runways to the NBA and to the streets of Tokyo, Milan, Paris and New York chunky sneakers are in. The runway trend has quickly trickled down. Here are 15 new kicks that have our attention:
[1] Nike Epic React
According to Nike, “The Nike Epic React Flyknit Men’s Running Shoe provides crazy comfort that lasts as long as you can run. Its Nike React foam cushioning is responsive yet lightweight, durable yet soft. This attraction of opposites creates a sensation that not only enhances the feeling of moving forward, but makes running feel fun, too.” Reviews are in and people are going a little nuts for these chunky running shoes. Hypebeast has called them “possibly the best yet,” and Sport Illustrated said, “anyone looking for a sleek running shoe that provides a wide range of benefits should at least give these shoes a try.” Most people who will be buying these will not be runners. They are quickly becoming a must for the fashion-savvy. The Nike Epic React come out February 22nd and can be bought at the Nike React site.
[2] adidas Twinstrike ADV
adidas describes their Twinstrike ADV as “vintage-style textile shoes with a busy retro design and modern cushioning.” They are futuristic, unconventional and super comfortable. They are the sneakers you would have picked out as a kid. These playful, breathable and lightweight kicks are for those who want to be part of the chunky sneaker fad without all the extra weight or volume. They are available at adidas.
[3] adidas Y-3 Futurecraft 4D
The adidas Y-3 Futurecraft 4D debuted at the Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2018 apparel and footwear runway show. The 4D technology has been much discussed with adidas planning a limited 5,000 run for the Futurecraft 4D this year. However this is the first time adidas hinted that they will be using the 4D technology for lifestyle brands. And that makes us excited.
[4] COMME des GARÇONS x Nike ACG Mowabb
Like the Y-3 Futurecraft 4D, the COMME des GARÇONS x Nike ACG Mowabb is a high fashion take on a technical model. It debuted on Paris runway last week for Fall/Winter 2018. This ACG Mowabb has a chunky midsole and uses mixed material. We assume it’s to keep the sneaker light. They use dynamic lines to keep some sort of paeduo-structure. We are intrigued. Expect these sometime later this year.
[5] adidas Yung-1
GQ gets it right when they call this the adidas Yung -1 “Basically a Mainstream Yeezy Boost 700.” adidas is betting that everyone wants to get in on the chunky sneaker trend. They may be right. The adidas Yung-1 are most notably part of adidas x Dragon Ball Z and they were spotted during Paris Fashion week in two colorways. There is no release date yet, however, something tells us these may be rushed to market soon to cash in on the trend.
[6] PUMA Thunder Spectra
The Puma Thunder Specta pays homage to the late Alexander McQueen and his collaborative McQ Tech Runner Lo with Puma. These remind us a lot of the Bait x Puma Blaze of Glory Cok “Chalk” that we were so into over the summer with the fun color way that we love in the adidas Twinstrike ADV featured toward the top of this list.
[7] Tinker Hatfield’s Air Jordan III
Chunky dad shoes aren’t new. Many of the Nike Air Jordan’s are chunky and heavy. The Jordan IIIs are no exception. The “Tinker Hatfield” named after the legendary footwear designer’s early sketch of the Air Jordan 3 adds a swoosh and Nike logos on the upper. One would think it would be too much, but instead fits with the overall simple and clean aesthetic. We might like these more than the OGs. Most recently there were seen on the feet of Justin Timberlake and he prepared for his Super Bowl Halftime performance. The Tinker Hatfield Air Jordan III are bringing SexyBack. Look for these to drop March 24th and retail for $200. 
[8] Asics Gel-Lyte V Sanze Knit
Asics took their super comfortable Gel-Lyte V’s and gave them a knitted construction. The socklike upper is unlike other uppers on the market. It is busier and at times gives off the look of leather. These along with some of Asics Tiger’s latest, which are worth checking out, are now available at AsicsTiger.
[9] FILA Venom
FILA has always felt like a dad brand. So who better to turn to for the chunky dad shoe trend? FILA looked into their archives to dig up the iconic ’90s Venom sneaker and put it on a chunky, white foam midsole to keep up with the trendy look. Expect these to hit stores soon. Buy a matching pair for dad, too.
[10] James Harden’s Y-3 JH BOOST Sneaker
Who says the chunky shoe trend has no place in athletics? The James Harden Y-3 JH Boost debuted on the Y-3 Paris runway show last week for its Fall/Winter 2018 collection as part of The James Harden capsule collection. The Y-3 JH BOOST includes adidas’s boost technology and tooling that gives this silhouette an extra chunky feel. They also seem to have a stiffer upper to provide much needed support for someone play int he NBA. Don’t think these will ever make it on the court? Just check out Harden’s Instagram. Looks like he’s ready to lace them up.
[11] Nike Air Max 270
Nike is putting a lot of marketing behind the release of their Nike Air Max 270, which releases February 1st for $150. That would be followed by additional colorways on March 26th. The Nike Air Max 270 pays homage to the iconic Air Max 93 and Air Max 180. These are great for the most lazy of us because they are slip-on constructed. They are made of mesh and foam and have an added chunky air unit cushion. Sounds like you may be walking on air with these.
[12] OFF WHITE x Air Jordan 1 In White
2017 was all about OFF-White x Nike, just check our Best Sneakers of 2017 list. Almost annoyingly so. We even started questioning whether sneaker hype has gone too far. However, there is something about an OFF-White x Air Jordan 1 in white that has us wanting it more than we did the “Chicago” theme collaboration. The all whites are rumored to also come in women’s sizes, which we applaud and why we are looking forward to these being released February 27th and retailing for $190.
[13] Brandblack Aura II
These, like the Balenciaga’s (which are featured as one of of 2017’s best sneaker releases) , may be peak chunky sneaker trend but we are digging the nostalgic ’90s-inspired color way of neon green, orange and black tones on a white sneaker. One must assume you have an extra pep in your step (and a couple inches) while you wear these. Brandblack has been a go-to brand for the street-style crowd and their rise is to due in part because they refuse to back down. They are not afraid of Nike or adidas and they continue to push the envelope. Expect these to hit retailers sometime this Spring.
[14] Under Armour Forge
The Under Armour Forge were “leaked” online with a photo with A$AP Rocky who this past September announced his partnership with Under Armour. However, shortly after the photo went viral it was announced this was not part of the upcoming collaboration. Instead it is Under Armour’s updated Forge. “Clever” marketing from the Under Armour crew. Who knows if these ever hit market but here is Under Armour’s chunky lifestyle shoe.
[15] 2 Chainz x Versace
We are not really sure what to think of these just off the runway chunky kicks which come in a bunch of color ways. So we will leave it at that and let you tell us your thoughts on these.
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