The 11 Best Chunky Sneakers for Women in 2024

The humble "dad sneaker" is back and better than ever.

Cecilie Bahnsen SS24
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There’s hardly been a time in recent memory when the best sneakers around were also the most comfortable. But now, enter: the chunky sneaker. Also referred to as the “dad” sneaker by its legions of adoring fans—Hailey Baldwin, Kaia Gerber, and Bella Hadid among them—the in-your-face silhouette has become a mainstay in the sneaker world for years. But since there are new styles and shades dropping all the time, I spoke to an expert about how to find the best chunky sneakers for yourself in 2023. 

Whereas traditional chunky sneakers—ones with enlarged details like an oversized rubber sole—were popular in the past, a classically sporty look is trending for this year. "2023 will be the year of the runner," says Ryan Kleman, Director of Non-Apparel at Moda Operandi. "While not as large in scale as some chunky sneakers, this silhouette is unbelievably wearable. From casual to the club, this footwear option will take you anywhere in 2023." 

When it comes to colors and combinations to shop for this year, prioritize wearability over a statement-making palette. "The customer is looking for a shoe they can wear every day, without thinking, what we are dubbing the 'daily driver,' says Kleman about what new shoppers should look for when browsing this year. "Winning color combinations is going completely neutral or pairing bold shades with looks devoid of color otherwise." 

Ahead, we broke down all of the best chunky sneaker styles for 2023, from the bold to the only slightly chunky. Our list includes a few of the cutest white sneakers that are a little chunkier around the edges, a few great black sneakers, and even a few designer sneaker options that are worthy of your investment. Plus, this list includes a few of our all-time favorite Nike sneakers, too. Kleman even pulled a few of his favorites for the season, so keep scrolling to shop the best chunky sneakers to get your hands on (and your feet into) this season. 

Cecilie Bahnsen; Coach; Simone Rocha Spring Summer 2024

Models on the runways at Cecilie Bahnsen, Coach, and Simone Rocha showed the new guard of chunky sneakers, and they're colorful, bedazzled, and glossy.

(Image credit: Cecilie Bahnsen; Coach; Simone Rocha)

The Best Chunky Sneakers

How to Style Chunky Sneakers

Meet The Expert

Ryan Kleman
Ryan Kleman

Ryan Kleman has worked at Moda Operandi for five years and is currently the Director of Non-Apparel. Born and raised in Ohio, after attending Bowling Green State University, he began his fashion career at Saks Fifth Avenue, later spending time working at Amazon and Gucci. Ryan currently resides in New York City.

Fashion E-Commerce Editor

Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen.