Chunky, Exaggerated Soles

Thanks to the Triple S, which first debuted on the runway at Balenciaga’s fall/winter 2017, the exaggerated, thick-soled sneaker trend has spread like wildfire in the fashion world, with luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior Homme and high-street brands like Zara, Adidas and Topshop all puting their own spin on this wacky, overblown silhouette. The ridiculous long-sole styling (uh, Louis Vuitton Archlight, B39,600) is very much a love/hate thing, but you can’t deny that these chunky sneakers are the hottest trend this year. Ugly, stylish or just plain weird? We say they're a mix of everything.

Our favorite pair: We have to hand it to Balenciaga’s Triple S (B39,000). There’s just something about the piled together, three separate soles that we can’t take our eyes off. But for a more affordable alternative, pick Zara’s B2,290 white chunky sole sneaker, or the new Adidas Originals Arkyn (B5,300).

Ugly “Dad” Sneakers

Speaking of ugly, the chunky sole has lead to another trend that sneakerheads are going ga-ga for: the ugly “dad” sneakers. White, clean-cut sports shoes a la Adidas Stan Smith and Common Projects Original Achilles are so 2015. Think of bulky, trainer silhouettes like Steve Job’s New Balance 992, or other favorites of your dad back in the ‘90s—the fuglier the better. That’s why you should search out New Balance 608v4 (B2,318) and Nike Air Monarch IV (B2,160). 

Our favorite pair: The Yeezy Boost 700 “Wave Runner” (around B9,370) and the rose-colored Nike Air Max 95 OG (B5,800).

‘90s Revival

‘90s nostalgia remains the big influence for designers this season, including sneaker design. The most successful comebacks this year are sneakers with bulky silhouettes and thick, borderline-platform soles (think Mel C from her Spice Girls days). A good example is the Nike Air Max 97 Ultra’17 (B5,800) with tons of colorways, while other '90s favorites like Reebok, New Balance, and Fila are all currently at the top of their game. Yep, “ugly” fashion is the new beautiful.

Our favorite pair: If you want to go all in with this trend, the Fila Disruptor II White (B2,990) will make you standout from the crowd.

Sock Sneakers

Moving away from the full-blown chunky, ugly sneaker trend, another big sneaker trend dominating the fashion scene this year is the sock sneakers. While this style has been around for a while now (think 2016’s Adidas Originals “NMD City Sock”), Balenciaga has reinvigorated the sock-sneaker hybrid with their “Speed Trainers” (around B20,000). Worn wither with a pair of cropped jeans and a white T-shirt or with your athleisure getup, these minimal slip-ons will help you channel that chic and effortless look. 

Our favorite pair: We’ll definitely swap our classic high-tops with Zara’s black, one-piece upper high-top sneakers (B2,990), or the Adidas Originals Tubular Doom Sock Primeknit (B5,000).

Pastel Colors

While bulky “dad” sneakers and chunky soles dominate the sneaker silhouettes this year, colorways get a more feminine twist with cotton candy pink, baby blues and minty greens. If your closet mainly consists of monochrome and neutral pieces, pastel sneakers are a great way to inject a pop of color into your outfit without being too over the top. The New Balance 996 in suede (around B3,745) is currently gaining momentum, with a ton of pastel colorways to choose from. The same goes for the street-style staple Adidas Originals NMD_R1 STLT Primeknit (B6,500) that also comes in striking multicolor pastel colorways. 

Our favorite pair: New Balance Suede 574 in pastel purple (B2,950).

Gum Soles

Long-underrated gum-soled sneakers are also pretty much an It-shoe this year, but if you ask us, the fugly, exaggerated soled sneakers really outshine these guys. That’s not to say these gum-soled sneakers are out of the game, because thanks to Rihanna’s Puma x Fenty collection, the tanned, ridged platform rubber outsole of the Creeper has revived these retro, skater-style kicks big time. Even Adidas and Nike have their own versions, with Adidas Stan Smith Gum Sole (around B2,656), Adidas Originals Campus Black Suede Gum Sole Trainers (around B4,680), and the Nike Air Force 1 Low Black Gum Sole (around B2,810).

Our favorite pair: While the J.Crew x Nike Killshot 2 (around B2,810) will look smart on everyone, we really like the edgy, rebel vibe of Rihanna’s Creeper from her Fenty Puma collection (B5,999).  

Essentials 

Adidas Originals. G/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1733. BTS Siam
Balenciaga. M/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-021-2111. BTS Phrom Phong
Fila. 3/F, Super Sports, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-646-1318. BTS Chidlom
New Balance. 2/F, Mega Bangna, 39 Moo 6 Bangnatrad Rd., 02-105-1000.
Nike. Siam Square Soi 1, Rama 1 Rd., 087-123-9008. BTS Siam
Puma. 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama Rd., 03-837-0731. BTS Siam