We’re living in a time when sports footwear is increasingly mould-breaking, in some cases it looks like literally. While brands push the boundaries and build trainers that look like AI creations, we’re semi-here for it, but naturally we’re going to go for stuff we can actually wear, as opposed to something Neil Armstrong’s grand-niece would wear to take a selfie in.
Here’s some chunky trainers we actually really like, anyway.
Arcteryx Norvan ld 3 goretex
Better known for their waterproof jackets, the brand with the dead bird logo are a low key expert at footwear too. Naturally, these are Gore-Tex.
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Nike Zoom vomero 5 sneaker
A personal fave, these. Might buy them. Not so much chunky, but defo got that AI vibe I mentioned. Yes, I like them. Hey Nike, send me some now.
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New Balance MIUS 990v6 sneaker
New Balance have elbowed their way to the forefront of the footwear game in recent years, leaving the trio of stripes and the swoosh scratching their heads a little. Not that they’ll ever fall too far behind. There’s something wholesome about NB, and I can’t put my finger on why. They tell nice stories about Flimby and all that. Maybe it’s that.
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Norda Dyneema 001 sneaker
I actually own a pair of these and they make me feel like I’m going to boxercise with Darth Vader. Beyond dubious pop-culture puns though, they really are a smashing shoe. They fit the ‘chunky’ description and kind of look like they’re made out of recycled tyres or something. They do help you run fast tbf.
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Hoka Mafate three2 sneaker
This hammerhead shark of a sneaker is just what you want from Hoka, whose emergence onto the scene in recent years has seen them gain appreciation from legions of new fans, style conscious as well as health aware. If you’re not going running in them, it’s fine, you’ll get health benefits from how suave you feel when wearing them.
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Moncler Trailgrip gore-tex sneaker
One for the ‘ballers out there who can happily drop the best part of four tonne on a pair of prickly trainers. If the Hoka above are like a shark, these are pure alligator vibes. Nearly said croc vibes but that would have been a tad misleading.
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