Over the past several seasons, the 'dad' trainer, characterised by its chunky, misshapen features, has made its way from catwalk collections to the feet of street stylers. The micro-trend comes as no surprise; since 2014's normcore takeover, we've seen most facets of Larry David's wardrobe come into vogue at one stage or another.
Thanks to the likes of Balenciaga and Raf Simons, the dad trainer joins a long line of conventionally uncool pieces (from oversized specs to geology teacher rain macs) that have permeated our subconscious to the extent that we become, well, drawn to them. But just how do you wear this awkward footwear trend when athleisure isn't your aesthetic?
As with your trusty Converse, assume it goes with everything. Don't be afraid to style it with its sartorial obverse – a silk evening gown, for example. A white trainer can be paired with your everyday denim or faux fur, while printed or multicoloured sneakers can take centre stage and become your outfit's focus.
Still not convinced? Fear not; ahead, we've found four examples of the dad trainer looking as chic as a Gucci loafer. Click through to see how the street style set work the comfiest footwear going.
Denim Days
Lisa Hahnbueck does double denim the contemporary way. Breaking up her deconstructed Y Project jacket and Levi's jeans with a sunshine yellow Victoria Beckham knit (and matching shades), her Nike trainers look box fresh.
Photo: Getty Images
We love the graphic lines on this monochrome pair.
Acne Studios Manhattan Multi White, £360, available at Acne
PSA: Topshop denim now comes in half sizes.
Topshop MOTO Mid Blue Straight Leg Jeans, £40, available at Topshop
We're wearing this over every knit in our wardrobe while the weather still bites.
Balenciaga Like A Man Oversized Denim Jacket, £935, available at Net-A-Porter
Ganni's bestselling knit returns, this time in egg yolk yellow.
Ganni Julliard Mohair and Wool-Blend Sweater, £355, available at Net-A-Porter
Textural Healing
Pair your seasonal teddy coat with bright hues à la Sonia Lyson, who gave her cosy Max Mara piece a refresh with red trousers and a blue Topshop knit. Her Reebok kicks and futuristic specs edge this look into 2018.
Photo: Getty Images
adidas' pair is all kinds of futuristic.
adidas Tubular Doom Primeknit Light Grey, £90, available at Schuh
This faux fur will see you through winter after winter.
& Other Stories Faux Fur Coat, £165, available at & Other Stories
Stripes? Check. Blue hues? Check. Two birds from Uterqüe.
Uterqüe Striped Ribbed Sweater, £79, available at Uterqüe
High Shine
Estelle Pigault makes another case for high-shine fabrics, dressing down her scene-stealing Saint Laurent pair with Balenciaga sneakers, a printed Prada T-shirt, and a shearling Sacai jacket at London Fashion Week Men's.
Photo: Getty Images
The OG of dad sneakers, the pastel hues on these Balenciaga beauties will go with anything.
Balenciaga Triple S Low-Top Trainers, £595, available at Matches Fashion
Kitri's modern staples are contemporary cool – these vinyl trousers being a case in point.
Kitri Eleonora Vinyl Trousers, £75, available at Kitri
This H&M knit looks far more luxurious than the price tag suggests, and it's cosy to boot.
H&M Knitted Mohair-Blend Jumper, £49.99, available at H&M
A shearling coat is worth investing in as the appeal of the timeless classic shows no sign of waning.
Burberry Yeoville Oversized Shearling Jacket, £918, available at Matches Fashion
Ball(er) Gown
Take your most prized evening dress – like Caroline Daur 's salmon Céline number – and add your dad trainers. Extra points for more after-dark accessories, like this Miu Miu velvet bag and some chandelier-sparkle earrings.
Photo: Getty Images
The severe sole of this Reebok pair makes them a cult hit.
Reebok InstaPump Fury Off TG sneakers, £75, available at My Theresa
We're pairing with dad trainers by day, and – oh wait, by evening too.
Tibi Lace-Up Crepe Midi Dress, £600, available at Net-A-Porter
These door knockers elevate any attire.
Finery Dolly Two-Tone Mirror Crinkle Earrings, £39, available at Finery
We're taking this studded number everywhere.
Zara Studded Leather Crossbody Bag, £89.99, available at Zara
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