The Best Shoes To Get Dads For Father’s Day

17 pairs that’ll have your old man set, from unexpectedly cool dad kicks to cozy-as-can-be shoes and beyond.

May 27, 2025

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Welcome to Shoesday, a weekly column, sent every Tuesday, about shoes.

It wasn’t that long ago that dad shoes were a punchline. One that referred to the kind of footwear that prioritized comfort over aesthetics, came in exactly one color (grass-stained white-ish), and looked like they were designed by someone who has more interest in preventing bunions than big fits. But somewhere along the way—between normcore becoming the style word of the century and New Balance ascending to fashion week regulars—dad shoes got cool.

First this was done in an ironic way, but if you commit to the bit long enough, it starts to become sincere. Cut to 2025, and things like retro runners, walking shoes, and orthopedic-adjacent sandals have all proved to have serious staying power (that I myself have championed over and over again on this very blog). These days it’s not uncommon to see 22-year-olds rocking shoes that closely resemble, if they aren’t identical, to the ones your dad’s been wearing to the grocery store since 2009.

Which makes this Father’s Day the perfect time celebrate your dad’s unexpected, yet honestly, deserved style relevance. That said, it’s also an opportune moment to upgrade his rundown beaters by giving the old man a pair of shoes that stays true to his taste (read: not too flashy, easy to wear, works with cargo shorts) but elevates the vibe just enough to feel new. In other words, sneakers that are comfortable and cool, hand sewn loafers that, while laid back, will last him decades, and sandals he can take to the beach without making it obvious he’s currently skipping a physical therapy appointment in favor of a few oceanside brews. I’ve also included a few picks that are full-on, influencer-approved, buzzy cool dad energy—but whether or not you wanna kick off a conversation about how he’s a trendsetter is up to you.

Anyway, here’s a list of 17 of the best shoes to gift your dad this year. Enjoy!!!

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The Best Shoes To Get Dads For Father’s Day

17 pairs that’ll have your old man set, from unexpectedly cool dad kicks to cozy-as-can-be shoes and beyond.

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