The Dad Shoe Trend Isn't Going Anywhere This Summer And We're Embracing The Comfort

When it comes to dad shoes, some cringe might be unavoidable. Dad shoes have a reputation for being drab, frumpy, and just plain ugly. Dad shoes stereotypically have a few cumbersome features, a bland color palette, and are often associated with the normcore aesthetic that's just a bit, well, dorky. But what if strangely tame was a fashion strength, rather than a weakness? The rise of the ugly shoe means we're finally in the era of not caring what others think. This summer, the dad shoe trend isn't going anywhere. In fact, dad shoes are super comfortable, versatile, and can be both dressed up and dressed down — a requirement that is especially important during the summer months. Whether you're planning on spending your days poolside, attending casual work parties, or running around town with your best friends, dad shoes are a trendy and reliable way to style your wardrobe. Let's get into some ideas.

The easier the fit, the better the fit when it comes to summer fashion. TikTok creator Ivy Nicole (@ivy_nicolee) shows how she styles her Dr. Martens dad shoes in a video with three different summer looks. First, she throws on a pair of wide leg black trousers and a black vest that's both comfortable and stylish — playing with masculine shapes is always a fun look. This outfit would be perfect for a date to the museum, out of the heat of the sun. Next, Nicole styles the shoes with a white maxi skirt, black tank top, and black messenger bag — a go-to look for a casual dinner with friends. And for the third look, she wears a classic white midi dress with a white tote. This look might just be the essential summer outfit, perfect for a picnic at the park, and with a pair of Dr. Martens dad shoes, it gets an edgy boost.

When the weather is warm, wearing breathable clothes is on the top of our priority list. This is why we love the outfit that TikTok creator Taylor Humphries (@taylorgrayhumphries) wears with her dad shoes. She puts on a matching, sand-colored linen set, featuring a pair of high-waisted shorts, and a button-down, short-sleeved shirt. Then, Humphries straps on a pair of black dad shoes and accessorizes with a straw bag and round sunglasses. While tucking the shirt into the shorts ever-so-slightly elevates the look, the effortless yet put together feel that a matching set conveys is the answer to your summer dressing woes. Whether you're spending a day by the beach or grabbing an upscale brunch downtown, this summer look is versatile and highly wearable. Here, the dad shoes are the right compromise between a pair of ultra casual slides, and a more polished shoe, such as a loafer.

As much as we wish summer was all fun and games, work attire is sometimes required. Staying cool while appropriately covering up is not always an easy compromise to make — sadly, HR frequently does not approve miniskirts. What's so fantastic about dad shoes for work is that they look more professional than a pair of sandals and provide both comfort and breathing room for a long day. But TikTok creator Mariana (@stilebymariana) offers three outfits in her TikTok video that work for work and feature the ever-so-comfortable dad shoe. First, Mariana wears a pair of black pants with a loose, button-down white shirt tucked in just a tad to the front waist. Next, she wears the shoes with a pair of tailored black shorts, a tailored black blazer, and a white t-shirt underneath. This look epitomizes summer business casual, and she makes it look easy. And for her third look, Mariana wears her dad shoes with a pair of tailored black trousers and a high-neck, beige tank. Each of these versatile looks can be employed both in and out of the office.

Dad shoes do not deserve their drab reputations. TikTok creator Whitney (@fashionablyjetlagged) shows us exactly why in her video. She styles her black dad shoes with a shiny gold midi skirt, and a crochet-knit top complete with a colorful pattern. When you want to make summer 2023's boldest color trends work for you, pairing a bright look with a pair of contrasting dad shoes is one way to balance out the look. This look would be perfect for a poolside lunch while on vacation. But if you want your dad shoes to take center stage, investing in a bright-colored pair for summer is also an option.

Dad shoes everyday is 100% our vibe for this summer. When you're looking for something comfortable and stylish, dad shoes will have you covered. TikTok creator IndiaMoon (@indiaamoon) demonstrates three, simple, everyday outfits to wear with your dad shoes. The first outfit features a pair of sweat shorts, a blank tank, and a straw handbag — the everyday summer uniform, especially for a quick outing to grab your morning matcha. The second outfit is a beach day look featuring a matching lace skirt and long-sleeved top. The dad shoes pull this look together where a pair of flip flops just would not cut it. And lastly, IndiaMoon styles a cropped white, puff-sleeve top with a pair of tailored white shorts, where the dad shoes balance out the proportions of the fit. Each of these looks are summer chic and can be worn anywhere. When in doubt, you can always count on a pair of dad shoes.