Shoes and sneakers
How to style chunky sneakers with everyday outfits
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Chunky sneakers look best with trousers that have some width, such as straight jeans, relaxed chinos, cargo trousers or wide-leg trousers, so the shoe and trouser balance each other. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the hem rest on top of the sneaker. Skinny trousers make chunky sneakers look even bigger.
| Works | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Straight or relaxed jeans | Skinny jeans |
| Cargo trousers and parachute trousers | Formal suit trousers |
| Wide chinos | Very short, tight shorts |
| Track pants with a slight taper | Tailored, slim outfits |
| Boxy tees, overshirts, hoodies | Fitted dress shirts |
What counts as a chunky sneaker?
A sneaker with a thick, layered or sculpted sole and a bulky upper. Many are based on running or hiking shoes from the late 1990s and 2000s. They make a statement, so the outfit should give them room.
Why do proportions matter?
A big shoe at the end of a narrow trouser looks like a clown foot. A trouser with some width at the hem carries the volume of the sneaker, so the outfit looks balanced from top to bottom.
How should the trousers sit?
The hem should touch the top of the sneaker or stack slightly on it. With cargo trousers or joggers with cuffs, let the cuff sit at the top of the sneaker collar. Avoid trousers so long they cover the sneaker entirely.
What tops go with chunky sneakers?
Relaxed tops: a boxy tee, an overshirt, a hoodie, a quarter-zip or a bomber jacket. A fitted shirt and slim trousers with chunky sneakers looks mismatched.
Five outfits to try
- Grey chunky sneakers, light wash straight jeans, white boxy tee.
- Black chunky sneakers, black cargo trousers, black tee, olive overshirt.
- Cream chunky sneakers, stone wide chinos, navy knitted polo.
- Multicolour chunky sneakers, navy track pants, plain white tee (let the shoe lead).
- White chunky sneakers, denim shorts with a relaxed fit, oversized tee.
Can I wear chunky sneakers with shorts?
Yes, with relaxed shorts that end around the knee, not short and tight ones. Use no-show or low ankle socks, or white crew socks for a sporty look. See 5 shorts every man needs for Accra weather.
Questions
Are chunky sneakers still in style?
They have been popular for several years, and slimmer styles are returning too. See men's style trends to watch in 2027.
Do chunky sneakers suit shorter men?
They add height but can look heavy. Choose a tonal outfit (trousers and sneakers in similar colours) to keep the line long. See dressing for your body type.
How do I keep them clean?
See how to make your sneakers last longer. Browse chunky styles in our shop; our sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs, labelled as such.