This Sneaker Style Peaked in 2010—Here's How Chic Girls Are Making Them Look Cool in 2026
And just like that, we're into them again.
In 2017, the Balenciaga Triple S, with it's famously extra chunky sole, seemed to alter people's perceptions about sneakers. Suddenly they went from being more than just a shoe you throw on to be a tourist or go to the gym. Within a couple of seasons, fashion editors were full on embracing the 'dad-on-vacation' look, popularizing less luxe styles by the likes of Nike and New Balance.
But there was something about a chunky sneaker that really seemed to resonate with fashion people everywhere. Finally, it was acceptable to go to a fashion show in a sneaker. It felt revolutionary, in large part, because the shoe added the same kind of height one might turn to a stiletto for, without the sacrifice of comfort. Suddenly, fashion that allowed for ease instead of pain, was trending.
Chunky Sneaker Street Style in 2026
We have the chunky sneaker frenzy to thank for other styles of sneaker becoming accepted in typically selective and jugemental fashion circles. And while we have seen plenty of sneaker styles, like the Samba and Onitsuka Tiger, really resonate with the fashion crowd, platform sneakers haven't been a thing in a while...which of course means they're rife for a comeback.
While looking through recent street style from earlier this year, we noticed more and more of the large sole coming back. It isn't quite 2017-levels yet, but we're ready to give our recently-trending kitten heels a break and welcome them back into our wardrobes with open arms.
Shop the best platform sneakers, below.
