5 Slick Sneaker Trends Replacing the "Chunky Dad" — Yep, It's Happening

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Afraid that fashion gals are over the whole chunky dad sneaker thing already? Guess what — they might be. But that doesn't mean you'll have to start sacrificing comfort when you step outside. Functional trainers are sticking around, we promise. In fact, we can already pinpoint the five styles that will reign supreme in the new year.

While some of these trends take us back to our childhood days (Velcro, anyone?), the modern hiking boot sneaker feels brand new, combining our love for streetwear with a fresh utilitarian influence that extends to our clothes too. Ahead, read up on the silhouettes and colorways you're about to fall in love with, or jump ahead to the category you already know you want to shop.

Metallic Flash
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Metallic Flash

Make them stop and stare when you stop traffic at the sign of your flashy shoes in silver, gold, or even rose gold.

The Marc Jacobs Empire Multi Color Sole Sneakers ($225) have a rainbow sole, which takes them to the next level.

Zara Laminated Sneakers
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Zara Laminated Sneakers

We love the subtle touch of turquoise on these Zara Laminated Sneakers ($70).

Rag & Bone Army Leather Trimmed Metallic Ripstop Sneakers
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Rag & Bone Army Leather Trimmed Metallic Ripstop Sneakers

Work these Rag & Bone Army Leather Trimmed Metallic Ripstop Sneakers ($225) with a pair of mom jeans and a white tee.

Isabel Marant Kindsay Sneaker
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Isabel Marant Kindsay Sneaker

Flash them with a stripe of red in the Isabel Marant Kindsay Sneaker ($417, originally $695).

Converse Chuck '70 Metallic Hi Sneakers in Silver
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Converse Chuck '70 Metallic Hi Sneakers in Silver

How could you go wrong with these classic Converse Chuck '70 Metallic Hi Sneakers in Silver ($80)?

ASOS DESIGN Dare Chunky Sneakers
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ASOS DESIGN Dare Chunky Sneakers

We bet these ASOS DESIGN Dare Chunky Sneakers ($64) make you feel like you're walking on water.

Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers
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Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers

The Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers ($65) provide your look with iridescent flair.

Flatform For Days
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Flatform For Days

How high will you go? Rather than chunky, shapely, wavy soles that elevate, 2019 harks back to the '90s and conjures images of the Spice Girls in their flatform kicks.

Get in on a new collaboration with the Converse x MadeMe One Star Lift Platform Sneakers ($110).

Gucci New Ace Platform Sneaker
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Gucci New Ace Platform Sneaker

Nothing draws attention to the sole more than the crystals on the Gucci New Ace Platform Sneaker ($1,250).

Zara Platform Sneakers
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Zara Platform Sneakers

We can easily see Sporty Spice working these Zara Platform Sneakers ($60).

Hogan Maxi H222 Sneakers
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Hogan Maxi H222 Sneakers

Hogan is a brand that's always been dedicated to a tall, flat platform. Shop the Maxi H222 Sneakers ($605) for a sparkly touch.

Keds x Kate Spade Triple Kick Sneakers
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Keds x Kate Spade Triple Kick Sneakers

Put a bow on it when you shop the Keds x Kate Spade Triple Kick Sneakers ($95).

Hiking Boot Fusion
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Hiking Boot Fusion

These straddle the line between a boot and a comfy sneaker with rustic details. The popular Yeezy Desert Boot is making its rounds and popularizing a silhouette that looks like this.

ASOS DESIGN Direction Chunky Sneakers ($76)

YEEZY Season 6 Desert Rat Boots
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YEEZY Season 6 Desert Rat Boots

Snag a popular pair and invest in the YEEZY Season 6 Desert Rat Boots ($256).

Boohoo Velcro Strap High Top Trainers
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Boohoo Velcro Strap High Top Trainers

Try the trend in white with these Boohoo Velcro Strap High Top Trainers ($28, originally $70).

Steve Madden Stampede Sneaker Boot
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Steve Madden Stampede Sneaker Boot

Go for a contrast effect with the Steve Madden Stampede Sneaker Boot ($150).

Vagabond Shoemakers Jessie Hiker Sneaker
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Vagabond Shoemakers Jessie Hiker Sneaker

Lace up the Vagabond Shoemakers Jessie Hiker Sneaker ($112, originally $160) and stand tall.

Zara Flat Split Leather High Tops
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Zara Flat Split Leather High Tops

The neutral, sand shade of these Zara Flat Split Leather High Tops ($149) means they'll go with anything.

adidas Terrex Fast Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
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adidas Terrex Fast Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot

Give the trend a sporty update with the adidas Terrex Fast Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot ($200).

Sugar Sweet Shades
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Sugar Sweet Shades

Ring in the season with a sneaker that's lovely on the eyes. Mint, pink, lavender, and icy blue come together to make a statement this season.

If you love a good low-top, shop the Vans Authentic Suede and Gum Pink Sneakers ($66).

Lane Eight Ad 1 Trainer
Lane Eight

Lane Eight Ad 1 Trainer

The beauty of the pink Lane Eight Ad 1 Trainer ($95) is that it's functional enough to cross train in.

Nike Air Max 95 Suede Mesh and Leather Sneakers
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Nike Air Max 95 Suede Mesh and Leather Sneakers

How much do we love the Nike Air Max 95 Suede Mesh and Leather Sneakers ($160)? Can you say "obsessed"?

Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers
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Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers

Combine two trends in one with these Velcro Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers ($100).

Zara Thick-Soled Sneakers
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Zara Thick-Soled Sneakers

You'll get tons of compliments on these Zara Thick-Soled Sneakers ($70, originally $100).

Keds x Ace & Jig Anchor Hope Slip-On Sneaker
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Keds x Ace & Jig Anchor Hope Slip-On Sneaker

On Cloudventure Women's Lightweight Trail Running Shoes
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On Cloudventure Women's Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

When it comes to the On Cloudventure Women's Lightweight Trail Running Shoes ($150), it's not just about speed, it's about style.

Puma Thunder Desert Green Sneakers
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Puma Thunder Desert Green Sneakers

If you're a pistachio gal, these Puma Thunder Desert Green Sneakers ($120) are for you.

No. 21 Running Billy Sneakers
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No. 21 Running Billy Sneakers

We were instantly attracted to these No. 21 Running Billy Sneakers ($555).

Ash Addict Trainers
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Ash Addict Trainers

These Ash Addict Trainers ($275) have made waves around the industry.

HOKA ONE ONE X Outdoor Voices Clifton
HOKA ONE ONE

HOKA ONE ONE X Outdoor Voices Clifton

The new HOKA ONE ONE X Outdoor Voices Clifton ($140) is cute and completely supportive of your foot.

Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Suede Leather and Neoprene Sneakers
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Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Suede Leather and Neoprene Sneakers

Turn up the texture with these Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Suede Leather and Neoprene Sneakers ($343, originally $685).

Vans Gingham Slip-On
Vans

Vans Gingham Slip-On

Vans get a girlie touch in this fresh, new gingham print for Spring. Shop the Slip-On in Blazing Yellow and True White ($60).

Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
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Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers

The Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers ($410) are some of the most comfortable you'll ever wear.

Velcro
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Velcro

The balance of a luxury logo like Fendi's "F" with a kid-like detail such as velcro is simply perfect to us. Velcro extends to Nike's sporty kicks though too this season, and it's used most simply as three straps across a simple low-top.

Give your outfit a designer touch with the Fendi Rockoko Logo-Jacquard Stretch Knit and Mesh Slip-On Sneakers ($750).

Prada Logo Sneakers
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Prada Logo Sneakers

The Prada Logo Sneakers ($750) are bursting with color.

NA-KD Velcro Chunky Trainers
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NA-KD Velcro Chunky Trainers

Wear these NA-KD Velcro Chunky Trainers ($84) with a sleek trouser and chunky knit.

Nike Vandal 2K Sneaker
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Nike Vandal 2K Sneaker

The Nike Vandal 2K Sneaker ($120) practically makes the announcement, "I am here!" when you walk into the room.

Monki Velcro Sneakers
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Monki Velcro Sneakers

Keep it simple and go for a jet black shoe with the Monki Velcro Sneakers ($30, originally $49).